Staff shortage: Accountant to monitor 160 panchayats

None ready to work in Muktsar due to ‘political pressure’

Archit Watts
Tribune News Service

Muktsar, February 24

The charge of block development and panchayat officers of Malout and Muktsar has been given to an accountant as these posts have been lying vacant for about a month. He will monitor the development works of 160 panchayats.

“In the prevailing circumstances, no one is ready to work here as BDPO. There is a lot of political pressure on employees,” claimed sources. They further said the development works in the area were hit due to staff shortage.

In such a scenario, the additional deputy commissioner’s (Development) office has started clearing the pending bills after utilising its contingency funds.

Kulwant Singh, Muktsar ADC, said, “Two of the four posts of BDPO have been lying vacant in the district. The charge has been given to an accountant. But we are clearing the bills through my office.”

A sarpanch from Malout block said, “An accountant can’t hold the charge of two BDPOs. He won’t even be able to inspect any ongoing development work. The state government must fill the posts soon.”

Another sarpanch alleged, “It is ironic that in Lambi, the Chief Minister’s home turf, there is excess staff, while in other areas, there is an acute staff shortage.”

Courtesy: The Tribune