*All Panchayats to get computers this year
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 1: Rising above the party lines and their affiliations, the Legislators from Opposition (NC-Congress) as well as ruling alliance (PDP-BJP), cornered the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Abdul Haq Khan over the massive corruption in the department and charging of over 40% commission by the un-bridled officials.
The members raised serious allegations with regard to the mess created in the RDD and encouraging Sarpanchs to turn contractors and share booty with the VLWs, BDOs and other staff of the engineering wing (REW) of the RDD. The members alleged that if 40 % commission will be charged by RDD officials for the works and at least 20% will go as contactor’s / Sarpanch’s share, what quality of the work is expected in the Panchayats.
The members trained `guns’ at the Minister for prevailing mal-practice in the department and demanded probe into the works done under MGNREGA and physical status of such works. They demanded that liability created under MGNREGA be removed but it should also be ensured that payments against fake/ bogus works are not made to fill the coffers of those at the helm of affairs. They strongly demanded to shuffle all the VLWs and streamline the system. Inquire into their assets and receive property statements from them. The system of 3-4 additional charges to VLWs/ BDOs be abolished and list of tainted officials be prepared and they should be thrown out and recommended for action, they demanded.
The Minister while replying to the discussion on working of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Ministry in the Upper House today admitted that corruption level was high in this department. The Minister said he is also receiving many such complaints and in two such cases he has taken action. Moreover, he is not going to spare any one as he was committed for bringing accountability and transparency in the whole system.
Mr Khan said that the issues raised by the members have served as good reference points which would further help him in improving the working of the department. “Transparency and Accountability would be made more effective at all levels of administration besides taking strict action against the officials not adhering to laid down guidelines” he added.
The Minister said that he will break the nexus, existing if any, in the department and will try to plug all the loop holes. The contractor system among Sarpanchs would be discouraged and a check would be brought on the commission system. He sought more support from the Members and urged them to inform him about any issue of this nature in his department.
Referring to the MGNREGA liability, an issue raised by many members, the minister said at present there was liability of Rs 373 crore and the State is going to received Rs 1000 cr this year under this scheme from the Centre. Last year the State received Rs 600 crore. He said the cases related to liability would be examined. He said the liability was generated as State did not get full share of the scheme during previous years. There is no dearth of funds and he can involve Sericulture, Agriculture and even Forest Department for Labour component and engage poor workers/ job card holders. Regarding retaining of job cards by the Sarpanchs, he assured the house to hold inquiry into the matter. He also assured to increase staff and relieve VLWs/ BDOs of the 2-3 additional charges.
The Minister disclosed that a Monitoring Cell is being created in the Secretariat headed by Dy Secretary to monitor works in the blocks and Panchayats. The cell will be connected with all the Panchayats and all the Panchayats in the State will be provided computers and staff this year. He said that all the Panchayats would be computerized in order to ensure effective implementation of Electronic Fund Management System. He said engagement of Accountants and Computer Operators in all the Panchayats would be expedited.
Regarding implementation of IAY scheme in the State, the Minister said that department is contemplating to incorporate certain changes, so that the benefit of scheme reaches the deserving families in transparent manner.
The Rural Development Minister said that six Training Institutes are being established for imparting training to the Panchayati Raj members. He said workshops would be also held for all the people associated with Panchayati Raj Institutions so that they can be made more active in implementing the RDD schemes on ground and come to know about various schemes.
Mr Khan said that previous liability has created doubts in my mind and such cases would be re-verified. He said the officials found involved in any misinformation would not be spared.
The members who participated in the discussion and also gave suggestions included- Jugal Kishore, Naresh Gupta, Sajjad Kichloo, Dr Shenaz Ganai, Showkat Ganai, Sham Lal Sharma, Ghulam Nabi Monga, Javed Ahmed, Yash Pal, Surinder Choudhary, Vibod Gupta, Ali Mohd Dar, Firdous Tak and Dr B S Veeri.
Follow our WhatsApp channel