PDO suspend for participating in RSS event faces more trouble

RAICHUR: Praveen Kumar, a Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) who was suspended for participating in a RSS procession in uniform (Ganavesha), is facing more trouble. There are allegations of dereliction of duty and misappropriation of funds made against Praveen, who was working as PDO in Rodalabanda village of Lingasugur taluk.

Praveen was relieved of his PDO duties on June 15, 2023, after he became an aide to Lingasugur MLA Manappa Vajjal. As per the order, the Gram Panchayats duties were handed over on June 30.

The handover of Gram Panchayat duties took place on June 30. However, between June 25-30, Praveen spent Rs 14.38 lakh from two panchayats – Rs 5.18 lakh from Ganadinni panchayat and Rs 9.20 lakh from Hirehanagi panchayat.

Praveen is accused of misusing the funds under the 15th Finance Commission grant for purchasing streetlights, sanitary materials, pumps, and other items. He is alleged to have remained in the PDO position despite being assigned elsewhere and misused the grant funds. A report has been submitted by the Siravara Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer to the Zilla Panchayat CEO, and it is under scrutiny.

Praveen had participated in the RSS procession on October 12, holding a stick and wearing a uniform.Panchayat Raj department Commissioner Dr Arundhati has suspended Praveen and ordered a departmental inquiry for violating Karnataka Civil Service Rules and behaving as a non-government servant.