THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Local Self-Government Minister Paloli Mohammed Kutty has sought an explanation from Rural Development Principal Secretary Ram Singh for `failing to take action' against the project officer of District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), Malappuram, accused of diverting Central funds.

Official sources said that the explanation was sought in the case of project officer M.R. Aravindakshan Nair having allegedly diverted DRDA funds to buy a `luxury' vehicle without prior Government sanction.

Following a complaint that Mr. Nair had purchased a new air-conditioned car without Government consent and handed it over to Pareethu Bavakhan, private secretary to former Rural Development Minister C.F. Thomas for his use in Thiruvananthapuram, the Government appointed Additional Development Commissioner S. Dinesh to probe the charges on June 26, 2003. Mr. Dinesh, in his report submitted on September 12, 2003, said that the project officer had written to the Malappuram district panchayat president on April 27, 2002, saying it was imperative to have a good vehicle for moving around to monitor the development activities of the agency.

This was at a time when the agency was already having three jeeps and a car at its disposal. The project officer went on to suggest that the expenses could be met from the miscellaneous funds of the agency.

The panchayat committee met on April 29 and approved the decision. The project officer then submitted a note to the Malappuram District Collector and the proposal was approved on May 17, 2002.

A sum of Rs.4,33,973 was spent for procuring the car. The allegedly undue haste shown in approving the proposal had given way to suspicion. After verifying the logbook, it was found that that the car was used by Mr. Bavakhan. During the course of the inquiry, the project officer told Mr. Dinesh that "the car was given on the basis of an oral request from the private secretary."

The report says that the car was purchased in violation of Government norms. The DRDA governing body has the powers to buy vehicles but subject only to norms prescribed by the State Government. The proposal should have Government approval and it should also be within the permissible administrative expenditure limits of the agency.

It may be recalled that there was also a ban on purchasing luxury fittings such as air-conditioner, cassette player and costly upholstery. The vehicle was purchased without the sanction of the Rural Development Secretary. Since the assets and liabilities of the DRDAs were not transferred to the district panchayat, the latter does not have the authority to approve the project officer's proposal. Hence, it amounted to a violation of the Central Government rules as well.

The report also said that there were no records to show that the vehicle was purchased at the behest of Mr. Bavakhan. The Minister sought Mr. Singh's explanation since the latter had not taken any follow-up action the report, sources said.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail