Probe Exclusive: Multi-Crore Irregularities Surface in Hoshiarpur Panchayat

 Probe Exclusive: Multi-Crore Irregularities Surface in Hoshiarpur Panchayat

 

 FundsRTI Revelations Point to Suspected Embezzlement of 15th Finance Commission Grants in BDPO Block-2; Dhiman Exposes the Breach

Hoshiarpur/Daljeet Ajnoha/Oct.29

Major financial irregularities have come to light in the utilization of funds under the 15th Finance Commission within BDPO Block-2 of Hoshiarpur district. Information obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act reveals that crores of rupees were allegedly spent in the name of rural development projects without following mandatory technical procedures.Sources indicate that under the 15th Finance Commission, funds are meant to be utilized in the ratio of 70 percent through gram panchayats, 20 percent by panchayat samitis, and 10 percent by the zila parishad. As per rules, every project requires departmental technical approval and a formal work order before execution. However, the inquiry shows these protocols were sidestepped and direct payments were made without authorization.The RTI disclosures expose that BDPO office officials processed payments without obtaining clearance from qualified engineers, in violation of the Rural Development Department’s norms. No tenders were issued, and junior engineers reportedly did not inspect work sites before releasing funds.According to information obtained by Jai Gopal Dhiman through RTI, gram panchayats in the district spent nearly Rs 14.05 crore during 2023–24, while Rs 8.11 crore was spent during March to November 2024 under the administrators’ tenure. Dhiman stated that several panchayats refused to provide detailed expenditure records. No measurement books were prepared, nor were any inspection or verification reports produced.Crores Transacted Through a Single Secretary

The RTI records further reveal that one panchayat secretary handled transactions worth around Rs 5.69 crore, of which Rs 2.73 crore was transferred to the account of a single contractor—without approval or project evaluation. The Bhungarni Panchayat reportedly showed expenses of Rs 1.20 crore in 2024–25, including Rs 8.86 lakh paid to a contractor, Rs 1.28 lakh for sand and gravel, and Rs 1.65 lakh as labour charges. In 2023–24, works worth Rs 71 lakh were shown, out of which Rs 39 lakh was directly paid to the same contractor.In Bohun Panchayat, works worth Rs 13.81 lakh were shown during 2024–25, including Rs 5.95 lakh for sand and gravel procurement and Rs 4.57 lakh to a single individual. Similarly, Mehtiana Panchayat displayed an expenditure of Rs 13.54 lakh during the same period, of which Rs 8.14 lakh was paid to a contractor—without any record of construction material purchases.Lack of Departmental Action Raises Concerns

Dhiman alleged that despite submitting written complaints and documentation to the Rural Development Department, no action has been initiated against the responsible officials. “Such a huge amount has been spent without measurement books or review. This clearly indicates misuse of government development funds, with officials complicit in shielding corruption,” he remarked.The revelations raise serious concerns over financial transparency and administrative accountability in rural development schemes. So far, no official investigation has been announced by any inquiry agency.