KISHTWAR, Oct 19: Jammu and Kashmir National Conference senior leader and Chenab Valley spokesperson Ajeet Bhagat has demanded an immediate ground-level verification of payments and material supplies made under the Mazdoor Job Card system by the Rural Development Department in Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban districts from 2022 to 2026.
Expressing concern over the implementation of works in the three districts, Bhagat alleged that payments and materials had reportedly been released to Mazdoor Job Card holders, and called for a thorough investigation to establish whether the actual work, payments and material distribution corresponded with official records.
He urged the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, Commissioner Secretary of the Rural Development Department and Director of Rural Development Department Jammu to constitute an impartial verification team to examine the matter without delay.
Bhagat said the proposed team should conduct a comprehensive assessment of the works undertaken, verify payments made to job card holders and examine the distribution of construction materials at the ground level. He stressed that officials should also ascertain the actual status and quality of the works and determine whether the funds and materials provided were used for their intended purposes.
The National Conference leader maintained that a fair, transparent and impartial verification was necessary to establish the facts, fix responsibility wherever irregularities were found and safeguard public funds. He called on the authorities to take appropriate action based on the findings of the inquiry.
Bhagat further warned that if the Rural Development Department failed to address the concerns and ensure accountability, he would seek further investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged irregularities involving job card payments and material supplies.
He emphasised that the interests of genuine workers and beneficiaries must be protected and that any discrepancies identified during verification should be dealt with in accordance with the law.