Nagpur sarpanch Sharda Shingare disqualified over financial irregularities
Taklaghat gram panchayat sarpanch Sharda Shingare has been disqualified after an inquiry found wages paid in cash instead of into workers' bank accounts.
Sharda Gyaneshwar Shingare, sarpanch of the Taklaghat gram panchayat in Nagpur district, has lost the right to continue in office. Following the discovery of irregularities in financial dealings, she has been declared ineligible for both the post of gram panchayat member and sarpanch.
The order was issued by the tribunal of the Additional Divisional Commissioner, Nagpur division, on September 21, 2026. Along with the disqualification, the Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad Nagpur has been directed to take administrative action against the gram panchayat secretary as per rules. The case began with a complaint from Umesh Naththu Kawale, deputy sarpanch of Taklaghat gram panchayat, who had raised questions about the panchayat's functioning and financial transactions.
Kawale's complaint alleged irregularities in the use of gram panchayat funds, cash payment of wages to workers, bills for development works, and compliance with government financial rules. The inquiry found that workers engaged in various development works were paid their wages in cash instead of having the money deposited into their bank accounts.
Despite clear instructions from higher offices that wages be deposited directly into workers' bank accounts, cash payments were made, and this was treated seriously. The order also records that wages funded from the 15th Finance Commission were paid in the name of the contractor instead of in the names of the workers.
The order states clearly that both the sarpanch and the secretary share joint responsibility for the gram panchayat's financial matters. Ensuring the proper use of gram panchayat funds, maintaining accurate accounts, and spending money from government schemes according to rules is the responsibility of these officials.
The tribunal of the Additional Divisional Commissioner concurred with the inquiry report submitted by the Chief Executive Officer of Nagpur Zilla Parishad in this matter. The complaint was then upheld, and Sharda Gyaneshwar Shingare was declared ineligible to continue as a member and as sarpanch of the Taklaghat gram panchayat.
In her defence, sarpanch Sharda Gyaneshwar Shingare had said that several financial transactions were carried out as per gram panchayat resolutions, that workers were paid wages according to the work they did, and that the gram panchayat suffered no financial loss. However, after examining the available records, the inquiry report and the rules, the tribunal upheld the complaint.
Following the order, discussion has intensified over the functioning of the Taklaghat gram panchayat, an important panchayat in Nagpur district. The issue of transparency in the use of gram panchayat funds and the accountability of officials is now also being seen as significant at the administrative level.
