The state panchayat department is all set to develop a portal to enable villagers to lodge complaints against panchayat functionaries if they find any irregularity in rural development schemes across Bengal.

The move, sources said, is the first of its kind to bring in transparency to the day-to-day affairs of the three-tier panchayat system and introduce an element of accountability among office-bearers.

The initiative, a source said, is significant in the backdrop of Delhi’s decision to suspend the release of funds under several rural development schemes, including 100 days’ job scheme, and housing for the rural poor, citing instances of funds misappropriation.

Moreover, the move comes at a time when Trinamul is facing an awkward situation over alleged irregularities in recruitment of teachers in state-aided schools.

“The portal allowing common citizens to lodge complaints in case they find any irregularity in rural development schemes will be launched soon. The grievances will now be monitored from the Panchayat Bhavan in Salt Lake directly,” said a bureaucrat.

So far, the complaints of common people did not reach the top brass of the government and as a result many of the grievances were not addressed, which allowed corruption at the grassroots.

“There have been several instances wherein people have lodged their complaints with the BDOs. But local political leaders have often suppressed the complaints by putting pressure on the BDOs. This will not happen once the portal is functional,” said a source in the government.Sources also said that once the government starts initiating action based on the grievances on the portal, a stern message will be sent to the panchayat functionaries across the state.

“The ruling establishment is desperate to send out a message that it does not indulge in corruption and is willing to punish corrupt people.… For this, the government should start taking action from the grassroots as misappropriation of funds directly affects the daily lives of rural people,” said a bureaucrat.

Another official pointed out that the initiative will help the state government to send a message to Delhi that it is taking action.

“The state has to take some action and send a message to Delhi that it is putting in place a system to weed out corruption. The central monitoring teams have identified areas of irregularities clearly. In such a situation, the strengthening the grievance redress system is very important,” said the official.

A section of the officials pointed out that the panchayat department should tag the Bangla Sahayata Kendras, a kind of internet cafes run by the state, with the grievance redress system for maximum impact.“Many villagers are still not acquainted with the use of the internet. In such a situation, the BSKs can help them lodge their complaints on the portal,” said an officer.

The panchayat department has also decided to form five monitoring teams, each of which will include a retired bureaucrat, an accountant and an engineer. These teams will pay surprise visits to districts and submit reports to the Panchayat Bhavan directly.

“They will not inquire into grievances lodged by villagers, but independently monitor schemes to ensure no irregularity is taking place in any particular scheme. This will help the top brass ensure that projects are being carried out following norms,” said a source.