Phillaur: Planning board chief demands probe into misuse of funds

PHILLAUR: Jalandhar Planning Board Chairman Amritpal Singh has recommended a comprehensive probe into the alleged embezzlement of Rs 10 crore by the Phillaur Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) office. In his letter addressed to the Director of the Vigilance Bureau, Amritpal Singh detailed the alleged misuse of funds disbursed under the Punjab Nirman Yojana. According to the chairman, these funds were embezzled through fake bills, which points to a well-planned conspiracy within the BDPO office.

He said these funds were released during the financial year 2021-22 by the then Congress government for the development of assembly constituencies. Emphasising the gravity of the matter, Amritpal Singh in his letter has recommended the Vigilance Bureau to launch a full-fledged probe into the matter. He demanded a thorough investigation of all financial transactions and documents related to the scheme so that the embezzlement can be fully exposed and those responsible can be identified. The Chairman said that the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has adopted a zero tolerance policy towards corruption and strict legal action would be taken against those guilty of such acts.