Attention of BDOs/ SDOs is drawn to pending Complaints in BDO SDO offices

I have come across several instances of inaction or delayed action on the complaints filed in the BDO/ SDO offices, particularly the complaints of irregularities, embezzlement of funds, misappropriation of funds, violation of guidelines and deprivation of genuine beneficiaries by the GPs etc. Most of the complaints are related to NREGA, IAY, ANM, ASHA, NHM and IGNOAPS. There are instances where the complaints filed with BDO & Programme Officer, NREGA or complaints forwarded to him/ her by higher authorities were not taken cognizance within 15 days of its receipt as is mandatory required under the NREGA act and rules framed therein. This amounts to guilt under the rules and PO is liable to be fined. There are also large number of cases brought to the notice of District Authority where the filed enquiries conducted by BDO office reveals financial irregularities or violation of guidelines or any other serious lapses as mentioned earlier, but instead of initiating action against the persons involved BDO submits the enquiry report to the higher authority for necessary action, though action is warranted at his/ her end. In such cases, some times the no direction is issued by the higher authorities as the matters identified in the report are supposed to be acted upon by the BDO. It is also noted that some of the enquiry reports are sketchy, evasive and attempts to suppress the facts.

In all above cases, administration faces embarrassment in the form of adverse media reports, mass deputation at different levels which may be violent also like road blockade. There is also new trend noticed that complainants are filing writs in court of law against such inaction/ half hearted action.

In the light of above, and in continuation to my earlier letters on the subject, may I request all of you to personally examine the merits/ demerits of the complaints filed in SDO/ BDO offices on schemes/ programmes as mentioned above and ensure that the complaints are acted upon immediately after proper verification of facts and enquiry, without any favouritism, biased attitude? Complainants must be intimated in writing about the action taken after enquiry (copies of findings/ enquiry report need not be shared). It is also advised to conduct public hearing of complaints as far as practicable to arrive at judicious/ trasnparent decision giving opportunity of hearing to all concerned. It is also requested that SDOs must initiate legal action as per Panchayat Act against the PRI members wherever any violation on their part is established. PO & BDO must also initiate process to impose fine in the deserving instances of violation of NREGA act.

Let me remind all of you that failure to act upon the serious financial irregularities makes the officer susceptible to adverse court orders as well as weakening the authority. One should not only be acting upon the complaints but should also be seen to be actiong tough without any bias, favour and pressure.

I hope the all of you will realise the importance of this matter and act accordingly. I'll expect that all the BDO/ SDO shall take personal stock of the complaints and dispose off.

I am also requesting officers at district level through ADMs to take stock of complaints pending at their level and pursue with concerned  field office.