ZP wants panel to look into ITDP affairs

ZP wants panel to look into ITDP affairs

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, May 25: The council of Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat in its monthly meeting here on Tuesday resolved to constitute a house committee to inquire into the alleged misappropriation of Rs. 86 lakh by an officer of the Integrated Tribal Development Project (ITDP).

 

 

 

 

 

 

It resolved to write to the State government that the zilla panchayat should be kept informed on funds directly released to various departments in the district to prevent fraud.

Some members wanted to know how an officer of the ITDP could misappropriate such a huge amount without the knowledge of other officers of the panchayat. They suspected that some other officials of the panchayat might be behind the misappropriation.

K. Shivarame Gowda, deputy secretary of the panchayat, who is in-charge chief executive officer, told the council that under Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act, 1993 such a House Committee could not be constituted. The State government had clarified it when a similar demand was made by members of Mysore Zilla Panchayat earlier. The government had clarified that any standing committee of the panchayat could inquire into such cases and not a separate House panel.

Mr. Gowda said when the panchayat detected the misappropriation a month ago it swung into action. It suspended S.R. Patalappa, district co-ordinator, ITDP following an enquiry. The Urwa police on April 29 had booked a case against Mr. Patalappa, who is said to be absconding, according to the police.

Explaining the modus operandi allegedly adopted by Mr. Patalappa, Mr. Gowda said the official in question opened an account in State Bank of Mysore branch at Kottara without the knowledge of the panchayat. He had deposited the government grant which the ITDP got directly from the government in that branch without intimating the panchayat. Some funds received from the Social Welfare Department in taluks were deposited in the same branch. Later, the fund was diverted to some societies in Kolar and Chintamani.

The Chief Accounts Officer of the panchayat A.N. Ramdas told the council that Mr. Patalappa had closed down two official accounts of the panchayat with the Corporation Bank before opening an account with the State Bank of Mysore. He said Rs. 30 lakh received from the offices of the Social Welfare Department in taluks was deposited in the branch in addition to the government’s grant directly released to the ITDP.

Mr. Ramdas said the State government released some amount directly to departments such as health, horticulture, and social welfare in districts. Such amount was not being routed through zilla panchayats. In the particular case, fund transfers had been made since January, 2011. Mr. Patalappa was the drawing and disbursement officer for funds of ITDP.

The Deputy Secretary said after the misappropriation came to light, the Social Welfare Department had directed the panchayat to operate a joint account to handle funds of the department. The joint account would be handled by the chief executive officer and the district officer of the department concerned.

Not satisfied with the replies by officers, the members insisted on constituting the House panel.
Thehindu