GULBARGA: Gulbarga Zilla Panchayat on Monday ordered a detailed probe by a team of senior officials and the standing committee into allegations of illegal purchase of grass seeds, valued at Rs. 40 lakh, by the Watershed Department and also the purchase of veterinary equipment, estimated at Rs. 15 lakh, using the money provided for work related to watershed development.

Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Pandey, who holds additional charge as chief executive officer of the zilla panchayat, ordered the probe and also the seizure of material purchased bowing to pressure from members at the general body meeting here.

Raising the issue, Opposition Leader Subash Rathod (Congress) said the official concerned had violated norms and guidelines in purchasing grass seeds and veterinary equipment from the funds released by the Government for watershed works. While Rs. 40 lakh saved under administrative expenses was used for purchasing grass seeds allegedly from a fictitious firm based in Kolar, another Rs. 15 lakh provided by the Government for taking members of watershed committees on tour to other watershed areas, was used for buying veterinary equipment.

Mr. Rathod pointed out that the power to purchase material vested with the watershed committees and the officials had no role in this.

The official concerned, who was transferred subsequently, had allegedly violated the guidelines and norms for making these purchases.

He told the meeting that the official had committed a serious violation and this should be investigated thoroughly and he should be punished for this misdemeanour.

Supporting Mr. Rathod, other members including, Gurushant Pattedar (Janata Dal-S), demanded that the zilla panchayat order an inquiry and also seize the material purchased.

Mr. Rathod said the firm that supplied grass seeds was a fictitious one and the dealings of this company should also be inquired into. The grass seeds thus purchased were substandard, he said.

He said the same official was involved in the purchase of veterinary equipment, which was not connected with watershed works.

Mr. Pandey and zilla panchayat president Yellappa Kurkunde taking serious note of the issue said the panchayat deputy secretary and members of the standing committee concerned would conduct the inquiry and also seize the purchased material.

The meeting also took note of the absence of district managers of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Development Corporation and the Backward Class and Minorities Development Corporation and decided to recommend to the Government their suspension from the service for showing disrespect to the zilla panchayat and for failing to provide information pertaining to the implementation of the Ganga Kalyan Scheme.

Several members said these officials seldom attended standing committee meetings.

Mr. Pandey told the meeting that the managing director of these corporations had clarified that the district managers need not attend standing committee meetings but should compulsorily attend the general body meeting to provide information about the programmes taken up by them.

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