Ajay Sharma
Sunderbani ( Rajouri), March 13
Touching the new heights of alleged corruption, the Rural Development Department (RDD) has reportedly released money for incomplete or non-existent projects under schemes such as MGNREGA in Barnada village of Sunderbani.
According to sources, government funds meant for rural development have allegedly been misused.
“An anti-corruption complaint was lodged regarding the misappropriation of public funds,” said sources adding that around Rs 2 to Rs 2.5 lakh was withdrawn for constructing a well and multiple Baoulis (small water storage structures), but the ground reality shows minimal or no actual work.
After the complaint, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) conducted an inspection but visible action was noted thereafter.
Local residents have expressed that they were eager to know the fate of their complaint and ACB’s subsequent enquiry.
“Government funds have been misused, and there is no one to question those responsible,” said one villager.
It is also alleged that local PRI representatives and officials connived in this misuse of funds for personal gain while higher authorities remained silent over the issue under political pressure.
“Despite complaints, there has been no detailed investigation or corrective action against the accused officials,” said sources, adding that this vindicates the lack of transparency in the implementation of rural development projects in the region.
Locals have demanded a fair and thorough probe into the matter to ensure that public funds are utilized appropriately for the welfare of the people.
