RTI Revelation: ‘Even Dead were Awarded Relief Cheques’

Kashmir Life: Srinagar: Wednesday, 25 November 2015.

The information gathered by flood victims of Habak Tengo Pattan in North Kashmir under Right to Information Act (RTI) has raised a question mark over the functioning of Revenue officials in Tehsil Office Pattan.

In response to an application submitted by one Showkat Ahmed Wani under RTI Act seeking information about the disbursement of flood relief cheques, the reply provided by Tehsildar Pattan reveals that even people who died a decade ago were awarded cheques while more than 34 families have received more than one cheque in Habbak Pattan through their Patwari.

“18 families which have been given relief are fake, while a family comprising of three members have been given two cheques each amounting to Rs 38,00.”

The facts that have come to the fore in reply to RTI query also have made it clear that certain people who have died a decade ago were also awarded relief cheques while the relatives (not the residents of Habak Pattan) of some politically influential people have also been awarded the flood relief cheques.

Pertinently, the locals of Habak had alleged that Revenue official in league with local Sarpanch and other employees of the Revenue Department misused their authority and tried to benefit those who greased their palm. “I hope government will initiate action against the corrupt officials who committed fraud.

The reply we obtained from Tehsildar Pattan is enough to initiate action against the corrupt officials,” the RTI applicant Showkat Ahmed Wani told CNS.