Finance dept. finds irregularities in land deal of Kumily grama panchayat

Panchayat bought 4.99 acres at ₹6.39 crore using own funds, finance commission grants, and general-purpose funds for development projects in 2022-23. Inspection wing finds that procedures were not followed in the purchase of land

The finance inspection wing under the Finance department has found irregularities in the purchase of land by the Left Democratic Front-ruled Kumily grama panchayat for development projects in 2022-23.

Sources said the panchayat bought 4.99 acres at ₹6.39 crore using own funds, finance commission grants, and general-purpose funds. However, there were allegations that the land was a plantation that belonged to MMJ Plantation earlier and later came to be known as Churakkulam Estate.

On finding irregularities in the land purchase, the Audit department had imposed a surcharge on 20 panchayat members panchayat and the secretary. But seven United Democratic Front (UDF) members approached the department claiming that the purchase was made without their permission.

Following this, the inspection wing found that procedures were not followed in the purchase of land.

Sources said the purchase committee went ahead with the process after a steering committee meeting, though the latter had no power to sanction land purchase involving such a large amount. It was also found that the panchayat did not obtain no-objection certificate from the District Collector before the land purchase.

Sources said the tendering process for the land was completed without much publicity. The then village officer had certified that the proposed land was not a plantation though he had no power to do the same.

The land was purchased for a BUDS school and an Ayurveda hospital.

 “Before announcing the projects, the panchayat did not seek permission from the District Medical Officer and the Deputy Director of Education. The land had five plots, of which only two had road access. But the land value was the same for all plots. In addition, all developmental activities on the land are at a standstill after the social forestry wing refused permission for tree cutting,” the sources said.

Robin Karakkattu, UDF member of the panchayat, said there were not much discussion in panchayat committees before the land purchase. “The leadership hid the purchase details and went ahead with the project,” he said.

However, panchayat president Rajani Biju said discussions on land purchase were held in four panchayat committees.

“The UDF members expressed their support for the project and did not raise any objection during the meetings. But after the deal was done, they suddenly came up with objections,” she said.

Published - November 27, 2024 08:44 pm IST