Minister Seethakka Refutes Allegations Made by Bandi Sanjay

The Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Department has strongly denied allegations made by Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar regarding the diversion of 15th Finance Commission funds by the Telangana government. The department clarified that claims published in a section of the English media suggesting misuse of funds for electricity bills and staff salaries are completely baseless. Minister Seethakka stated that such allegations are contrary to facts and misrepresent the functioning of local governance.

As per the Telangana Panchayati Raj Act, 2018, village panchayats are legally responsible for maintaining street lighting, including payment of electricity bills. The department further explained that tied grants are strictly used for designated purposes such as drinking water, while untied grants can be utilized for various development works listed under the Constitution. Funds are directly released to local bodies, leaving no scope for diversion by the state government. Authorities urged the public to rely only on verified information.