Kulgam, August 8, 2025 : The Rural Development Department has suspended the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Devsar, Kulgam, Arif Ayaz Dar, for allegedly signing blank work authorities under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), in violation of established norms and government conduct rules.
As per the official order, MGNREGA guidelines clearly mandate that work authorities must be issued prior to the commencement of any work by the Gram Panchayat. However, the BDO is accused of signing blank work authorities in advance, raising serious concerns about transparency, accountability, and potential financial irregularities.
“In view of the above and pending enquiry, Mr. Arif Ayaz Dar, BDO Devsar (also holding additional charge of Block Kund) is placed under suspension with immediate effect,” the suspension order reads. He has been attached to the office of the Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD), Kulgam, during the course of the inquiry.
In the interim, BDO Behibagh and BDO D.H. Pora have been assigned charge of Block Devsar and Block Kund, respectively.
The ACD Kulgam has been tasked with conducting a detailed inquiry into the matter and is required to submit a report along with comments to the Directorate within ten days.
The department has taken serious note of the alleged violations, citing breaches of service conduct rules and potential financial loss to the public exchequer.
