Panchayat Funds Misuse Allegations in Malda: In a fresh controversy that has reignited debates on transparency and ethics in rural governance, the Chowki Mirdadpur panchayat under Manikchak block in Malda district has come under scrutiny after allegations surfaced claiming that over ₹3 lakh from government funds were spent on a “political excursion” organized by members of the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
The expenditure, which reportedly covered travel, food, and accommodation for about 30 individuals over a four-day period, has triggered a wave of criticism from opposition parties and civil society. The Block Development Officer (BDO) of Manikchak, however, has categorically denied granting any approval for such an excursion, adding a new layer of tension between the administrative and political wings of local governance.
The episode highlights the fragile line separating legitimate administrative activities from partisan political use of public resources — a concern that resonates far beyond Malda’s borders.
Alleged Misuse of Panchayat Funds: The Core of the Controversy
The controversy came to light after vouchers, bills, and receipts purportedly issued by the Chowki Mirdadpur panchayat began circulating on social media platforms. These documents indicated that a total of ₹3,03,600 was spent from the panchayat fund for what was described as an “excursion” held between July 21 and July 25, 2025.
According to the circulated breakdown:
- ₹90,000 was reportedly spent on transportation
- ₹96,000 on food and refreshments
- ₹1,05,600 on hotel accommodations
- ₹12,000 under miscellaneous expenses
The total expense of over three lakh rupees was allegedly incurred for a trip that included visits to Kolkata and Ramnagar I block in East Midnapore district, with participants attending the Trinamool Congress’s annual Martyrs’ Day rally on July 21 before heading to Digha, a popular seaside destination.
While such excursions are not uncommon among panchayat functionaries for exposure visits or administrative training, the inclusion of a major party event within the itinerary has raised eyebrows, particularly since the trip appears to have been funded by public money.
Panchayat’s Justification: “A Learning Trip, Not a Misuse”
Defending the expenditure, Mohammad Anwar Ali, head of the Chowki Mirdadpur panchayat, dismissed the allegations of misuse. He maintained that the trip had dual purposes — attending a key political gathering in Kolkata and engaging in inter-panchayat exchanges to enhance service delivery.
“There is nothing wrong in this excursion. We went to Calcutta on July 21 to attend the party’s Martyrs’ Day programme. Then, we went to Ramnagar I block in East Midnapore district, on an excursion. It was beneficial for us as we exchanged opinions about the ways of rendering services to people,” said Ali.
He also claimed that the tour was conducted with the proper permissions from the Block Development Officer, and that no irregularities had taken place in the spending. “Funds were used transparently, and bills were properly submitted,” he added.
The panchayat head further insisted that both elected representatives and administrative staff had joined the tour, making it an official initiative rather than a political outing.
The BDO’s Denial Sparks Administrative Tension
Contradicting the panchayat’s version, Anup Chakraborty, the BDO of Manikchak, stated that no permission had been granted by his office for any such excursion.
“I did not offer any permission for the excursion. The panchayat chief has been asked to explain,” he said.
His statement directly challenges the panchayat’s claim of prior approval and has prompted demands for a thorough investigation. So far, no formal complaint has been filed with the district administration, but the incident has already stirred a political storm.
Opposition Slams Trinamool Congress: “Public Money Spent for Political Luxury”
Both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) have condemned the alleged misuse of funds, calling it an example of corruption and unethical governance.
Debajyoti Sinha, a CPM district secretariat member, alleged that the panchayat’s justification was nothing more than a smokescreen:
“It was not an excursion at all. It was a political and fun tour organized by Trinamool leaders using public money. They went to attend a party programme in Kolkata, then vacationed in Digha, and returned via a brief visit to a panchayat office in East Midnapore. Such acts are blatant misuse of public funds.”
Similarly, Gour Chandra Mandal, the BJP’s district general secretary, demanded accountability:
“This is nothing but a scam in the name of development. The Trinamool-run panchayat has embezzled funds indirectly for its political and personal gains. Taxpayer money should not be used for leisure or party promotion.”
The opposition has called for an audit of the panchayat’s recent expenditures and urged the Malda district administration to recover the amount if misuse is proven.
Panchayat Funds Misuse Allegations in Malda: Public Reaction and Growing Outrage
The controversy has also found resonance among residents of the Manikchak block. Local villagers have expressed anger over the alleged diversion of funds meant for welfare and development works, such as road repairs, drinking water projects, and school infrastructure.
“We have been requesting the panchayat for months to repair our village road and drinking water supply. Instead, they are spending lakhs on tours. This is unacceptable,” said a local resident.
Many have taken to social media platforms demanding transparency and the release of official documents authorizing the trip.
Governance Guidelines: How Panchayat Funds Should Be Used
Under the West Bengal Panchayat Act, 1973, and related financial rules, local bodies are permitted to use funds strictly for developmental, administrative, or community welfare purposes. Each expenditure must be approved under a specific budget head and accompanied by proper documentation, including sanction orders, vouchers, and receipts.
Typical fund heads include:
- Infrastructure (roads, water, sanitation)
- Public health and education
- Social welfare and housing
- Agricultural and employment schemes
Spending on political or leisure activities is not authorized under any of these categories. For travel or exposure visits, panchayats must obtain explicit permission from the Block Development Officer or higher authorities, with a clear statement of purpose and itinerary.
Any deviation from these rules could be interpreted as financial irregularity or corruption under administrative audit procedures.
Administrative Oversight and the Role of the BDO
The BDO acts as the supervisory authority for panchayat-level governance. No panchayat can independently spend large sums without approval, especially for non-developmental purposes. The BDO’s denial, therefore, has significant implications — it could indicate either procedural lapses or an intentional bypassing of administrative checks.
If proven that the trip occurred without authorization, the panchayat could face disciplinary action. The BDO has already sought an official explanation from the panchayat chief, and the district administration may soon step in to verify the records.
Legal and Ethical Implications
Misuse of public funds, if substantiated, may lead to:
- Recovery Orders: The panchayat may be directed to refund the amount to the government account.
- Departmental Action: Administrative inquiries could be initiated against the panchayat officials involved.
- Criminal Proceedings: If intent and misappropriation are proven, criminal cases under anti-corruption or misappropriation laws may be filed.
- Audit Red Flags: The annual audit of panchayat accounts will likely flag the expenditure, potentially inviting action from higher administrative bodies.
From an ethical perspective, the incident raises concerns about the politicization of local governance, where public funds risk becoming tools for political patronage or party mobilization.
Broader Context: Panchayat Accountability Across Bengal
Malda’s case is not isolated. Over the years, multiple panchayats across West Bengal have faced allegations of financial irregularities, from inflated bills in welfare schemes to unauthorized fund diversions.
Such issues underscore the growing need for digitized transparency, including online publication of panchayat budgets, expenditures, and sanction orders. Civil society organizations and watchdogs have long advocated for stronger community monitoring systems and mandatory social audits.
For instance, initiatives like the Rural Development Department’s e-Governance portal allow citizens to track the progress of panchayat projects. However, these platforms are often underutilized due to lack of awareness or access.
Strengthening these mechanisms could reduce the scope for misuse and improve trust in rural institutions.
(Read more about the Panchayati Raj structure in West Bengal at wbprd.gov.in)
Political Implications for Trinamool Congress
For the Trinamool Congress, which has dominated West Bengal’s rural political landscape for over a decade, the Malda incident adds to a series of local-level controversies that could dent its image ahead of future elections.
While senior party leaders have not officially commented on the case, the opposition has seized the opportunity to portray it as another example of corruption under Trinamool governance.
The controversy also comes at a time when the state government has been emphasizing decentralization, transparency, and “last-mile delivery” of welfare schemes. Any proven misuse of panchayat funds contradicts that narrative and provides ammunition to critics.
What Lies Ahead
The district administration is expected to seek explanations and may order a probe into the expenditure. The panchayat has been asked to produce:
- Copies of approval documents from the BDO’s office
- Details of participants in the tour
- Bills and vouchers related to travel, accommodation, and food
- Minutes of the meeting authorizing the trip
The outcome of the probe will determine whether disciplinary or legal proceedings follow. Meanwhile, the opposition plans to escalate the issue to the State Election Commission and the Governor’s office, demanding intervention.
Conclusion: Governance or Politics?
The Chowki Mirdadpur panchayat fund misuse controversy reflects a deeper issue within India’s grassroots democracy — the tension between governance and politics. When elected representatives blur the lines between administrative responsibility and party allegiance, the very purpose of decentralization is compromised.
Whether this incident turns out to be a case of procedural lapse or deliberate misuse, it underscores the urgent need for transparent and accountable systems at the panchayat level. Strengthening audits, empowering citizens with digital access to records, and enforcing stricter oversight could be vital steps forward.
Until then, the people of Malda — and indeed across rural Bengal — will continue to question whether their hard-earned tax money is truly serving development or quietly fueling political privilege.
For more context on rural fund utilization and panchayat accountability, you can explore:
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