Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal (SP)

Bantwal, Nov 24: Convener of Anti Corruption Forum and former taluk panchayat president, Sudarshan Jain, alleged that huge amount of money relating to Mahatama Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme had been misappropriated in Panjikallu village in the taluk. He was addressing a press conference in the town on Wednesday November 23.

Placing several documents at the press conference to drive home the authenticity of the charges leveled by him, he said that complaints had already been filed with the Lokayukta, Ombudsman court and departments concerned, relating to the above. He alleged that out of an action plan for Rs 47.5 lac that was approved for the year 2011-11 under the said scheme, not more than Rs 3.75 lac had been properly spent, and most of the bills were prepared at the fag end of March.  He accused the gram panchayat administration of sending back people who had sought facility under the above scheme by giving lame excuses like computer not working, money not received etc. He accused the panchayat development officer of depriving the people of their genuine rights.

He charged the concerned of demanding and getting bribes while disbursing money under the scheme, and of using forged signatures to swindle money. He demanded strict action against the panchayat development officer, president, vice-president and some members, apart from dismissal of the gram panchayat administration. He warned of organized battle for justice by villagers in case these demands are not met.

Sadanand Shetty, Dinesh Shetty, Francis Moneiro, Srinivas Aithal, Lokaiah Poojary, and others were present at the press conference.