DEMOLITION OF A GOVERNMENT SHOP DURING THE ANTI-ENCROACHMENT DRIVE

DEMOLITION OF A GOVERNMENT SHOP DURING THE ANTI-ENCROACHMENT DRIVE

14-DEC-ENG 12

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

ARA--------------------------The anti-encroachment drive recently conducted by the Shahpur Nagar Panchayat (town council) has become a subject of widespread discussion in the town. The objective of this campaign was undoubtedly commendable: to free public spaces from encroachment and promote organized urbanization. However, some incidents have come to light during this process that have not only raised questions about the campaign's methodology but have also cast serious doubts on the transparency and accountability of the Nagar Panchayat. The most pressing issue is the demolition of a legitimate government shop, which has now raised several unanswered questions.

While temporary and illegal encroachments were removed during the campaign, a government shop, which was allegedly allotted and whose shopkeeper was regularly paying revenue to the Nagar Panchayat, was also demolished. This development is concerning because it is not just a matter of one shop, but a larger question related to good governance and citizens' rights. If a shop was allotted under government rules and its rent or fees were being paid regularly, then what was the justification for removing it? Removing encroachments is an important step, but it is equally essential to ensure that the rights of any legitimate citizen are not violated in this process.

The most important question that arises is whether the details of the allotted shops, such as the account number, plot number, total area of ​​land allotted to each shop, and necessary documents and files, are available in the Nagar Panchayat office? Or have these files also been 'missing'? This apprehension is not unfounded, as a shopkeeper, who has regularly paid annual revenue to the Nagar Panchayat and has the receipts, has himself raised this question: "Has my shop been demolished because the file related to the money I was paying to the Nagar Panchayat office has gone missing?" This question directly points to the Nagar Panchayat's document management system and its financial irregularities.

This situation raises serious concerns about the maintenance of documents and the availability of information within the Nagar Panchayat. If important records go missing or are not readily available, it directly impacts transparency and accountability. In such a situation, it is natural for citizens to lose faith in the municipal administration. On the one hand, the administration talks about removing encroachments, but on the other hand, if even legitimate establishments are demolished without due process and verification, it is a violation of the principles of justice.