Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Shimla, Jan 30,
A fake Gram Sabha convened to clear development works under the (MNREGA in Baihna Gram Panchayat of Ani subdivision) has been declared illegal and void, after an official investigation exposed large-scale manipulation of records, including forged signatures and absence of the mandatory quorum.
In a detailed order of January 9, 2026, MNREGA Lokpal Dr. Sandeep Kumar held that the Gram Sabha allegedly held on October 2, 2025, was conducted in gross violation of statutory norms.
The Lokpal found that although only 68 villagers were present till 4 pm, the attendance register was later manipulated to show 183 participants, many of whose signatures and thumb impressions were fake.
The investigation further revealed that several villagers were neither informed about the meeting nor were any development proposals read out before them. It also came to light that the Panchayat Secretary was not present during the meeting, despite her signature appearing on official records. The then Block Development Officer (BDO) failed to submit relevant documents during the course of the inquiry.
Holding the Pradhan, Panchayat Secretary, Village Employment Officer and the then BDO guilty under Section 25(1) of the MNREGA Act, the Lokpal imposed a fine of Rs 1,000 each on Vinod Kumar, Pradhan of Gram Panchayat Baihna; Rathi Devi, Panchayat Secretary; Shashi Kala, Village Employment Officer; and Vidya Chauhan, retired BDO-cum-Programme Officer. The penalty amount has been ordered to be deposited in the State Employment Guarantee Fund within 30 days.
Taking cognisance of the findings, Deputy Commissioner Kullu Torul S Raveesh has directed action against the Pradhan under the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act. A recommendation has also been made for a departmental inquiry against the Secretary and other employees under the CCS (CCA) Rules, 1965, with a compliance report sought within 30 days.
The complaint was filed by 11 villagers, including Deputy Pradhan Shulendra Kumar, alleging that schemes were passed through a fake Gram Sabha to extend benefits to ineligible persons. However, Baihna Pradhan Vinod Thakur has rejected the allegations, terming them baseless and politically motivated.
According to district administration Gram Panchayat Pardhan was placed under suspension two days before completion of their terms in the office.
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