The Assam Government on Friday has taken a decisive action. Assam Government Suspends 8 Block Development Officers (BDO). This action taken across in various districts for their involvement in unauthorized withdrawal of government funds. The immediate response underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining strict financial control and adherence to established rules.
Assam Government Suspends 8 BDO List
The suspended 8 BDO name are:
- Abinash Taye – Silchar Development Block, Cachar district
- Dwijen Kumar Bora – Jorhat East Development Block, Jorhat district
- Bornali Phukan – Kakopathar Development Block, Tinsukia district
- Gautam Kr. Sarmah – Sakomatha Development Block, Biswanath district
- Palak Kumar Sarmah – Sootea Development Block, Biswanath district
- Hema Kanta Borah – Gabhoru Development Block, Sonitpur district
- Arun Kumar Das – Chaiduar Development Block, Biswanath district
- Rashmi Rekha Mahanta – Biswanath Development Block, Biswanath district
Disciplinary Action by Panchayat and Rural Development Department
The disciplinary action was taken by the Panchayat and Rural Development Department. In this this action issued separate suspension orders on Friday.
All eight Block Development Officers (BDOs) stand accused of diverting Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) funds intended for the remuneration of contractual staff. The unauthorized withdrawals, detailed notification issued by Panchayat and Rural Development Principal Secretary JB Ekka. Which raise concerns about financial mismanagement within the administrative ranks.
The notification specifies the amounts withdrawn without proper financial sanction by each BDO:
- Rashmi Rekha Mahanta (Biswanath BDO): Rs 5.40 lakh
- Arun Kumar Das (Chariduar BDO): Rs 9.60 lakh
- Dwijen Kumar Bora (Jorhat East BDO): Rs 8.79 lakh
- Barnali Phukan (Kakopathar BDO): Rs 62,989
- Gautam Kumar Sarma (Sakomatha BDO): Rs 65.02 lakh
- Palak Kumar Sarma (Sootea BDO): Rs 2.34 crore
- Abhinash Taye (Silchar BDO): Rs 1.05 lakh
- Hem Kanta Borah (Gabhoru BDO): Rs 2.95 lakh
Violation of Financial Regulations
These withdrawals directly violate financial regulations, as stated by the P&RD Principal Secretary. The funds were originally earmarked for the payment of contractual staff under MGNREGA, emphasizing the severity of the breach. The absence of proper financial sanctions adds to the gravity of the situation.
Violation of Assam Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1965
This suspension order taken for violation of Rule 3 of the Assam Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1965. Not only, the funds in question allocated for the remuneration of contractual staff under the MGNREGA. But the withdrawals were made without the necessary financial sanctions from the appropriate authorities.
Stringent Measures and Prohibitions
The Assam government suspension orders further specify that the officers are not permitted to leave their headquarters without permission or prior approval from the competent authority. These strict measures highlight the Assam Government’s strong dedication to maintaining tight control over finances. They also convey a clear message that any kind of financial misconduct will face zero tolerance.
Government’s Commitment to Financial Control
The government made important announcements on December 22nd and 23rd, 2023, showing how quickly they responded to the problems. The strong actions taken by the Assam Government show how serious they are about keeping control over money, being honest, and following the rules in their administration.
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