Deadline set for graft case probes against village reps

Jaipur: The Panchayati Raj department has issued a circular taking a harsh stance against suppressing complaints of corruption and irregularities against panch, sarpanch, and all Panchayati Raj public representatives and not acting on them. The circular was issued in view of cases where corruption issues were delayed.
A deadline has now been set for investigating and submitting reports on complaints of corruption and irregularities against Panchayati Raj public representatives.
It stated that complaints of corruption must be investigated and reported to the department within a month. If the investigation is not completed within the stipulated time, action will be taken against the officials by issuing show-cause notices, it added.
Different timeframes have been set for completing investigations into corruption-related complaints against Panchayati Raj public representatives. Complaints of misuse of position in cases of personal benefits like job cards, pensions, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, and the Swachh Bharat Mission must now be completed within 10 days. Irregularities in leases and construction work must be investigated within 15 days. Investigations into construction work and corruption-related cases must be completed within 30 days.
According to the department's circular issued by Secretary Joga Ram, failure to investigate corruption and irregularities within the set timeframe allows the guilty to escape. Often, the terms of Sarpanch and pulic representatives end without any investigation, allowing the guilty to go unpunished.
According to the circular, if the investigation report in corruption cases is not submitted within the set timeframe, a reminder letter will be issued within 7 days. If the report is still not submitted within seven days, a show-cause notice will be issued, and departmental action will be taken. If the CEOs of district councils and officers involved in the investigation are negligent, action will be taken against them as well. This will be mentioned in their annual performance report.
The circular states that if the investigation team attempts to protect the guilty in corruption cases, strict action will be taken. Such cases will be re-investigated. Sarpanch and Panchayati Raj public representatives found guilty after departmental investigation will first be suspended. If guilt is proven, they will be removed from their positions, it said. If the sarpanch, deputy sarpanch, and panch are found guilty in the preliminary investigation, their suspension proposals will be sent to the Panchayati Raj department.