Disciplinary action sought against officers

Taluk Panchayat members on Thursday sought disciplinary action against officers who skipped general body meetings on a regular basis.

With officers skipping meetings, their assistants were forced to attend the meetings. The problems, therefore, remained unsolved, and the members were left frustrated.

Mohanraj, executive officer in-charge, promised to look into the issue.

TP member Dinesh Kotian said, “In Palimar Panchayat, an amount of Rs 1,200 was collected for water connection. The public, however, were not provided any connection even after a year. Moreover, the Panchayat owes Rs 1.49 lakh to different government departments.” He demanded a Lokayukta enquiry into the irregularities in the Panchayat.

Mohanraj said that eight victims, who died while being engaged in agriculture-related activities, were eligible for compensation. “Documents like medical reports and others should be submitted to the assistant commissioner’s team in order to shortlist the beneficiaries.” The members were informed that the Taluk Panchayat had received Rs 22.46 crore to initiate construction work.

Tahsildar Pradeep Kurdekar said that ISPRL had refused to pay compensation to owners of houses in Padur that had been damaged due to blasts in the area. The Udupi DC has written to the chef secretary on the issue, he added.