Social Activist Mehraj Malik from Bhalessa urged Lt. Governor to put enquiry against SDM Bhallesa Pritam Lal Thapa. The issues mentioned in the letter were the basic issues of the public.
The letter pointed out some issues in which it claims that SDM is involved in corruption. It reads, “There is rampant corruption going on in Bhallesa under the patronage of SDM Gandoh. No work is being carried out without taking Commission money (Bribe). E.g Dozens of cases of compensation of land of road from Bhatyas to Bari in tehsil Chilly Pingal of Bhallesa are pending in SDM office. Few cases were disbursed only when they paid commission whereas 90% files have been kept pending because these people are unable to pay bribe for disposal of cases. Public whose cases are pending can be contacted. They will themselves disclose that why SDM has kept files pending and why he disburses few cases. This is example of one road. There are many cases where Commission is being demanded before execution of work from the beneficiary. People of Bhallesa are peace lover and they do not come on roads but SDM has harassed people of Bhallesa and created an atmosphere of uncertainty and chaos in Bhallesa. Only those Shopkeepers who pay are being allowed to open shop whereas others are facing harassment. People on one side are suffering from Corona and on the other side they are suffering due to harassment by administration. Jan Sunwai programme of Government is appreciable but in Bhallesa, this programme is being conducted only to show expenditure on bills. Only officers are summoned at one place. Photos are clicked and bills are withdrawn. Such programme was held at Jakyas few days ago where people were harassed that only those who will come for Corona Test can participate in the Jan Sunwai. However people defied this dictate and reached the spot but SDM did not allow anybody to speak. He challenged that if any officer is taking corruption, he will on spot recommend for his suspension. On this an 18 years old boy stood up and replied “SDM Sahib, I was demanded corruption [Bribe] from your office”. He also mentioned name but SDM instead taking any action, harassed that boy and threatened him that you are criminal that you paid bribe. This is the situation in Bhallesa. In Jan Sunwai. people are having genuine issues to discuss but in front of whom they will raise these issues when the listener is corrupt. It is like the situation that a petitioner is demanding justice from a Corrupt officer. What can be expected from such Jan Sunwai. I appeal you to sir that a senior representative of Government may be sent to listen other this Jan Sunwai is failed programme and your own officers like SDM are making it a flop show. Everybody in Bhallesa is paying Rs 50-100 for issuance of Domicile Certificate and the money is distributed among few officers. You can record statements of the domicile holders that how much they pay. When people demand receipt of the money which is demanded on the name of Red Cross fund, people are being kicked out from offices. What people will do when SDM has opened Corruption office in his premises?. I have long list of witness from my area who paid Rs 50-100 for domicile certificate. This open loot must be stopped. Government of India is providing help to poor people for construction of houses under PMAY scheme but in Bhallesa an advance of Rs 20,000 are being taken for sanction of this scheme. What a poor people will do?. Maximum works executed under Rural Development Department are only on papers and not on grounds. Even those who have executed the work on ground are being demanded 30% commission to withdraw money. Power Development Department is handing over huge bills to poor whereas these poor people use only one bulb. A person of my area received bill of thousands of rupees. He was told by an employee that his bill will be remitted off but he has to pay Rs 5000 commission. The person paid it but still he received Rs One lakh bill. This is the situation in Bhallesa. SDM Gandoh recommended opening of Pre-Mixing Plant [Stone Crusher] at Tawai Bhallesa giving undue benefit to the Contractor. The plant violates all norms of pollution and other norms. It is located just few 100 meters away from Tawai Market and Primary Health Centre Changa. Huge smoke coming out from the plant is entering houses of people and making their lives at risk. This is big blunder of the administration and risk lives of people. Whole Bhallesa is against this plant but SDM still recommended for its permission and now the plant has been commissioned.”
On the basis of above facts pointed out on letter, Malik requested to initiate enquiry against the above facts and take stern action against SDM Gandoh and his corrupt team. He said that they are ready to provide all evidences but he waits for government to come forward to take action against corrupt officers who are on open loot in Bhallesa.
The letter was copied to Chief Secretary J&K, Financial Commissioner Revenue J&K, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Deputy Commissioner Doda, Senior Superintended of Police Doda & Press. Malik urged Lt. Governor to take stern action against SDM Bhallesa.
The Chenab Times News Desk