A whistle-blower has launched a hunger strike outside the Chamba Deputy Commissioner’s office, demanding action against the pradhan of Balera Gram Panchayat in the Bhattiyat block. Pankaj Palbhar, the complainant, initiated hunger strike, alleging large-scale corruption in various developmental projects under the panchayat’s jurisdiction.
Palbhar alleged that despite filing complaints regarding financial irregularities, no action has been taken against the panchayat head. He accused the village head of fraudulent practices, including fake attendance records of outsourced employees at the Dalhousie Civil Hospital.
Additionally, Palbhar alleged that the village head has continuously favoured his nephew as a vendor, with bills amounting to approximately Rs 64 lakh being approved under his name. The same vendor allegedly forged attendance records under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He also accused the pradhan of awarding government contracts to himself, a violation of legal norms.
Palbhar stated that despite multiple complaints, authorities have failed to act, compelling him to take the hunger strike route. He vowed to continue his protest until strict action is taken against the village head.
Meanwhile, Balera panchayat pradhan Chaman Lal refuted the allegations, calling them baseless. He asserted that all vendor selections were made transparently following the tender process, with decisions taken by the panchayat committee, not unilaterally by him. “All my work has been done with transparency, and this is a conspiracy to tarnish my reputation,” Chaman Lal stated.
