In violation of rules, Six Patwaris secure deputation in JDA on inter district basis then stick to it despite expiry of 2 years deputation.
JAMMU: There is large scale allegations of corruption prevailing in Jammu Development Authority and the root cause of this unwanted practice is absence of work culture and accountability among its employees especially those on deputation and merrily flourishing by leaps and bounds allegedly by encouraging illegal constructions and encroachment on JDA land.
As per available details, six Patwaris from Revenue Department were deputed in JDA almost three years ago in violation of rules. Enjoying close proximity with higher-ups in administration, these Patwaris first manage deputation on inter-district basis which in contravention to the rules, then manage to stay behind the prescribed period of two years as part of quid pro quo equation with their masters who secured their deputation JDA, revealed an officer of JDA, preferring anonymity.
With actual place of posting in Kathua district, Patwari Ishtiaq manages deputation In JDA and since 2018 looking after BariBrahmna, Vijaypur and Chowadhi where several commercial structures are being raised in violation of BOCA.
Whereas, Shama Parveen and Nasreen with their actual place of posting in Revenue Department Kathua and Udhampur secured inter district deputation in JDA and currently look after Tehsil Bahu and R.S.Pura, Bishnah area of Zone A respectively. There are large scale commercial buildings coming up in Bishnah area in flagrant violation of BOCA norms.
Similarily, Patwaris namely Dheeraj Kumar and Balvinder Singh belongs to revenue department Kathua and Poonch respectively but secure inter district deputation in JDA and presently looking after Paloura, and Kot Bhalwal area of JDA zone B respectively.
While, one namely Patwari Shehnaz in a similar manner despite her posting in Revenue department in District Kathua successfully manage inter district deputation in JDA and gifted with desk job instead of field assignment for reasons best to the authorities who head this crucial department in the past.
Insiders in JDA alleges that there is a nexus of colonisers, politicians and influential land grabbers behind posting of these Patwaris on inter district basis in JDA to carry their illegal constructions without any hindrances.
Interestingly, some of these Patwaris manage to over stay in the JDA despite facing allegations of large scale corruption and several complaints are pending against them in Anti Corruption Bureau, said an officer of JDA wishing anonymity.
Hand in gloves with influential colonizers, there are glaring irregularities committed by some among these above mentioned Patwaris, said JDA insiders adding “They were deputed to the JDA for a period of two years. However, their over stay clearly shows that they enjoy patronage of some higher officials in the state administration”
Except intra district deputation, there is no provision in rule books to transfer Patwaris of Revenue Department on deputation to other departments on inter district basis, said one Revenue officer, preferring anonymity. Deputation of these above mentioned Patwaris in JDA speaks volume about hanky–panky prevailing in JDA, he added. The Government should end this unhealthy practice, he opined.
Repeated attempts to contact Vice Chairman, JDA, Rohit Khajuria could not matured on account of his preoccupations.