Congress Workers Stage Protest Over Alleged Fund Diversion in Nakodar
Congress workers in Nakodar, Jalandhar, organized a strong protest outside the block development and panchayat officer's office. They raised serious allegations about the misuse of central government funds specifically allocated for village development.
Allegations of Illegal Fund Transfer
The protesters claimed that money sent by the Central government for improving rural areas was illegally diverted. According to their allegations, these funds were transferred into what they called a 'Reverse Pooling Account'.
Instead of being used for their intended purposes, the money reportedly went toward clearing electricity department bills for water supply tanks. This happened despite the funds being designated for crucial rural infrastructure projects.
Essential Projects Left Unfunded
The diverted funds were supposed to support several important development works in villages. These included:
- Road construction and maintenance
- Sanitation facilities improvement
- Drinking water supply systems
- Street lighting installation
- Other essential rural infrastructure
All these projects now face uncertainty due to the alleged fund diversion.
Congress Leader Speaks Out
Congress constituency in-charge Dr Navjot Singh Dahiya addressed the gathering during the protest. He stated that village Basli's panchayat and several other panchayats experienced the same problem.
According to Dr Dahiya, these funds came under the 15th Finance Commission grants. He emphasized that the diversion happened in complete violation of established financial norms and central guidelines.
"The same electricity bills for water supply tanks were already waived off during the Congress government under chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi," Dr Dahiya pointed out. "Yet, the present government is once again burdening villages and taking away their development funds."
A Warning of Continued Struggle
Dr Dahiya made it clear that this protest represents just the beginning of their movement. He asserted that the struggle will continue until panchayats and villages receive their full rights.
The Congress leader promised sustained agitation until the government addresses their concerns properly. He emphasized their commitment to ensuring that development funds reach their intended destinations without any illegal diversions.
This protest highlights growing tensions over rural development fund management in Punjab's Jalandhar district. Local communities are demanding greater transparency and accountability in how central government allocations get utilized at the village level.
