Bolero sarpanches’ reign may soon end

Happy days may soon be over for “Bolero sarpanches” of Rajasthan as the state government has decided to constitute social audit directorate to check rampant corruption in panchayats (rural elected bodies at village level.

The term “Bolero sarpanch” came into existence ever since MNREGA was launched in the state a decade ago. Soon after winning the elections, the victorious sarpanches were seen roaming around in Boleros. The vehicle may have been useful on rusty rural roads but for others it became a synonym for corruption.

But now, tightening the noose around for the panchayat, the directorate will regularly conduct social audits of the development works done by it. Apart from quantum and quality of development works and welfare schemes, the main focus of the audit will be on where and how the money is spent.

The move has come after the comptroller & auditor general of India (CAG) asked the Central government to constitute an independent body in every state to audit MNREGA. Social activists too, have been demanding the constitution of a social audit directorate for all government departments. Contrary to Andhra Pradesh, which already has a social audit directorate, Rajasthan has set up social audit only for MNREGA.

“What we know from our meeting with government officials that draft of social audit directorate is ready to be sent for cabinet approval. However, it is not clear if it will cover other than MNREGA,” said Kamal Tak of Rozgar Evam Suchna Ka Adhikar Abhiyan. It is state government’s prerogative unlike MNREGA where it is bound by the act to have an independent social audit body.

However, the government will need strong political will to enable social audit directorate to achieve its objective as sarpanchs and local public representatives are likely to oppose the move tooth and nail. So far, social audit has been a mere formality, in fact it had to be stopped various times due to strong protests.