JHANG: The Punjab government has initiated a probe into alleged misuse and destruction of District Council assets, unauthorized and illegal subletting of the properties, posting of a Wapda official as council officer in a blatant violation of existing rules and regulations of the Punjab Community Development and Local Government Department (CD&LG).

Jhang DCO Raja Khurram Shahzad has directed the Additional District Collector Mr Haroon Rashid to conduct a thorough probe into the matter and submit a detailed report at the earliest.

The district council’s costly assets disappeared and precious commercial shops situated on Yousaf Shah Road, Shaheed Road, Tehsil Road and other busy markets of the city were sublet against heavy monthly rent by tenants.

The recovery position of properties besides financial and administrative affairs of the district council are in a mess because charge of the post of the council officer has been entrusted to an officer of Wapda who joined the district government on deputation some years back.

According to the Local Government Ordinance 2000, a proper secretariat of the district council has been established in its main building situated in the heart of the city adjacent to the district courts. The council officer who should belong to the Punjab Local Government Department is responsible to run the administrative and financial affairs.

The district council has a number of precious properties situated in different commercial markets of the city which are rented out on a nominal monthly rent against the law and policy of the government and with the connivance of the district council staff. Most of the tenants sublet the government shops against handsome monthly rent.

The council’s public library computers, air-conditioners, furniture and other assets have allegedly been taken away by officials but no one is bothered to take notice of the situation.

The properties lease extensions have expired and the outstanding monthly rent has run into millions but illegal occupants are allowed by the district council officials to keep possession of shops.

A number of non-existent baildars (class four servants) are being paid from the salary account of the district council although they are not performing their duties.

After the completion of the tenure of the council, the property lease/rent extension and other major financial and administrative matters should be decided by the Punjab Local Government & Community Development Department’s Secretary but local district council officials take decisions at district level against rules causing great financial loss to the exchequer.

The affairs of the district council started deteriorating when a Wapda officer succeeded in joining as district officer finance on a deputation basis in the district government and getting additional charge of the post of council officer which is the post of LG&CD’s officer.

Council Officer Malik Muhammad Iqbal said that he hailed from Wapda’s accounts department and he availed opportunity to join as DO( budget) to serve in the home city but additional charge of the post of council officer was given to him without his consent.

As for the matter of complaints of missing assets and other issues of the district council, he said that the Commissioner and DCO had sought reports from him without observing that the issues related to his predecessors.

He did not answer queries regarding outstanding dues, subletting of shops, missing assets of the district council.