Funds under fire: 2 panchayat heads suspended for misuse

In a decisive administrative action to uphold financial discipline at the grassroots level, Anchit Dogra, District Panchayat Officer (DPO) of Mandi, has suspended two gram panchayat pradhans—Mala Mehta of Thakurthana (Karsog Block) and Savita Gupta of Chanauta (Dharampur Block)—on charges of financial misconduct and irregular withdrawals of government funds.

The suspension of Mala Mehta was prompted by findings from preliminary inquiries conducted by the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Karsog. The inquiry revealed prima facie evidence of misappropriation of public funds under her tenure as Pradhan of Thakurthana Panchayat. Following this, a show-cause notice was issued to her on April 22. Her response was reviewed and found to be unsatisfactory.

Further, an additional inquiry dated May 8 brought to light more discrepancies, leading to a second show-cause notice on June 20. Her reply once again failed to address the irregularities adequately. Officials cited violations of Sections 99(4) and 10 of the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, which mandate that all financial withdrawals be jointly authorised by both the Panchayat Secretary and the pradhan. Mala Mehta was found in prima facie violation of this requirement, suggesting possible embezzlement or gross mismanagement of funds.

Exercising powers under Section 145(1)(g) of the HP Panchayati Raj Act and Rule 142(1)(a) of the Panchayati Raj (General) Rules, 1997, the DPO ordered her immediate suspension. She has been directed to hand over all panchayat records, funds, and assets to the Panchayat Secretary. However, she reserves the right to appeal the decision before the Deputy Commissioner under Rule 143(d).

In a parallel case, Savita Gupta, pradhan of Chanauta Panchayat in Dharampur Block, has also been suspended for bypassing mandatory financial protocols. Investigations revealed that in March 2025, she authorised RTGS payments of Rs 29,400 and Rs 33,600 without the required co-signature of the Panchayat Secretary.

This direct violation came to light through a complaint submitted to the BDO of Dharampur, prompting the issuance of a show-cause notice in May 2025. In her written reply, Savita Gupta admitted to making the unauthorised payments. Her admission, combined with the breach of financial norms, led to immediate suspension orders from the DPO.

In both cases, the Panchayat Secretaries have been instructed to take charge of all official documents, records and properties. The District Administration reiterated its commitment to enforcing financial accountability within Panchayati Raj institutions, warning that such violations severely compromise grassroots governance.

Both suspended pradhans have been given the opportunity to file appeals before the Deputy Commissioner.

Himachal Tribune