The Rewa district administration has initiated stringent action against alleged financial irregularities in village panchayats, removing a sarpanch from office and issuing arrest warrants against three individuals in separate cases linked to the alleged misappropriation of public funds.

The action follows departmental inquiries that reportedly confirmed violations of financial rules and irregularities in the execution of development works across multiple gram panchayats.

Sohagi Sarpanch Removed from Office

In one of the key actions, Sheshmani Mishra, the sarpanch of Sohagi Gram Panchayat under Teonthar Janpad Panchayat, has been removed from office under Section 40 of the Madhya Pradesh Panchayat Raj and Gram Swaraj Act, 1993.

The decision was taken after an inquiry committee, constituted following a complaint by Rajiv Kumar Dubey, found evidence of financial irregularities and violations of prescribed procedures in the functioning of the panchayat.

Alongside the sarpanch, Panchayat Secretary Manpooran Prasad Shukla has been placed under suspension. His headquarters have been shifted to the Teonthar Janpad Panchayat during the suspension period.

Payment Through Relative Under Scanner

According to the inquiry findings, the former sarpanch allegedly appointed his son, Ashutosh Mishra, as a vendor for panchayat development works.

Investigators found that payments amounting to nearly ₹35.17 lakh were allegedly released through this arrangement in violation of financial norms, prompting disciplinary action by the district administration.

Arrest Warrants Issued in Separate Case

In another case, Rewa District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Mehtab Singh Gurjar has issued arrest warrants against three individuals associated with separate gram panchayats.

Those facing action include:

• Former Sarpanch Ravendra Singh of Devra Kothar Gram Panchayat.

• Former Panchayat Secretary Rajbahor Yadav of Farhadi Gram Panchayat.

• Gram Rozgar Sahayak Narayan Prasad Mishra.

The officials had earlier been directed to recover government funds after departmental investigations reportedly established financial irregularities and embezzlement in development works. However, as the recovery amount was not deposited despite the orders, the administration initiated action under Section 92 of the Madhya Pradesh Panchayat Raj and Gram Swaraj Act by issuing jail warrants.

Pending Cases Still Under Review

District officials indicated that several older cases involving alleged financial irregularities in panchayats remain pending. In a number of these matters, recovery proceedings and arrest warrants had already been issued earlier, but the legal and administrative action has yet to be completed.

The latest measures are being viewed as part of the district administration's efforts to strengthen accountability in the implementation of rural development schemes and ensure proper utilisation of public funds.

Officials have not ruled out further action if additional irregularities are established during ongoing investigations.

Officials familiar with the development said the audit will examine records from the last two to three years and is expected to cover documents linked to nearly five lakh students. The exercise is being viewed as one of the most extensive reviews of scholarship disbursement practices in the state in recent years.

The investigation has already uncovered troubling patterns. Preliminary findings indicate that in some institutions, biometric attendance systems were allegedly manipulated using rubber thumb impressions. Authorities suspect that fake attendance records were generated to show student presence and maintain eligibility for scholarship benefits.

The state government has directed the Department of Information Technology and Communication (DOIT) and the audit department to conduct a joint investigation. While DOIT will focus on technological and digital aspects of the alleged fraud, auditors will examine scholarship payments, financial transactions and institutional records.

The issue has gained significance because the scholarship scheme is designed to support students from economically weaker and socially disadvantaged backgrounds. Any misuse of funds could directly affect beneficiaries who depend on the financial assistance to continue their education.

Speaking about the matter, Rajasthan Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Avinash Gehlot said the government has already blacklisted 30 institutions where irregularities were detected. He indicated that criminal complaints are being filed in cases where evidence supports legal action.

According to officials, the investigation is not limited to attendance-related fraud. Authorities are also examining allegations involving manipulation of Aadhaar-linked records. Initial inquiries suggest that some e-Mitra operators allegedly collected student documents and changed mobile numbers linked to Aadhaar and Jan Aadhaar accounts. As a result, one-time passwords (OTPs) connected to scholarship applications were reportedly redirected, allowing unauthorized access to student records and benefits.

The audit is expected to determine whether scholarship funds were claimed in the names of students without their knowledge or whether institutions used fabricated records to secure financial assistance.

Government sources said the administration is simultaneously reviewing its digital infrastructure to prevent similar incidents in the future. Officials are considering stronger integration of scholarship processing through centralized software systems managed by DOIT, which could improve verification mechanisms and reduce opportunities for fraud.

The latest action reflects the state's attempt to tighten oversight over welfare schemes that involve large-scale public spending. Education sector observers note that scholarship programmes play a critical role in increasing access to higher education, making transparency and accountability essential.

As the audit progresses, authorities are expected to scrutinize institutional records, attendance data, biometric logs and financial transactions. Further findings could lead to additional blacklisting, recovery proceedings and criminal investigations.

The government has maintained that all institutions connected to the scholarship programme will be examined wherever necessary and that action will be taken against those found violating rules. Detailed audit findings are awaited.