Chhattisgarh Panchayat Secretary Suspended for Failing to Oversee Housing Construction

A meeting at the Surajpur District Panchayat highlighted significant issues in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin. The primary focus was on the Gram Panchayat Semrakhurd under the Janpad Panchayat Pratapur, where the housing scheme’s progress has been significantly delayed. The Panchayat Secretary, Sukhdev Prasad, has been found negligent in overseeing the housing construction. For the fiscal year 2024-26, a target of 131 houses was assigned. The Panchayat Secretary’s failure to obtain necessary approvals for 22 beneficiaries under Awas Plus and the slow construction progress of the 73 approved houses were key concerns. The lack of inspection and attention to construction completion by the Panchayat Secretary is the reason for the lack of progress. Consequently, Sukhdev Prasad has been suspended due to his negligence, indifference, and lack of discipline, which violated the Chhattisgarh Panchayat Service (Conduct) Rules and the Chhattisgarh Panchayat (Powers and Actions of Secretary) Rules.