Gurgaon: Days after TOI reported that Haryana’s urban local bodies (ULBs) continue to operate more than 2,300 bank accounts despite the finance department’s post-IDFC fraud reforms, the directorate of urban local bodies (DULB) has warned of strict action against officers who fail to rationalise accounts and park funds in flexi deposits.In a letter to municipal corporations, councils and committees, the directorate said that despite repeated directions, review meetings and assurances from officials, several ULBs have yet to complete the exercise mandated by the finance department.The finance department had issued instructions through letters dated June 20, June 26 and July 10, and reviewed compliance during division-wise meetings held between June 22 and 24. At another review on July 16, officials informed the directorate that while some bank accounts were in the process of being closed, the exercise remained incomplete.The directorate admitted it could not furnish the information sought by the finance department because several civic bodies had not submitted updated reports. It said authorities viewed the delay seriously and directed that strict action be initiated against officers responsible for failing to implement the finance department’s guidelines on bank accounts and fixed deposits.The department has now sought fresh status reports from municipalities where the rationalisation exercise remains pending. Panchkula has been asked to furnish details of 32 accounts, followed by Panipat (28), Karnal (23), Ambala Sadar (21), Kalka (20), Uchana, Jind, Samalkha and Sonipat (19 each), and Manesar (16), among others. These figures represent the accounts for which updated information has been sought.DULB has directed all defaulting municipalities to complete the exercise and submit revised reports immediately. It warned that officers of non-compliant civic bodies must appear at the department’s headquarters on Thursday with updated reports, adding that no further notice will be issued. The directive comes amid heightened scrutiny of govt banking practices following the alleged Rs 590-crore IDFC First Bank fraud.
