Udupi: Lokayukta officials conducted an inspection at the Belur grama panchayat office in Kundapur taluk on Thursday following complaints from members of the public regarding delays in issuing building permits and alleged issues in the functioning of the panchayat administration.
A Lokayukta team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police Halamurthy Rao and inspector Manjunath visited the panchayat office and examined administrative records and information relating to the functioning of the panchayat development officer (PDO) and other staff.
The inspection focused on the manner in which public applications were being received and processed, particularly those relating to building permits. Officials sought details about pending applications, the disposal process and the steps taken by the panchayat administration to provide services to residents.
Building permit process examined
The Lokayukta team examined records connected with the issuance of building permits and sought information on how applications submitted by residents were being handled.
Officials reportedly gathered details about the procedures followed by the panchayat, the movement of applications between officials and the reasons for any delays in disposing of requests.
The inspection comes amid complaints from the public regarding difficulties and delays in obtaining building-related permissions. The officials examined the relevant documents to establish how applications were processed and whether the prescribed administrative procedures were being followed.
Records maintained by the PDO and other panchayat staff were also scrutinised during the visit. The team sought information about the services provided to residents and the manner in which applications and grievances were dealt with.
The inspection is part of the Lokayukta’s process of gathering information in response to complaints. Scrutiny of official records is expected to help determine the circumstances surrounding the issues raised by the public.
Around 400 house-site applications under scrutiny
Another allegation examined during the inspection concerned applications reportedly collected from villagers in connection with assurances that house sites would be provided.
According to the complaint, around 400 applications had been collected from villagers after assurances were allegedly given during the election period that house sites would be provided.
The Lokayukta team examined the applications and the supporting documents submitted along with them. Officials also sought details about the purpose for which the applications were collected, the procedure followed by the panchayat and the action taken on the applications.
The inspection of these records is expected to establish whether the applications were processed through the appropriate administrative channels and whether the applicants were informed about the status of their requests.
Officials also gathered information from panchayat personnel regarding the handling of the applications and the records maintained in connection with them.
The allegations remain subject to scrutiny, and the inspection itself does not establish any wrongdoing by the panchayat officials or staff.
Stone quarries inspected
As part of the inspection, the Lokayukta team also visited stone quarries located within the jurisdiction of the Belur grama panchayat.
Officials conducted a spot inspection at the quarry sites and sought details regarding permissions, official records and the action taken by the panchayat in relation to quarrying activities.
The team examined whether the required records relating to the quarries were being maintained and sought information on the role of the grama panchayat in monitoring activities within its jurisdiction.
The spot inspection allowed the officials to gather information directly from the sites in addition to examining documents available at the panchayat office.
Details obtained during the field visit are expected to be considered along with the records examined at the panchayat office.
Further action after scrutiny of records
The inspection covered multiple aspects of the functioning of the Belur grama panchayat, including building permits, public applications, house-site-related documents and stone quarry activities.
The Lokayukta officials gathered records and information from panchayat personnel as part of the examination of the complaints received from the public. The scrutiny is expected to continue with the assessment of the documents and information collected during the inspection.
Any further action will depend on the findings of the Lokayukta authorities after completing the examination of the records and other relevant information.
The visit has also brought attention to the importance of timely disposal of applications and transparent delivery of civic services at the grama panchayat level. Building permits and other local administrative services directly affect residents, making proper record-keeping and adherence to prescribed procedures important aspects of panchayat administration.
The Lokayukta inspection is therefore expected to provide clarity on the issues raised in the complaints and determine whether any further inquiry or action is warranted.