Daijiworld Media Network – Brahmavar (MS/HB)

Brahmavar, Jul 8: Uday Kunder, president of Kodi welfare forum urged that lac of rupees of scam has taken place in the grant that was provided to Kodi gram panchayat which falls under the limits of the taluk. In the last few years, the tax money of the public is misused. This needs to be investigated by the concerned department.

Speaking at a press conference at the Press Club here in the city, Uday further said, “Scam worth Rs 25 lac has taken place in the name of various works. In the grant that was given by the government, works amounting to Rs 15 lac is not done at all. Sub-standard work has taken place to the tune of Rs 10 lac.

“Invoice is raised for an amount of Rs 3,17,000 for the construction of a cemetery at Jodithale of the gram panchayat. However, no work related to the cemetery is done.

“For SLRM unit at Koditale of Kodi village, an invoice is raised for Rs 6,07,316 and money is availed saying that the work is done under Rs 10 lac grant of MLC. But the irony is that so far building for the SLRM unit is not constructed at all in Kodi gram panchayat limits.

“In Kodi Kanyana, more than Rs seven lac is spent for the purchase and installation of solar and street lights. However, only a handful of street lights are seen lighting in the night.

“Two times billing is done for one work of gram panchayat. Once in taluk panchayat and once in zilla panchayat or grant of MLC. In some cases, two bills are passed for one particular project of the gram panchayat.

“In Kodi gram panchayat, bill amounting to Rs 1,28,000 reserved for SC and ST caste people for construction of shops is approved. However, the shops are not built at all.

“Though money, violating all laws under Panchayat Raj system under the 14th and 15th financial commission project is misused during the reign of Prabhakar Mendon, PDO and panchayat president of Kodi, no one is raising a voice against the scam. Those who dared to raise their voice are slapped with false accusations and cases are registered against them at the police station.”

Uday Kunder said that all the information that is furnished is taken under the RTI act. He further urged that the president of Kodi gram panchayat resign immediately and a comprehensive investigation in the matter be done. PDO, who is hand-in-glove with the gram panchayat should be suspended with immediate effect.

Secretary of the forum, Chethan Puthran and chief secretary Manikanta were present at the press meet.