Over the past ten months, the Mandya Zilla Panchayat has taken decisive disciplinary action against several Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs), establishing committees to thoroughly investigate allegations of impropriety and neglect.
In a strong statement issued on Friday, Mandya Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Nandini K.R. delivered a clear warning to all officials and staff: those found guilty of misusing public funds, abusing their authority, or failing in their responsibilities will face severe consequences.
CEO Nandini emphasized the critical importance of diligent and transparent execution of duties by all officers, stressing accountability in public service.
According to a press release from Ms. Nandini, the past ten months have seen swift responses to numerous such complaints. Both taluk-level and district-level committees were established to investigate these charges. Where initial evidence suggested wrongdoing, departmental inquiries were promptly launched, leading to the suspension of implicated officials.
Illustrating these strict measures, the CEO detailed several recent suspensions. A PDO in Gopalapura was suspended on April 17, 2025, for neglecting duties. In Induwalu, a former PDO, now at Mundugadore Gram Panchayat, was suspended on May 29, 2025, alongside the then-incumbent PDO of Induwalu, both for lapses in the e-Swathu property distribution process. Furthermore, a PDO in Murukanahalli was suspended on August 25, 2025, after being caught red-handed by Lokayukta police accepting a bribe. At Gondenahalli, the PDO with additional charge was suspended on October 3, 2025, for fund misuse, with disciplinary action also recommended against the Gram Panchayat’s Data Entry Operator-cum-computer operator.
Just recently, on October 9, 2025, a Panchayat Development Officer in Mandagere faced suspension for multiple offenses, including fund misappropriation, dereliction of duty, and inappropriate conduct with elected Gram Panchayat members.
Investigation into MGNREGA Lapses Ordered
CEO Nandini also revealed that serious complaints have emerged concerning irregularities within the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme at Mandagere Gram Panchayat. A dedicated team has been formed to launch a full-scale investigation into these allegations.
Crucially, accountability extends beyond permanent staff, with action also being initiated against outsourced personnel implicated in these irregularities.
A particularly concerning case involves Lakshmipur, where accusations suggest payments were falsely claimed for MGNREGA works that were never actually carried out. A district-level investigation is underway, and disciplinary proceedings are being initiated against all officials, staff, and contract employees found to be involved.
Reiterating her commitment to clean governance, the CEO stressed that similar stringent disciplinary actions will be applied to any other officials and staff implicated in financial or administrative misconduct. She concluded by urging all officers to maintain constant vigilance and carry out their duties with utmost responsibility and integrity.