PDO suspended for misappropriation of funds

District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Girish Badole has issued an order suspending Ramesh Milindkar, Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) of Hulsoor Gram Panchayat in Basavakalyan taluk of Bidar, following allegations of violating the guidelines of the government’s ambitious 15th Finance Commission scheme and breaching the rules.

Gram Panchayat member Devendra B. Pawar stated in his complaint that the PDO allegedly prepared an action plan under the 2024–25 15th Finance Commission scheme and executed it without holding the mandatory Gram Sabha or the consent of the panchayat members. He reportedly made payments for work without due approval and failed to provide details regarding the accounts despite repeated requests.

The complainant stated that around ₹22 lakh was spent from an account, and an additional ₹37 lakh was utilised under the 15th Finance Commission. The members had staged a protest in front of the Hulsoor gram panchayat office in September, demanding a detailed inquiry into the alleged irregularities and submitted a memorandum to the Zilla Panchayat CEO.

A joint inspection report later found prima facie evidence suggesting that the PDO, who also serves as the Grade-I Secretary of Mirkhal gram panchayat, had misused government funds violating the prescribed rules and procedures.

Based on the findings, the CEO ordered the suspension of PDO Ramesh Milindkar pending a departmental inquiry under the provisions of the Karnataka Civil Services Rules (KCSR). During the suspension period, the officer has been instructed not to leave headquarters without prior approval from the authority.