Karnal Deputy Commissioner (DC) Dr Anand Kumar Sharma has terminated the sarpanch and panch of Mirghan village from their elected posts after separate inquiries confirmed they were simultaneously holding remunerative positions, violating the Haryana Panchayati Raj Act, 1994.
Sarpanch Sandeep Kumari removed for ASHA worker role
A complaint filed by Vikas, a resident of Mirghan village, alleged that sarpanch Sandeep Kumari was serving both as the elected sarpanch and as an ASHA worker. The inquiry conducted by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Karnal, found that she continued to work in both capacities despite National Health Mission (NHM) guidelines prohibiting such an arrangement.
The inquiry revealed that Sandeep Kumari had received an honorarium of Rs 3.89 lakh between December 2022 and December 2025 for her work as an ASHA worker. During proceedings, she admitted in a written statement that she was serving as an ASHA worker but argued that an ASHA worker is neither a government employee nor receives a salary.
However, a report submitted by the Civil Surgeon, Karnal, confirmed that ASHA workers receive a monthly honorarium of Rs 6,100. After granting her personal hearings and examining the inquiry reports from the SDM, Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO), and Civil Surgeon, the Deputy Commissioner determined that she was holding an office of profit while serving as sarpanch.
Consequently, the DC removed Sandeep Kumari from the post of sarpanch with immediate effect. She has been directed to hand over all movable and immovable property of the Gram Panchayat in her possession to the majority-supported panch.
Panch Anju terminated for Mid-Day Meal worker role
In a separate case, panch Anju was also removed after an inquiry found that she had been simultaneously serving as a Mid-Day Meal worker while holding the elected office of panch. The inquiry established that she was receiving a monthly honorarium of Rs 7,000 for the Mid-Day Meal assignment.
After considering the inquiry report and her written submissions, the DC held that this constituted holding an office of profit while serving as an elected panch. She has been terminated from the post of panch and directed to hand over all Gram Panchayat records and property in her possession to the Gram Panchayat, according to the order.
Legal basis and implications
The actions were taken under the Haryana Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, which prohibits elected panchayat members from holding any remunerative post. The DC emphasized that both ASHA workers and Mid-Day Meal workers receive a fixed monthly honorarium, which qualifies as a remunerative position, making their simultaneous tenure illegal.
The terminations underscore the enforcement of ethical standards in local governance, ensuring that elected representatives do not hold offices of profit that could conflict with their duties or provide undue advantage.
