Show-cause notice over irregularities in panchayat shop allotment

Kanpur: District magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh on Tuesday ensured strict action on serious irregularities found in the allotment of shops constructed by gram panchayat and in the management of revenue in Sachendi village, Kalyanpur block.A show cause notice was issued to village head Urmila Devi and the then secretary Rakesh Jha, Shaili Rathore and Sushil Verma, asking them to give clarification with evidence within 15 days. The notice directed the officials concerned to submit a written explanation with evidence within 15 days. In the event of a satisfactory response, financial responsibility would be determined and departmental action would be taken as per the rules. The process of recovery of outstanding revenue was also being initiated. District panchayat raj officer Manoj Kumar, in compliance with the district magistrate's instructions, conducted an investigation that revealed a revenue liability of Rs 10,31,800 to the Gram Nidhi.The investigation found that proper compliance with prescribed conditions was not ensured in the allotment of 23 shops constructed by the gram panchayat in 2015. Many shops were found to be operated by individuals other than the original allottees. The prescribed rent was not regularly deposited into the village panchayat account.The report noted discrepancies in rent collection and bank deposit records. Some shops were found to be operating on site, with rent records showing zero. Rental rates were not revised in time. Records relating to allotment letters, agreements and conditions were not found to be systematically preserved.The Panchayat Udyog Bhawan, constructed in an area of about 500 square metres, was not used for income generation purposes.The investigation also noted that proactive efforts were not made to increase the panchayat income, resulting in a revenue liability of ₹1,031,800 on the village fund. This amount was considered significant at the panchayat level. District magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh said, "There will be no compromise on transparency in the management of panchayat properties. If found guilty in cases of causing loss to the village fund, strict action will be taken as per rules."