DDC Suchetgarh boycotts alleging forged figures
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Dec 16: While several BJP MLAs stayed away, the District Development Council (DDC) Member from Suchetgarh, Taranjit Singh Tony, boycotted the District Capex Budget meeting for 2025–26 here today, alleging serious discrepancies and manipulation of figures by the local administration.
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The meeting was held at the Panchayat Bhawan, Railway Road, Jammu, but the Congress member from Suchetgarh walked out, terming it a “non-serious exercise” and a mockery of democratic institutions.
Official sources revealed that several BJP MLAs including Yudhvir Sethi from Jammu East, MLA Rajiv Bhagat from Bishnah, Sham Lal Sharma, MLA Jammu North and Cabinet Minister/MLA from Khour/ Chhamb Satish Sharma stayed away from this meeting, indicating non-seriousness of the members over the conduct of this important meeting pertaining to funds allocation in their respective areas.
Even the BJP MLA from Jammu West Arvind Gupta stayed shortly and then left, followed by MLA Vikram Randhawa, the sources added.
Another BJP MLA from Akhnoor Mohan Lal preferred to raise certain state level issues in the meeting, but was snubbed by another member who suggested to raise issues only related to Jammu district. Some of the members even raised question on the absence of Deputy Commissioner Jammu in the meeting, but they were told that Addl DC was present on behalf of District administration. .
There were only two opposition DDC members including Shamim Akhtar (NC) from Dansal and TS Tony (Ind/ Now in Congress).
It is pertinent to mention here that the tenure of District Development Council expires on Feb 25, 2026 in the UT. The funds were allotted for the works under District Capex Budget up to ending March 2026.
During the meeting, the Chairman of the Council, Bharat Bhushan took a detailed sector-wise and department-wise review of the works. He directed the officers to expedite execution and ensure targets are achieved within stipulated timelines.
Detailed discussion was held on the issue of unutilized tender savings. He directed the concerned departments to submit proposals for re-appropriation or utilization of these savings as per norms to prevent lapse of funds. He further directed that quality standards must be strictly maintained, necessitating regular field inspections and third-party verification.
The DDC members and MLAs raised various issues regarding infrastructure, drinking water, power supply and health facilities. He emphasised that lapses in implementation of projects would be viewed seriously and accountability would be fixed for any delays. He directed officers to treat development works as a priority and submit regular progress reports.
The meeting was attended by MLAs, DDC Members, Addl DC Sher Singh, Chief Planning Officer AP Singh, besides, BDOs and other Sectoral officers.
Speaking to reporters after boycott of the meeting, DDC Member Suchetgarh T S Tony said the figures presented during the meeting did not match the approved schemes, raising grave concerns about transparency and intent.
“There was a clear mismatch between allocations and schemes. Such discrepancies are not clerical errors but appear to be deliberately created loopholes to shield misdeeds,” he alleged.
DDC Member said he has brought the matter to the notice of the Chief Minister, Lieutenant Governor, Divisional Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner, urging them not to allow the DDC to be reduced to a rubber stamp. “Do not make a mockery of the DDC institution. If figures and schemes do not match, how can representatives be expected to endorse such budgets?” he questioned.
He further alleged that the works communiqué circulated by officials did not mention blocks or constituencies, calling it a direct insult to DDC members and elected representatives. “Issuing work details without specifying blocks and constituencies is nothing but a mockery of the DDC and even elected Members of the Legislative Assembly,” Tony asserted.
Accusing the bureaucratic setup of functioning without accountability, Tony said, “This bureaucratic system has become harmful for the people and is breeding corruption. Instead of serving public interest, it is protecting vested interests.”
He warned that unless complete transparency is ensured and corrected, constituency-wise figures are presented, such meetings would continue to face resistance. “Public money cannot be pushed through flawed paperwork. We will not be silent spectators,” Tony asserted.
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