Chandausi Gram Secretariat Reportedly Locked, Cattle Found Inside, Villagers Face Difficulties

A government-built Gram Secretariat, also referred to as the Panchayat Bhawan, in Mitanpur Mauza Gram Panchayat is reportedly lying locked, with cattle present in the premises and villagers facing difficulty in getting routine work done. The condition of the building has raised questions about the functioning and upkeep of the rural facility.

The matter has been reported from Chandausi. The report is by Rajat Malhotra.

The government has been making major claims about strengthening panchayats and turning Gram Secretariats into centres of rural development. However, the situation at the Gram Secretariat in Mitanpur Mauza appears to present a different picture.

The building is described as being in a very poor condition. The board installed outside the building carries the name of the Gram Pradhan, Smt. Rekha Rani, along with the names of officials. Despite this, the building reportedly remains locked at all times.

A viral photograph shows the state of the premises. The plaster has come off the walls, while dampness and black marks can be seen across them. Interlocking tiles have been installed in front of the building, but grass has grown beyond that area. A buffalo calf is tied there and can be seen grazing.

The entire premises appears to be affected by dirt and a situation resembling waterlogging. The building looks less like a functioning public facility and more like a dilapidated structure.

Villagers said the Gram Secretariat was built to help resolve their problems locally. Its purpose was to ensure that residents did not have to make repeated trips to the block and tehsil offices for their work.

According to the villagers, the secretary, the pradhan or any other employee does not sit at the centre on time. Residents who visit for routine services, including birth certificates, death certificates, ration cards and pension-related work, return without getting their work done.

The villagers alleged that the Panchayat Bhawan is functioning only on paper. They also said that the building, constructed at a cost of lakhs of rupees, is being ruined because of the lack of maintenance.

The villagers have urged the District Magistrate, Sambhal, and the District Panchayat Raj Officer to order an inquiry into the Mitanpur Gram Panchayat Secretariat and Panchayat Bhawan. They have also demanded that arrangements be made to ensure that employees sit at the centre regularly.