SRINAGAR: The Jammu & Kashmir Government has relieved Muhammad Yousuf Khan, the president of the Municipal Committee in Yaripora, Kulgam, from his position due to his misuse of official powers.
The Housing & Urban Development Department took this action after an investigation found that Khan had “abused his official powers as the committee’s president, contrary to established norms, and had acted in a manner unbecoming of a public servant. Therefore, he is liable for action under section 26 of the Jammu & Kashmir Municipal Act, 2000.”
On June 20, 2023, the government initiated an inquiry against Khan following a complaint about unauthorized construction activities for which he had issued building permits, a responsibility beyond his authority.
The investigation was carried out by Haris Ahmad Handoo, the vice-chairman of the Srinagar Development Authority (SDA).
In response to the allegations, Khan denied any wrongdoing but admitted to granting building permits at the request of the executive officer.
According to the inquiry report, Khan claimed that he approved building permits because he was informed that the president of the municipal committee also served as the chairman of the Building Operations and Controlling Authority (BOCA).
The inquiry officer noted that Khan asserted he is illiterate and lacks legal knowledge.
This marks the second instance in which the J&K government has removed the head of an urban local body for misusing their official position. In September 2022, the government removed the president of the municipal committee in Awantipora for similar misconduct. (KNO)
