Keonjhar: All 22 Sarpanches Of Telkoi Block Resign Over 'Irregularities' In Arpan Rath Programme
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Alleging irregularities in the Srimandir Parikrama Rath (Arpan Rath) programme by the local administration, all the 22 Sarpanches of Telkoi block in Odisha's Keonjhar district resigned from their respective posts on Thursday.
Keonjhar, Jan 11: Alleging irregularities in the Srimandir Parikrama Rath (Arpan Rath) programme by the local administration, all the 22 Sarpanches of Telkoi block in Odisha's Keonjhar district resigned from their respective posts on Thursday.
The Sarpanches first submitted a memorandum to the Bloc Development Officer (BDO) of Telkoi block addressing the alleged irregularities in the Srimandir Parikrama Rath (Arpan Rath) programme in the block, then tendered their resignation to the Sub-Collector, Keonjhar.
"The State government has allocated Rs 2 lakh for each panchayat to conduct the Srimandir Parikrama Rath (Arpan Rath) programme but the local administration is providing one lakh rupees only to each panchayat of the block, " said Sarpanch Association President Bagun Champia.
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✨The sarpanchs also alleged lack of transparency in utilisation of funds allocated for several developmental projects in the panchayats across the block.
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According to sources, the Arpan Rath rolled out in the district recently to collect rice and betel nut ahead of the inauguration of Puri Jagannath Temple Heritage Corridor project on January 17.