Murtaza Mushtaq
Handwara, Jul 5 (GNS): Local inhabitants in Audoora village in Handwara have expressed their surprise and dismay after 23 works’ which according to them were sanctioned in Gram Sabha but did not feature in the approved list.
A local delegation told GNS that the works were sanctioned in presence of VLW and Sarpanch concerned during a Gram Sabha held on 21 March this year. However, they said, none of the works’ feature in the final approval list. “It is quite surprising that works which were not even discussed on the eve have featured in the list,” they said, adding, “All we can find are the works being approved in favour of some blue-eyed persons, who enjoy a political patronage of some local politicians.”
When GNS took the matter with BDO Mawar Qalamabad, Nayeem Ahmad said that a committee has been constituted to look into it. Also, he said, VLW concerned has been transferred. Besides, he said, final decision about the matter lies with the Panchayat to see what needs to be done.
“Such plans are prepared by Panchayat and there is no involvement of BDO in it.”
Sarpanch Audoora Shameema Begum told GNS that there was no role of Panchayat in the final approval of the works.
“We have even brought it to the notice of BDO concerned on at least three occasions that the works as planned in the Gram Sabha have been bypassed, however nothing was done in this regard,” she said, adding, “We as such had no role to play in formulation of the approval of works.”
Ward Member Ward Number 5 (Audoora), Jabeena Begum, seconded the claims of the locals and told GNS that as against the planned works during Gram Sabha, the approval has been given entirely different works. “We don’t understand, how this happened even as we have with us photographs of the sites of the works supposedly to be undertaken,” she said, adding, “They now have changed VLW, but we want justice, for similar callous approach was resorted towards the IAY list and works under 14 FC as well.”
She said IAY cases have either been stopped for actual beneficiaries or approved in favour of affluent households.
When contacted, DDC Chairman Kupwara, Irfan Pandithpori, told GNS he will personally look into the matter.
“I have myself received complaints by locals regarding mismanagement in the particular ward,” he said, adding, “there is no role of Ward member or Sarpanch in the allocation of works as planned in Gram Sabha and that only such works are to be approved as sought by the people depending on immediate urgency and necessity of any such work.” (GNS)
