Excelsior Correspondent
SUCHETGARH, July 24: In a strong rebuke to the Rural Development and Planning Department, District Development Council (DDC) Suchetgarh member and senior Congress leader Taranjit Singh Tony today condemned the arbitrary slashing of Rs 71.25 lakh from the Capex budget allocated to his constituency.
Describing the move as an “assault on grassroots democracy,” Tony urged CM Omar Abdullah to intervene immediately and restore the withheld funds.
In a press note issued, Tony said, “The funds, earmarked under the District Capex Budget 2024–25, were intended for critical infrastructure development across various panchayats in Suchetgarh. This money was not for personal use. These were public funds meant for essential rural infrastructure, roads, water supply, drainage systems and community development. The government’s decision to withhold Rs 71.25 lakh without any accountability is shocking and unacceptable.”
“The funds had originally been allocated last year but remained unspent due to “negligence and inefficiency” within the Rural Development Department. Instead of holding officials accountable for the delay in implementation, the government has chosen to punish the people by cutting their rightful budget,” he alleged.
Tony expressed frustration over what he termed a systemic attempt to undermine democratically elected DDCs.
“From day one, the bureaucratic setup has tried to sideline elected representatives. This budget cut is proof that bureaucracy still views DDCs as obstacles, not partners, in development,” he added.
Tony also issued a direct plea to CM Omar Abdullah, warning of the long-term consequences if the issue is not resolved.
“If the CM does not act now, it will set a dangerous precedent that bureaucratic diktats can override elected grassroots institutions. That would be a betrayal of democratic decentralization,” he cautioned.
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