Avinash Azad
The Municipal Committee (MC) Kalakote finds itself embroiled in a web of corruption and mismanagement allegations, with serious charges of fund embezzlement, nepotism, and poor execution of developmental works surfacing. These issues, raised over two years ago by Thakur Randhir Singh—now the local MLA—are finally gaining momentum as he rigorously pursues the case in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.
The controversies came to light during the “My Town My Pride 2.0” (MTMP) programme held in December 2022, where Singh, supported by a deputation of locals, highlighted significant anomalies in projects under various government schemes. The visiting officer of MTMP, the Director General of Floriculture, Parks, and Gardens, acknowledged the allegations and escalated them to the Director of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), Jammu, urging immediate action.
Misuse of Funds and Nepotism
The deputation led by MLA Randhir Singh submitted a memorandum detailing the misappropriation of funds under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). It alleged that houses constructed under the scheme were not in compliance with guidelines, with funds being diverted to non-eligible beneficiaries. The memorandum accused MC Kalakote officials of promoting nepotism and sidelining deserving individuals.
Further, a lighting project at Kalakote Bus Stand, completed at a cost of Rs. 33 lakh, became non-functional within six months due to the use of substandard materials. “Instead of prioritizing quality and purpose, officials chose to line their pockets,” the deputation alleged.
Fake Construction, and Wasted Public Money in Kalakote
The park project near PWD Dak Bungalow in Kalakote, sanctioned by the Floriculture Department in 2017, has become a glaring symbol of corruption and inefficiency. Despite an allocation of 21 kanals of land, only 10 shops have been constructed in over five years, leaving the project incomplete and raising serious questions about the utilization of funds.
In a shocking scam, the Municipal Committee (MC) Kalakote is accused of “constructing” an already existing park outside the Thermal Plant gate by merely face-lifting it. This fraudulent activity, allegedly siphoned off lakhs of rupees, inflicting significant losses on the state exchequer.
Another scandal involves the construction of a footpath along the Kalakote-Rajouri Highway, worth nearly one crore rupees, a useless investment by the committee. Locals claim the project was a colossal waste of public money, with no tangible benefits for the community. Adding to these revelations, multiple other scandals are believed to be lurking under the surface, awaiting investigation to expose the full extent of corruption in the MC Kalakote. Locals have accused the committee of deliberately delaying projects and depriving the community of much-needed recreational and developmental infrastructure.
Complaints Ignored
Despite these allegations being brought to the attention of authorities in 2022, no substantial action has been taken. The visiting officer of MTMP documented the complaints in an official letter addressed to the Director ULBs, Jammu, requesting an action-taken report. However, bureaucratic apathy has stalled any progress, leaving locals disillusioned.
MLA Randhir Singh Leads the Fight
Randhir Singh, who has been at the forefront of the fight against corruption, has now brought the issue to the Assembly. He has vowed to expose the “black sheep” within MC Kalakote and ensure accountability. “The staff of MC Kalakote must be held responsible for derailing development and looting public resources. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) should investigate the matter thoroughly,” Singh said.
Public Outcry and Demand for Action Residents of Kalakote are demanding immediate intervention by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to initiate a high-level probe. “The scandals in MC Kalakote have cost the public dearly. We urge the government to take strict action against those involved,” said a local activist. As MLA Randhir Singh continues his efforts to seek justice, the corruption allegations have brought MC Kalakote under intense scrutiny. The coming weeks may witness a turning point, with hopes that authorities will finally act to unearth the truth and restore public trust.
