Large-scale irregularities and corruption have come to light in the development works carried out under the 15th Finance Commission in the Janpad Panchayat of Bhopalpattnam. Documents obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act reveal that former Janpad Panchayat CEO Dilip Uike and technical assistant Siddharth Ambala allegedly embezzled government funds. According to the information, in Janpad Panchayat Bhopalpattnam, digital signatures of several gram panchayats were collected, and officials and employees reportedly misused these signatures to transfer government money into the accounts of firms of their choice.

 

The RTI documents further indicate that most of the works claimed to have been completed under the 15th Finance Commission scheme are not even recorded in the cashbook. Surprisingly, the cashbook does not bear the signature of the then CEO, Dilip Uike. Moreover, bills, vouchers, and other necessary documents are said to be missing from the office records. To withdraw funds under the 15th Finance Commission scheme, a firm named Balaji Enterprises was allegedly used. Through this firm, fake projects were shown to justify fund withdrawals, creating an entire network of corruption by appointing selective gram panchayats as work agencies. Interviews with several gram panchayat secretaries revealed that they had no knowledge of which accounts the 15th Finance Commission funds were deposited into. When contacted, former CEO Dilip Uike denied the allegations of corruption, asserting that all activities were conducted in accordance with the rules.

 

However, when questioned about the missing signatures in the cashbook, he stated that the cash book details were accurate. Meanwhile, technical assistant Siddharth Ambala when contacted over phone said he was driving and disconnected the call. Janpad Panchayat CEO Suresh Dewangan confirmed that former CEO Dilip Uike has still not signed the cash book despite being reminded several times through official letters. He also stated that he was unaware of whether bills or vouchers related to the 15th Finance Commission scheme were available in the office and assured that the matter would be verified after an investigation. Meanwhile, Zila Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Namrata Chaubey said the administration has taken cognisance of the issue. A probe team has been constituted, and action will be taken against those found guilty after the inquiry.