Haryana Sarpanch Suspended Over Street Construction Irregularities and Land Encroachment
In a significant administrative action, the district administration of Fatehabad in Haryana has suspended the woman sarpanch of Parata village due to alleged irregularities in street construction and facilitating encroachments on government land. This decision underscores the authorities' commitment to upholding governance standards in rural development projects.
Inquiry Reveals Violations in Development Works
Deputy Commissioner Vivek Bharti ordered the immediate suspension of Parata village sarpanch Manpreet Kaur following an inquiry that found her guilty of violating government norms during development works. The action was initiated based on a complaint filed by village resident Kapil, who raised concerns about irregularities in the construction of a village street.
Acting on the complaint, the administration assigned an inquiry to Tohana Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Akash Sharma, who submitted his report on January 21, 2026. The inquiry reportedly uncovered that a road was constructed on land earmarked for a village pond, known as a Johad, while construction was not carried out on the designated Phirni No 138. Instead, the street was built on adjacent land, allegedly promoting encroachments.
Authorities held that this act amounted to a violation under the Haryana Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, highlighting the legal framework governing local governance in the state.
Showcause Notice and Unsatisfactory Response
According to officials, a showcause notice was issued to the sarpanch on February 20, 2026, giving her an opportunity to explain her actions. However, her reply, submitted on March 6, was found unsatisfactory by the district administration. This led to the deputy commissioner ordering her suspension with immediate effect.
As part of the suspension, she has been barred from participating in any proceedings of the Gram Panchayat during this period. The Block Development and Panchayat Officer (BDPO) of Tohana was directed to take possession of the panchayat's movable and immovable records and ensure further action as per rules.
Further Inquiry and Administrative Measures
The administration has appointed the additional deputy commissioner of Fatehabad as the inquiry officer to conduct a further investigation into the matter. This officer is required to submit a report within one month, indicating the seriousness with which the administration is treating this case.
Meanwhile, officials noted that the BDPO of Jakhal is currently holding additional charge of the Tohana block, as the regular officer is on leave. This temporary arrangement ensures that administrative functions continue smoothly despite the ongoing inquiry.
This suspension serves as a reminder of the importance of adherence to government norms in rural development, aiming to prevent misuse of public resources and protect community assets like village ponds and designated land areas.
