Raichur suspends two PDOs over low panchayat tax recovery

Raichur Zilla Panchayat has suspended two Panchayat Development Officers and initiated departmental proceedings against three tax collectors over poor revenue recovery in two gram panchayats. The action was ordered by Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Ishwar Khandoo after repeated failures to meet tax-collection targets despite notices and warnings. The suspended officials are Mateenuddin, in-charge PDO of Shavantagera Gram Panchayat in Devadurga taluk, and Prabhukumar, PDO of Sadapur Gram Panchayat in Manvi taluk.

The zilla panchayat also revoked staff approvals for three tax collectors. They are Rajashekar of Shavantagera Gram Panchayat and Hemanna and Hanumantharaya of Sadapur Gram Panchayat. The respective gram panchayats were directed to begin disciplinary inquiries aimed at terminating their services.

Official figures showed that Sadapur had a total tax demand of ₹31,89,780.68 but collected only ₹55,246.67. At Shavantagera, the demand stood at ₹28,78,086.78, while recovery amounted to ₹1,56,328. Together, the panchayats collected less than ₹2.12 lakh against a combined demand exceeding ₹60.67 lakh.

The order said both recorded the lowest tax-collection rates in the district. According to the order, the officials had shown continued negligence, failed to implement directions from higher authorities and made little progress despite repeated instructions. The action was therefore framed as a response to dereliction of duty and poor revenue performance.

The suspension of the two PDOs was carried out under Rule 3 of the Karnataka Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 2021. The action against the three tax collectors, including revocation of approval and the proposed departmental inquiries, was initiated under Rule 8 of the Karnataka Gram Swaraj and Panchayat Raj service rules. The supplied material does not state whether the officials responded to the allegations or whether the departmental proceedings had been completed.

The inquiries will determine the further consequences for the three tax collectors, while the suspensions place the two PDOs under disciplinary action.