BDO Devsar suspended for alleged misuse of MGNREGA work authority

Kulgam, Aug 08: The Rural Development Department has suspended the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Devsar, Kulgam, for allegedly signing blank work authorities under MGNREGA in violation of established guidelines and government conduct rules.”According to an official order, MGNREGA guidelines mandate that work authorities must be issued only prior to the commencement of works by the Gram Panchayat. However, it has been reported that BDO Devsar bypassed these procedures by signing blank work authorities, raising serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and potential financial irregularities.view of the above and pending enquiry, Mr. Arif Ayaz Dar, BDO Devsar with additional charge of Block Kund is placed under suspension with immediate effect,” the order reads. He will remain attached to the office of the Assistant Commissioner Development, Kulgam.In the interim, BDO Behibagh and BDO D.H. Pora have been directed to take charge of Block Devsar and Block Kund respectively.The Assistant Commissioner Development, Kulgam, has been assigned to conduct a detailed inquiry into the matter and submit a report along with his comments to the Directorate within ten days.The department has taken a serious view of the matter, citing violation of conduct rules applicable to government servants and potential loss to the public exchequer. (KNC)