Mathura: The secretaries of 21 Gram Panchayats found it difficult to use the Tide Fund amount received by the Gram Panchayats from the 15th Finance Commission for other development works instead of the scheduled works. On the instructions of Chief Development Officer (CDO) Dr. Pooja Gupta, adverse entry has been given to the concerned secretaries after the investigation confirmed that the funds were spent contrary to the mandate. Among these, there are two secretaries who have not even responded to the clarification sought by the department.
Instructions to get only drinking water, sanitation and water conservation works done from Tide Fund
In fact, clear guidelines have been issued by the government for spending the Tide Fund amount received under the 15th Finance Commission. Under this, this amount can be used only on prescribed works like drinking water system, water conservation, rain water harvesting, construction and repair of drains, cleanliness and solid and liquid waste management. Despite this, secretaries in many Gram Panchayats ignored the rules and got road construction, Panchayat buildings and other general development works done with this money.
Misuse of funds confirmed in 21 Panchayats of seven development blocks, adverse entry to secretaries
On getting information about the matter, CDO Dr. Pooja Gupta got the amount spent in the concerned Gram Panchayats investigated. Investigation revealed cases of misuse of Tide funds in 21 gram panchayats of Farah, Chaumuhan, Chhata, Baldev, Naujheel, Govardhan and Mathura development blocks. The investigation report confirmed that funds were spent beyond the prescribed items. After this, departmental action has been taken against the concerned Gram Panchayat Secretaries and an adverse entry has been given. At the same time, the lack of clarification from the two secretaries has also been taken seriously. There is panic in the department due to the action taken against Panchayat Secretaries who ignore the financial rules laid down by the government.