Probe sought against gram panchayat irregularities

Urging to initiate probe against the alleged misappropriation of funds under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) by Koove Gram Panchayat in Mudigere taluk , CPI and AIYF activists staged a indefinite stir in front of the GP office on Monday.

Addressing protestors, CPI taluk unit Secretary N Gopal Shetty alleged that the Gram Panchayat has disbursed the government benefits to people, through  illegal means.
There have been irregularities in employment guarantee scheme from the last five years. He accused of misappropriation of funds to the tune of lakhs of rupees by the GP officials and members.

He meanwhile urged for an inquiry and stern action against the guilty.
AIYF State Secretary A S Monappa said that though Rs 13.66 lakh has been released in four installments, towards the levelling of land behind Koove Gram Panchayat office, under employment guarantee scheme, the work has not been carried out. Rs 84 thousand released towards the construction of playground near Huyilumane anganwadi, the work is not taken up.

Also, Rs 2.86 lakh sanctioned for the construction of canal for Gabkal road to Gabkal site, the funds have remained underutilized. He termed the misappropriation of funds by the Gram Panchayat as a huge level scam in the taluk and warned of staging dharnas till proper investigation is made.

CPI and AIYF activists Sunkasale Ravi, Anil Kumar, Balur B S Sundar, Lokesh, Kalmane Krishnappa and Meenakshi were present among others.

Dharna withdrawn
After Thashildar Sharadamba and Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer Ramachandra spoke to the protestors  through telephone in the evening and assured of holding talks with protestors on April 6, the protestors withdrew their stir.