Punjab begins direct transfer of funds to panchayats

Announcing this here today, state Rural Development and Panchayats Minister Surjit Singh Rakhra said delay in disbursement of funds was affecting development works in the villages, after which the government decided to go for online transfer of grants.

He said the state government has also made the audit of panchayats mandatory to bring further transparency and constructive use of grants.

"Regular audits of banks accounts will be mandatory and the state government has finalised the process of audit through a pact with Chartered Accountant Association," he said.

Informing that the amount will be credited same day in the bank accounts of panchayats through BDPO, Rakhra said the move will bring more transparency and efficiency in the projects meant for development of rural areas.

Till now, a total amount of Rs 52.93 crore has been credited into the bank accounts of panchayats for the purpose of water supply, sanitation, street lights, cleanliness of ponds and other development works in rural areas, he said.