The Hindu : Karnataka News : Zilla panchayat plans panel to monitor water supply schemes

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Jul 27, 2007
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Karnataka

Karnataka

Zilla panchayat plans panel to monitor water supply schemes

Staff Correspondent

ZP members allege financial irregularities, lack of accountability of officials

Officials not consulting them, say ZP members
‘Funds for development of district not being fully utilised’

Belagum: Following allegations of financial irregularities and lack of accountability with regard to implementation of development projects in general and drinking water supply schemes in particular, the Belgaum Zilla Panchayat has decided to soon set up a committee to monitor drinking water supply schemes.

A decision to this effect was taken at a general body meeting that was presided over by zilla panchayat president Fakeerappa D. Gorbal here on Wednesday. Members cutting across party lines expressed concern over diversion of public funds meant for drinking water supply schemes by officials. None of the officials were forthcoming when members cited instances of officials allegedly fabricating records showing the expenditure twice for the same scheme in certain villages.

The Government had sanctioned Rs. 137 lakh towards implementing 69 schemes in the district three years ago. The officials had shown that the funds had been fully utilised, but it was not proper, the members alleged.

It was announced at the meeting that a committee will be set up soon to monitor all the ongoing drinking water supply schemes. It will also conduct a survey of various schemes and projects to ascertain proper utilisation of funds. As usual, the members reiterated their grievance of being ignored by the officials while chalking out proposals and implementing development work.

Mr. Gorbal said he would ask the officials to take elected representatives into confidence while taking up the projects. He pointed out that the Government had withdrawn funds sanctioned under the Chief Minister’s Gram Sadak Yojana. An attempt would be made to get the funds, he added.

Observing that the officials were not utilising funds released for development of the district and welfare of the people, Mr. Gorbal threatened to send reports about all such officials.

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