Union’s strike against Sirhind BPDO

Fatehgarh Sahib, July 5

Employees of the Sirhind Block Development and Panchayat Office (BDPO), Panchayat Secretary, and MGNREGA Employees’ Union have gone on strike, levelling allegations of corruption and misbehaviour agaiinst the BDPO. They said they would not work under him.

They have also urged the Deputy Commissioner and Fatehgarh Sahib MLA to transfer him.

Sirhind Panchayat Officer Pardeep Kumar said the BDPO mentally tortures the staff, including secretaries, MGNREGA workers, and whoever goes to meet him for official work. He said the officer uses abusive and foul language towards the staff, particularly the ladies. He said they have brought the matter to the attention of higher authorities many times, but to no avail. He added that the strike was their last resort.

AE Amarjit Kumar said BDPO misbehaves with ladies and other staff, adding that he also demands a hefty commission in advance before signing any cheque that is to be issued for development works. He said development works were affected due to non-payment, adding that the BPDO should be held responsible.

When contacted, Sirhind BPDO Ramesh Kumar said all the charges against him are baseless as he takes all decisions as per rules, adding that some employees want favours from him, which is why they are protesting.

Former MLA Kuljit Singh Nagra said the BDPO enjoys political patronage; he is actually an accountant and has been given additional charge of the BDPO against rules. He said the BPDO was caught accepting bribes from the VB, adding that he was out on bail. He said that, as per the rules, the employee facing a corruption case cannot be given an additional charge. He said a few months ago, the Sarpanches’ Union held dharna against him. He said the union levelled corruption charges against him and his transfer orders were issued; however, he got a stay order from the High Court as he has a year before his retirement. He said he got to stay as an accountant; however, he has been working as the BDPO illegally, as no new orders were issued for the additional charge.

Deputy Commissioner Parneet Shergill said she had been receiving complaints against BDPO, adding that she has now forwarded the complaints to FCR (Rural Development) for action.