Protests backed by vested interests, says ZP CEO Sundarnaik

Official apathy will be dealt strictly henceforth

Speaking at a news conference here, he said that everybody has the right to know the details of government projects. However, a few people including officials have staged a demonstration with negative intentions.

He said that protesters should have solid proof backing their allegations. However, lack of evidence leads to a suspicion about the involvement of vested interests. Pamphlets were distributed about corruption, but none of the officials were named.

Earlier, baseless allegations were made by Association Against Corruption. “When I filed a case in the court, they said I should withdraw my complaint,” he said.

Under the job guarantee scheme jobs are given to those who file an application in the Grama Panchayat. Four members of a family can work for 25 days. The Taluk Panchayat CEO is in-charge of the scheme and there is no chance of misuse, he added.

Of the total funds released to the Grama Panchayat, 25 per cent has to be reserved for SC/ST. Protesters have not understood the guidelines, he said.

“There is no tradition of preparing budgets in the Grama Panchayat, but we will be preparing a budget for the upcoming year,” he added.

Two ambassadors were purchased under the government guidelines for the day-to-day work. A panchayat handbook on the rules of the grama panchayat has also been purchased. E-wire technology is being implemented for maintaining transparency he said. He clarified that he was not a share holder of the company that purchased the tender.

He said that the Taluk Panchayat CEO has been given the power to approve the projects at the Grama Panchayat level. A tender for printing of 62 planning books were called. A publisher belonging to the city was disqualified as he didn’t satisfy the criteria. But he created trouble due to this, he added.

He said that strict action has to be taken against any officer neglecting duty, however they are labelling me as anti-dalit and making baseless allegations against me.

ZP Dy CEO Guduru Bheemasena, Assistant Secretary Venugopal were also present.