Deputy Commissioner V.P. Ikkeri has suspended Suresh, Chief Officer of Sorab Town Panchayat for failing to provide a satisfactory answer to a notice issued with regard to allegations of irregularities in purchasing dustbins.
Irregularities in purchase
Acting on a complaint about the alleged irregular practices in purchasing dustbins for distribution among residents of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Colony and other areas in Sorab town, the Deputy Commissioner had directed the Assistant Executive Engineer of the District Urban Development Cell to conduct a probe in this regard. A notice was also issued to Mr. Suresh, seeking his explanation on allegations related to dereliction of duty by him.
Mr. Suresh had submitted his explanation along with copies of the documents related to the approval of an action plan for the purchase of the bins, the resolution passed at the Town Panchayat meeting in this regard and a work order for the purchase.
Not approved properly
According to Karnataka Municipalities (Preparation of Plans and Estimates and Execution of Municipal Works) Rules 1966, for any purchase exceeding Rs. 25,000, the Chief Officer should approve the bill after getting the purchased goods tested and approved from competent authorities. It is said that, the Chief Officer had passed the bills without availing the approval of such authorities and had failed to provide a proper reply to the queries in the notice in this regard.
Delay in payment
In addition to this, Mr. Suresh is also facing the allegation of delay in payment of cheque signed by Deputy Commissioner to the departments that had executed works in Sorab town limits under Nagarothana project. The charges of lapses in preparation of utilisation certificates for these works have also been levelled against Mr. Suresh.
In a press release, Mr. Ikkeri has said that, Mr. Suresh has been suspended for his alleged passing of the bills related to purchase without availing approval from competent authorities and for the lapses in payment of cheques signed by the Deputy Commissioner.
Departmental inquiry
Mr. Ikkeri has also ordered a departmental inquiry against Mr. Suresh. Ramesh, serving as Community Welfare Officer in Sorab Town Panchayat has been directed to work as in-charge Chief Officer till further notice.
