Ajay Sharma
Sunderbani, Nov 13: Villagers of Sunderbani Tehsil in District Rajouri Panchayat ‘Nallah’ have accused Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) of wasting and misusing public funds on projects, serving no purpose to the community. They have also vowed to approach Prime Minister about the mismanagement.
According to villagers, significant amounts of money, allocated for public development projects, have been squandered on initiatives that offer little to no benefit to the community.
“Funds were used to construct wells and roads in areas that do not serve the public interest,” said one of the locals, adding, “Wells have been dug where there is no water, and roads have been built in places where no one travels.”
The allegations pointed towards certain PRIs using government funds for personal or political gains, with claims that no punitive measures have been taken against those responsible.
“Despite complaints reaching the higher authorities like the ACD Rajouri, no inquiry or recovery has been initiated,” locals alleged.
One of the main points of contention is a ‘well’ that was constructed near a river, panchayat Nallah reportedly at the cost of lakhs of rupees.
“The well has no water and serves no purpose, yet public money was wasted,” another resident said, adding that this has left many questioning the role of local officers and their accountability.
Residents also accused officials of being complicit with corrupt elements, asserting that the officers responsible for approving these projects and passing the bills are guilty of negligence.
“The officers kneel before PRIs, and if this continues, the RDD (Rural Development Department) will never improve,” said locals.
Locals have vowed to take their grievances to higher authorities, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hoping to get the attention of the central government.
“We’ll send letters and photographs to the PM, in hope that an inquiry will be conducted and those responsible for misusing public funds will be held accountable,” a resident said.
