Latur, Aug 22 (PTI) A video of a gram sabha or village assembly where the sarpanch and others purportedly spoke about a “rate card” of bribes required to be paid to officials for securing government aid has gone viral in Maharashtra’s Latur district.
Authorities have sought an explanation from the sarpanch, asking him to submit evidence.
The video was purportedly recorded at Atola village in Chakur tehsil on August 17.
When people questioned him why the gram panchayat asked for money when they sought benefits of various government schemes, the sarpanch purportedly claimed that Panchayat Samiti members and officials demanded bribes.
A bribe of Rs 20,000 was required for the approval of a well under the employment guarantee scheme, he said.
Similarly, Rs 7,000 was allegedly being charged for approval of a cattle shed, while fixed amounts were also allegedly demanded for housing and other government schemes.
While a bribe of Rs 20,000 was demanded at the Panchayat Samiti level for a well, Rs 5,000 could be adjusted against house tax and water tax dues, leaving beneficiaries to allegedly pay Rs 15,000 to Panchayat Samiti employees.
In the video, the sarpanch was also heard saying, on microphone, that these proceedings of the gram sabha should be recorded and made public so that “the whole world comes to know”.
“I have sought a written explanation from the sarpanch and asked him to submit evidence within three days or explain whom they paid money and when,” said Santaji Mane, Block Development Officer of Chakur Panchayat Samiti.
“If the allegations are found to be true, action will be taken against those responsible. I have also appealed to citizens not to pay money for any work at the Panchayat Samiti. If anyone demands money, they should directly complain to me or the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB),” Mane told PTI. PTI COR KRK
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