Rajouri Municipal Council’s Outstanding Dues Raise Accountability Concerns; DC Devansh Yadav Urged to Order Independent Probe

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

**RTI disclosure prompts demand for recovery of public revenue, fixation of responsibility and strict action against defaulters if irregularities are established**

PART II 

SHAFQAT RAMZAN WANI 

RAJOURI OCT, 13:- The disclosure of substantial outstanding amounts owed to the Municipal Council Rajouri has triggered demands for a comprehensive and independent inquiry into the Council’s financial management, contractual obligations and recovery mechanisms. Concerned citizens have urged Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Dr. Devansh Yadav, to personally look into the matter and ensure that public revenue is protected.

They have also appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the concerned Urban Local Bodies authorities to intervene, ensure the recovery of pending dues and fix responsibility wherever negligence or violations are established.

The demand comes amid questions over the recovery of outstanding amounts and the monitoring of contractual obligations. Those raising the issue have called for a transparent examination of the relevant records, agreements, payment registers, notices issued to defaulters and action taken by the authorities over the years.

**DC Rajouri urged to take personal cognisance**

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Devansh Yadav has been urged to take personal cognisance of the matter, direct the concerned authorities to conduct a time-bound inquiry and submit a detailed report on the status of outstanding dues, the reasons for the delay in recovery and the officials responsible for monitoring the process.

The demanders have stressed that if the inquiry establishes negligence, violation of contract conditions or other financial irregularities, stern action should be taken against the officials and defaulters concerned in accordance with the law. They have also called for immediate steps to recover legitimate public money without further delay.

**RTI disclosure warrants scrutiny, not premature conclusions**

While the RTI disclosure, by itself, does not establish a scam or any nexus between officials and contractors, the scale and duration of the outstanding amounts warrant serious scrutiny. An independent investigation is considered necessary to establish whether the delays resulted from administrative lapses, ineffective monitoring, contractual violations or any other irregularity.

The issue assumes added significance in view of earlier concerns surrounding the functioning of the Municipal Council Rajouri.

**Earlier controversy adds to calls for accountability**

It is pertinent to mention that the then Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Municipal Council Rajouri was also attached by the higher authorities following allegations of irregularities, including alleged illegal dumping of garbage along the riverbank and at the Rajouri Bus Stand.

The development had raised questions about administrative oversight and accountability within the civic body. However, the earlier allegations and administrative action should be examined separately and should not be treated as proof of wrongdoing in the present matter.

**Demand for comprehensive inquiry grows**

Those seeking intervention have maintained that public money cannot be allowed to remain unrecovered indefinitely and that accountability must extend to every level of the administrative process. They have called for a comprehensive review of the Council’s contractual, financial and administrative affairs, with particular emphasis on outstanding dues, recovery efforts and compliance with prescribed procedures.

The ball is now in the court of the district administration and the concerned Urban Local Bodies authorities to establish the facts, ensure recovery wherever legally due and take decisive action wherever responsibility is established.

Public demanded that Deputy Commissioner Dr. Devansh Yadav should personally examine the matter, ensure a fair and independent inquiry, protect public revenue and initiate strict action against those found responsible, irrespective of their position.