Malihabad, Lucknow. Allegations of serious irregularities and corruption have come to light regarding the government’s ambitious Trinetra scheme in Majra Rampur colony of Gram Panchayat Birahimpur of Malihabad development block. The villagers allege that the then village head Ram Shankar Kashyap, with the alleged connivance of block level employees, committed large-scale financial irregularities in the scheme and misused government funds. At the same time, the Gram Panchayat Secretary is also accused of embezzling government money by colluding with the Pradhan in this scheme. Villagers say that this entire matter was complained to the concerned authorities and news was also published, but till date no effective action has been taken.
According to the villagers, 16 CCTV cameras were installed in the village under the Trinetra scheme. It is alleged that in the name of purchase and installation of these cameras, a payment of around Rs 2 lakh was shown, whereas the villagers claim that the actual price of these cameras in the market is around Rs 35 to 40 thousand. In such a situation, the villagers have demanded an impartial investigation into the alleged misuse of government funds.
The biggest question on women’s privacy
The most serious allegation of the villagers is that CCTV cameras are being used to monitor the activities of women and girls rather than for the security of the village. He says that every night some people close to Pradhan watch the CCTV recordings, whereas such work should be done only by authorized government officials. If these allegations are found true in the investigation, then it will be a very serious matter related to the privacy, dignity and fundamental rights of women.
Villagers say that this entire matter was complained to the officials of the concerned department several times and news was also published, but till date investigation has not been started at any level. They allege that the officials are now avoiding action because the tenure of the village head has ended.
The villagers have asked the administration whether after the tenure of any village head, leader or public representative ends, will there not be an investigation into the alleged corruption during his tenure? Do allegations of misuse of government funds simply fade away with the passage of time, or will the culprits be taken to task as per law?
The villagers have demanded that a technical and financial audit of the entire expenditure of the Trinetra scheme should be conducted, all the records related to the purchase of CCTV cameras should be examined, who had access to the recordings should also be investigated and if financial irregularities or violation of rules are confirmed at any level, then strict legal action should be taken against the culprits. Now the whole matter depends on the impartial investigation and action of the administration. Villagers say that if action is not taken in this matter too, serious questions will be raised on transparency and accountability in government schemes.
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