Koderma Panchayat Head Loses Powers After Husband-Wife Duo Avails Double Housing Benefit

Last Updated:September 17, 2025, 17:09 IST

The Deputy Commissioner recommended action against the headman, leading to the seizure of her financial powers as Panchayat head and the launch of departmental proceedings

The process of recovering the funds provided under the scheme by the Secretary has commenced. (Local18)

Complaints regarding irregularities and arbitrariness in the implementation of public welfare schemes such as housing, pensions, PDS, and 15th Finance Commission funds have frequently emerged in rural areas. Eligible individuals are often denied benefits, while ineligible persons are repeatedly found to be profiting from these schemes.

A new case of irregularities in the allocation of housing schemes has surfaced in Jharkhand’s Koderma district. In Kariyawan Panchayat, Jaynagar block, the village headman has been found guilty of simultaneously granting benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and the Abua Housing Scheme to a husband and wife from the same family. This violation of rules and abuse of power has led to departmental action.

Reports indicate that a complaint was filed against Kariyawan Panchayat head Aarti Devi, accusing her of granting housing scheme benefits to village residents Kedarnath Rana and his wife Kunti Devi. An investigation team formed by the then Deputy Commissioner Megha Bhardwaj confirmed the validity of the complaint.

Following this, the Deputy Commissioner recommended action against the headman to the Panchayati Raj Department. Consequently, the Panchayat head’s financial powers were seized, and departmental action was initiated against her. It was also decided to transfer the Panchayat’s charge to Deputy panchayat head Mamta Devi.

Additionally, the Panchayat Secretary has been suspended and is held responsible in this matter. The process of recovering the funds provided under the scheme by the Secretary has commenced.

This action has caused concern among other Panchayat representatives, as the department has been receiving similar complaints from several other Panchayats in the district. It is feared that further investigations may scrutinise many more panchayat heads and representatives.

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