District Panchayat CEO Conducts Hearings in Financial Irregularity Cases of 15 Gram Panchayats

District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer and designated authority Ms. Harsimranpreet Kaur on Thursday conducted detailed hearings in cases related to financial irregularities amounting to over ₹52 lakh involving 15 Gram Panchayats, under Section 89 of the Madhya Pradesh Panchayat Raj and Gram Swaraj Act, 1993.

During the proceedings, Ms. Kaur patiently heard the submissions of the Gram Panchayats, carefully examining their written replies, evidence, and supporting documents. She made it clear that in cases where satisfactory explanations are not received within one week, strict legal action will be initiated under Section 92, including recovery of government funds. Necessary directions in this regard were issued to Mr. Pankaj Namdev, In-charge of the Reader Branch.

Violation of Store Purchase Rules in Solar Light Procurement

In 14 Gram Panchayats, cases pertained to the purchase of solar lights in violation of store purchase (Bhandar Kraya) rules under the Panchayat Raj Act. The hearings covered irregular procurements worth ₹43,71,500 by the following Gram Panchayats:
Kirhai Pipariya, Gudri, Mohaniya Neem, Salaiya Phatak, Amoch, Padwar, Dhuri, Sleemanabad, Amgawan, Khamtara Gauraha, Amargarh, Rampatan, and Tihari.

As the replies submitted by the concerned Gram Panchayats were found to be unsatisfactory, recovery proceedings under Section 92 will be initiated as per rules.

Absence of Officials During Hearings

During the hearings, the former Sarpanch and Secretary of Gram Panchayats Amgawan, Khamtara, Gauraha, Amargarh, and Tihari remained absent, which was taken seriously by the competent authority.

Pending Payment Case in Bahoriband Gram Panchayat

Another case pertained to an application received during public hearing regarding pending payment of ₹8,61,760 for market construction in Gram Panchayat Bahoriband. The former Pradhan Sarpanch Mr. Anant Anand Dubey had sought release of the outstanding amount. The present Sarpanch Mrs. Madhu Brijesh Gupta was directed to appear and present her case; however, she too remained absent during the hearing.

Recovery of Over ₹52 Lakh to Be Initiated

In total, hearings were conducted in financial irregularity cases involving 15 Gram Panchayats, with a cumulative amount of ₹52,33,260. In the absence of satisfactory explanations, District Panchayat CEO Ms. Harsimranpreet Kaur directed that recovery proceedings be initiated as per law. Formal instructions were issued to Reader Branch In-charge Mr. Pankaj Namdev to take necessary action.

The District Panchayat reiterated its commitment to financial transparency, accountability, and strict enforcement of statutory provisions in rural local bodies.