Surat panchayat ex-DDO used health grants to buy solar rooftop plants
In his application, Darshan Naik has alleged that K Rajesh used his power to divert the government’s Rs 32 lakh grant for health last year
New Delhi: Alleging that the former district development officer (DDO) had committed financial irregularities with the state government’s health grant, an independent member of the Surat district panchayat has knocked on the doors of State Vigilance Commission seeking an inquiry. Taking cognizance of the application, the commission said it has forwarded it for further action.
In his application Darshan Naik has alleged that K Rajesh used his power to divert the government’s Rs 32 lakh grant for health last year. He used the money to buy rooftop solar plants instead at the primary health centres (PHCs) in nine talukas under the jurisdiction of the Surat district panchayat.
As per central and state government guidelines, financial grant for health related activities cannot be diverted for any other purpose. In spite of this, the former DDO diverted the fund to purchase roof-top solar plants, he said. Talking to TOI, Naik said, “Diverting funds to purchase rooftop solar plants had left people in these nine talukas medically neglected. I had demanded a vigilance inquiry into this last year as the rooftop solar plants set up at the PHCs are also gathering dust.” Rajesh could not be contacted for his comments.
Source: energy.economictimes.indiatimes
