7 Panchayat officials suspended for embezzlement

BANGALORE: The state government suspended seven EOs executive officers of the rural development and panchayat raj (RDPR) department - all from Mandya district - who were found guilty of misappropriating state funds meant for purchasing materials under various schemes.Addressing the press here on Wednesday, RDPR minister Jagadish Shettar said prima facie evidence was found against the accused in the purchase of materials relating to publicity, including solar and UPS units, to be distributed to targeted beneficiaries in Mandya district.“Criminal proceedings will be initiated against the officials,” he said, explaining that action against the officials was in response to a complaint filed by the Mandya district CEO, who had ordered for an audit into the purchase of materials under several schemes in seven taluks of the district. He said that all norms were flouted while making the purchases, including the Transparency Act. “A preliminary inquiry revealed that goods were purchased at prices several times their prevailing market prices.” The government, added Shettar, received a recommendation from the Mandya zilla panchayat CEO to initiate action against the errant officials. “To send a strong message, the government decided to initiate criminal proceedings against the suspended officials,” the minister averred.Meanwhile, an executive officer (EO) of Bangalore South taluk, too, was suspended from service by the state government after investigation by the Lokayukta found him of misusing funds meant for the MGNREGA.“The government has given permission to Lokayukta to slap criminal charges on the official,” Shettar said.He said the appointment of Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs) has resulted in a marked improvement in administration at the panchayat level. The minister denied that a large number of PDOs appointed earlier tendered their resignation.“Only 100 among the 2,500 newly appointed officers have resigned. We will appoint another 1,400 PDOs.Following the implementation of the recommendations of the 13th finance commission grants have increased from Rs 8 lakh to Rs 13 lakh per panchayat,” he detailed.