Aruna Chaudhary Raises Alarm Over Irregular BDPO Postings in Punjab
In a significant development, Deputy Leader of Opposition Aruna Chaudhary has publicly flagged alleged irregularities within the Department of Panchayats and Rural Development in Punjab. The controversy centers on the assignment of current duty charge for block development and panchayat officers (BDPOs), a critical administrative role in rural governance.
Allegations of Non-Compliance with Government Directives
Citing information disclosed during the ongoing Punjab Assembly session, Chaudhary asserted that the department has been assigning BDPO charges to officials who are outside the designated feeder cadre. This includes appointments of accounts clerks to these positions, which she claims blatantly violates clear government instructions and established Supreme Court guidelines.
According to her representation, a staggering 96 BDPO posts currently remain vacant across the state. Instead of initiating proper recruitment processes to fill these essential vacancies, the department has opted to delegate the responsibilities to senior assistant accounts officials. This practice, Chaudhary argues, undermines the integrity of rural administration and bypasses legal frameworks.
Formal Complaint to Chief Secretary
Chaudhary has escalated the matter by submitting a detailed representation to Chief Secretary KAP Sinha. In her communication, she emphasized that the government's own policy, which was formulated in compliance with a Supreme Court judgment, explicitly prohibits the arbitrary assignment of current duty charge to officers for higher posts. This move highlights her efforts to hold the administration accountable and ensure adherence to judicial mandates.
The allegations suggest a systemic issue within the department, potentially affecting the efficiency and transparency of panchayat operations in Punjab. As the opposition leader continues to press for corrective actions, this case underscores ongoing challenges in public sector appointments and the enforcement of regulatory standards in state governance.
