Pulwama,: The village representative (Panchs) from multiple Halka’s of Rajpora town of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district Tuesday staged a protest in Srinagar seeking action against the incumbent Block Development Officer (BDO) who according to protesters has not only swindled a large chunk of developmental funds but has also been ignoring the village representatives of common people.
The Panchas and Sarpanchas of Rajpora Halkas alleged that incharge BDO Shadimarg is not taking them into confidence while executing developmental works. They alleged that the said BDO prefers to consult contractors as they grease his palm for getting ‘illegal’ contracts.
“On the behest of a contractor and to reap benefits, the BDO enhanced the Labour Budget from Rs 10 lakh to 39 lakhs for one Halqa. The said BDO keeps the village representatives in dark and allots illegal contracts to contractors,” the protesters told CNS.
The protesters said that the bungling in 16 Halka’s also came to fore when they sought reply for the developmental works from Executive Engineer through RTI Act. “Despite the revelations, no action was initiated against the official and to cover his ‘misdeeds’ the matter was referred to ACD Pulwama,” they said.
ACD Pulwama Fayaz Ahmed Parra who has been deputed to probe the allegations told CNS that the investigation is underway. He said that the people from few Halka’s of Rajpor are dissatisfied with the work of the BDO and he has been probing the matter.
BDO Shadimarg Mukhtyar Ahmed Dar while terming the allegations baseless told CNS that there are few elements who want to tarnish his image.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Rural Development, Abdul Haq Khan said that he will personally look into the matter. “Nobody is allowed to ignore village representatives and do whatever he likes. I will look into the matter,” he said. (CNS)
