Dharwad: Zilla Panchayat President Chaitra Shirur has directed ZP CEO Snehal Rayamane to hold progress review meetings of all the departments during the first week of every month compulsorily.

Expressing regret over weak performance by some of the departments, she noted this while chairing the ZP General Body meeting held in Dharwad.

She pointed out that the Panchayat Raj & Engineering departments had not performed up to the expected level. The officials need not wait till March, but complete the works by December end, she added.

Answering to this, officer N S Goudar stated that the department was facing several problems like GST, labour problem, sand shortage and hence, they needed at least another six months to complete the works.

However, Chaitra directed the officials to complete 75 percent of the works by December end.

Shirur further said, there were allegations of misuse of funds to the tune of Rs 65 Lakh in the construction of rooms and toilets for the ZP members at the new premises.

Moreover, some members have given written complaint that even before completion of the works, bills have been cleared. If any such complaints were found to be true, the ZP CEO will be held responsible, she warned.

Luxury car issue

Chaitra stated that there was a government rule that CEO should not purchase car above Rs 9 Lakh. However, without bringing the issue to the notice of the House, ZP CEO Snehal has purchased car worth Rs 13 Lakh. A letter would be written to the chief minister and also the Leader of Opposition in Assembly, she said.