Rural development director accused of corruption
Tuesday, 04/09/2012
http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120904/punjab.htm#13
Mohali : Alleging “biased and dictatorial attitude” of Rural Development and Panchayat Department Director Balwinder Singh Multani, several senior officials went on a protest leave for one week starting today.
Mohali Additional Deputy Commissioner and president of the Rural Development Officers Association Pardip Singh Kaleka alleged Multani was involved in “corrupt practices” as he was issuing orders in favour of private parties while dealing with cases involving “shamlat” land worth crores. Most of the cases involved prime land in Mohali, Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Sangrur and Fatehgarh Sahib districts.
“All officials are fed up with his ways. We held a meeting of senior officials, including deputy directors, district development panchayat officers and block develoment panchayat officers, today and decided to go on a protest leave for at least one week. It will be extended if no action is taken against Multani,” said Kaleka.
JP Singla, Deputy Director, said over 100 appeal cases regarding ownership of “shamlat” land in various villages were disposed of by Multani in just one year, most of them in favour of private parties.
“Such cases are crucial as the ownership of common land worth crores is at stake. Speedy decisions in such matters raise doubts”, Singla said. The officials alleged after passing the order, Multani directed his subordinates to file an appeal against his decision to keep himself on the safe side. They said this way he (Multani) was making them scapegoats and even taking departmental actions against some officials.
The officials have demanded a high-level inquiry into the case. “We will hold a meeting of all DPDOs, BDPOs and other senior officials in Ludhiana tomorrow to discuss the next action,” said Kaleka.
Multani, however, refuted the allegations. He said there was nothing wrong in disposing of cases speedily. “The ministry concerned is being apprised of every decision. We are determined to remove encroachments on panchayat land. I have nothing personal against anybody. I am taking action against those officials who are not performing their duties efficiently,” said Multani.
Rural Development Minister Surjit Singh Rakhra said he was not aware of officials going on a protest leave. “I will talk to them and listen to their grievance,” he added.
