PERNEM: The villagers of Parcem have accused the outgoing panchayat members of being involved in an Rs 35 lakh scam and have filed a complaint with the Directorate of Vigilance on the issue on May 30.
Former sarpanch Pragati Sopte said that the panchayat had some funds left under 14th Finance Commission and a meeting of the panch members was held to decide how to utilise these funds.
“The resolution was passed and the unanimous decision was taken regarding how to spend these funds. This was approved by the officials as well. We have not committed any scam,” Pragati Sopte said.
Meanwhile, locals alleged that the panchayat members purchased things without taking anyone’s permission. The gram sabha passed a resolution to inquire about the same and sent it to the Vigilance Department.
Locals alleged that the bills show that focus lights and wires were bought from Sawantwadi at the cost of Rs 15 lakh and claimed that these were distributed amongst only 25 per cent of the villagers. There is also a bill of buying chairs worth Rs 3 lakh. However, the panchayat does not have a single chair. The incident came to light after some villagers obtained the information under RTI, they stated.
