Wed Nov 27 15:14:41 UTC 2024: ## Kerala Panchayat Faces Scrutiny Over Irregular Land Purchase

**Idukki, Kerala –** A finance inspection wing in Kerala has uncovered irregularities in a land purchase by the Kumily grama panchayat in Idukki district. The Left Democratic Front-ruled panchayat purchased 4.99 acres of land for ₹6.39 crore (approximately $770,000 USD) in 2022-23 for planned development projects, including a BUDS school and an Ayurveda hospital.

The audit department levied a surcharge on 20 panchayat members and the secretary due to alleged irregularities. Seven United Democratic Front (UDF) members contested the surcharge, claiming they were not consulted. The inspection wing’s subsequent investigation revealed several procedural violations. These included the purchase committee proceeding without proper authorization from a higher committee, a lack of a no-objection certificate from the District Collector, and insufficient publicity during the tendering process. The village officer’s certification of the land’s suitability was also deemed invalid.

Further irregularities included the lack of permission from the District Medical Officer and the Deputy Director of Education before announcing the projects. The land’s valuation was inconsistent, with all plots receiving the same price despite differing road access. Finally, all development is currently stalled due to the social forestry wing’s refusal to grant permission for tree cutting.

UDF member Robin Karakkattu alleges a lack of transparency in the purchase process, while panchayat president Rajani Biju maintains that the UDF members initially supported the project. The discrepancies surrounding this land purchase are currently under investigation.

Read More