Massive Financial Irregularities in Rajouri, Poonch ULBs Alleged; Silence of Directorate Raises Questions; Shortage of Safaiwalas; claims of questionable purchases, illegal constructions, recruitment irregularities; and alleged misuse of public funds surface

POONCH TODAY NEWS

POONCH/RAJOURI: Despite repeated reports highlighting alleged financial irregularities in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across Rajouri and Poonch districts, questions are being raised over the apparent lack of action by the concerned authorities. Documents available with “POONCH TODAY” point towards allegations of financial mismanagement, questionable purchases, unauthorized constructions, favoritism in shop allotments, and other administrative irregularities in some municipalities. The allegations, if established through an independent inquiry, could indicate serious lapses in the handling of public funds and municipal affairs. However, despite the seriousness of the claims, no comprehensive inquiry into the alleged irregularities involving some executive officers (EOs) and elected representatives appears to have been initiated so far, raising questions over the functioning and oversight mechanisms of the ULB Directorate.

According to information available with “POONCH TODAY,” allegations have surfaced regarding questionable expenditure and procurement in municipalities, including purchases made in the name of legacy waste management and other municipal requirements. There are also allegations that officials misused their positions in matters relating to permissions for constructions and commercial structures in and around municipal areas. In Rajouri, allegations have been leveled regarding illegal or unauthorized khokhas in the vicinity of the bus stand and other locations. The Rajouri municipality has also come under a sharp attack over spending crores in the recently washed away Bela bus stand and related illegal construction issues. Sources claim that permissions and related municipal actions were allegedly influenced by monetary considerations. Similarly, allegations of illegal constructions have emerged from different parts of Rajouri and Poonch. In Poonch, particular concern has been raised over constructions and commercial structures in the vicinity of Poonch Fort, a site of historical importance. The circumstances under which such structures were permitted, if any permissions were issued, need to be examined by the competent authorities in accordance with applicable heritage and municipal laws. Another serious allegation concerns the withdrawal of government funds against bills allegedly submitted by firms having close links with officials. The allegations are not confined to financial transactions. In Thanamandi municipality, claims have also surfaced regarding alleged backdoor recruitment and the use of purportedly fake or unauthorized documents and letterheads in recruitment-related matters. The authenticity of such documents and the procedure followed in any appointments should be independently verified.

There are further allegations concerning expenditure under the Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban, with claims that payments were allegedly made against questionable or inflated bills. A detailed audit of scheme-wise expenditure, work orders, measurement books, bills, vouchers, and payment records could establish whether public money was utilized in accordance with prescribed norms. While allegations of financial and administrative irregularities continue to surface, residents in several urban areas complain about basic civic deficiencies. Non-functional streetlights, choked drains, poor sanitation, and other shortcomings remain visible at several locations in Poonch city. The biggest question now being raised is why a comprehensive, independent inquiry has not been ordered into the allegations despite their repeated surfacing in municipalities of both border districts. Rather than merely transferring officials from one posting to another, the government should consider a scheme-wise and municipality-wise audit and inquiry covering Rajouri, Thanamandi, Poonch, and other ULBs where complaints have been received. The proposed inquiry should examine procurement, back door casual recruitment, construction permissions, shops given to near and dear municipality officials and elected representatives, legacy waste expenditure, Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban funds, payments to private firms, and all other major financial transactions during the relevant period. Moreover, the shortage of Safaiwalas has hit Poonch city badly, as Safaiwalas are rarely seen in different wards of Poonch city on a regular basis. The majority of wards in Poonch City have become garbage dumping sites. It’s high time for the government to intervene and order a high-level inquiry into brazen misuses of funds under different schemes that have taken place during the recent years in all the municipalities of the Rajouri and Poonch districts. Moreover, the shortage of Safaiwalas has become a big public concern; as a result, heaps of garbage are seen in every mohalla of the Poonch city. It’s an alarming situation in Poonch City, but the concerned municipality and the district administration are least bothered about the growing public concerns, leaving the residents to live at the mercy of God only. Will the government address the issue as a priority? Only time will tell.

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