Udupi: Lokayukta officials conducted an inspection at the Belur Gram Panchayat office in Kundapur taluk on Thursday following complaints from the public regarding delays in issuing building permissions and other issues related to the functioning of the panchayat administration.
A team led by Lokayukta Deputy Superintendent of Police Halamurthy Rao and Inspector Manjunath visited the gram panchayat office and examined records and administrative information relating to the Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) and other staff. The officials also gathered details about the processing of applications and delivery of services to residents.
Complaints over building permission delays
The inspection followed complaints alleging delays in issuing building permits in the Belur Gram Panchayat limits.
Lokayukta officials examined the procedures followed by the panchayat for receiving and processing building-permission applications. They also sought information on how applications were being disposed of and the steps taken by officials to provide services to the public.
The inspection was intended to establish the facts based on available records. The allegations raised in the complaints have not been established at this stage, and the Lokayukta authorities are examining the relevant documents before deciding on any further action.
Around 400 applications examined
The complaint reportedly also alleged that around 400 applications had been collected from villagers after assurances were allegedly given during the election period that house sites would be provided.
Lokayukta officials examined the nature of these applications, the supporting documents and the procedure followed by the gram panchayat in handling them.
The officials are expected to determine whether the applications were processed in accordance with the applicable procedures and whether any irregularities occurred.
The allegations concerning the house-site applications remain part of the complaint under examination and have not been independently established.
Stone quarries inspected
As part of the inspection, the Lokayukta team also visited stone quarries located within the Belur Gram Panchayat jurisdiction.
Officials gathered information about permissions and records relating to the quarries and examined the action taken by the gram panchayat authorities in connection with them.
The quarry inspection follows complaints concerning activities within the panchayat limits. Officials are examining whether the required permissions and records were in place and whether the panchayat had taken appropriate action in matters brought to its notice.
Panchayat records under scrutiny
The Lokayukta team examined administrative records concerning the PDO and other panchayat staff during its visit.
The inspection covered the functioning of the local body, procedures related to public applications and the delivery of civic services.
Officials also collected information from the panchayat regarding the complaints received from residents and the steps taken by the administration.
Such inspections allow Lokayukta authorities to examine documentary evidence before deciding whether a complaint requires further investigation or other action.
Further action after scrutiny
The inspection was conducted on the basis of complaints received from members of the public. Officials are continuing to examine the records and information collected during the visit.
Further action, if any, is expected to be decided after the scrutiny of the documents and completion of the inspection.
At present, the inspection does not by itself establish wrongdoing by any panchayat official or staff member. The allegations concerning building permissions, house-site applications and quarry-related matters remain subject to examination by the authorities.
The Lokayukta team’s visit has brought attention to the functioning of the Belur Gram Panchayat and the concerns raised by local residents regarding public services and administrative procedures.