Palampur (Kameshwar Sharma): The Palampur Municipal Corruption Allegations have sparked a major political controversy in Himachal Pradesh. BJP State Vice President and MLA Vipin Parmar strongly criticized the Congress-led municipal body, accusing it of corruption, financial irregularities, and administrative failure.
He stated that the Palampur Municipal Corporation has become a symbol of mismanagement and public betrayal. Moreover, he claimed that the Congress government has failed to deliver basic governance during its two-and-a-half-year rule.
Palampur Municipal Corruption Allegations of Corruption and Financial Irregularities
Vipin Parmar alleged that serious financial irregularities have taken place within the municipal body. For instance, he claimed that a weighing machine worth around ₹20 lakh was sold as scrap for just ₹50,000.
In addition, he pointed out that 22 public toilets built at a cost of nearly ₹14 lakh remain unused. He also stated that nearly 80% of solar street lights in the city are non-functional, which reflects poor maintenance and planning.
Therefore, he argued that the Palampur Municipal Corruption Allegations highlight deep administrative failure at multiple levels.
Major Development Projects Stalled
Vipin Parmar further criticized delays in major development projects. He noted that the ₹127 crore sewerage project approved by the central government has not been completed even after several years.
Similarly, he said that the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana project, which aimed to construct 432 houses, remains incomplete. Consequently, public funds appear misused, and development work has suffered severe delays.
Moreover, he stressed that such failures directly affect citizens who continue to wait for basic infrastructure.
Collapse of Healthcare Services
Parmar also raised serious concerns about the healthcare system in Palampur. He stated that the civil hospital faces overcrowding and lacks adequate facilities.
Although the hospital requires 200 beds, it currently has only 100. As a result, around 7 lakh people depend on an overburdened system with limited resources.
Furthermore, he highlighted that OPD slips, once free, now cost ₹10. Several medical tests that were earlier free also require payment, increasing the financial burden on patients.
Lack of Basic Healthcare Access in Rural Areas
He also pointed out the absence of dispensaries in several wards, including Ward 1 (Lohna), Ward 9 (Chowki), and Ward 15 (Holta). Consequently, residents must travel long distances for basic treatment.
In many primary health centers, he said, staff shortages and lack of medicines have turned them into referral points instead of functional healthcare units.
Thus, healthcare failures further strengthen the Palampur Municipal Corruption Allegations.
Governance Failures and Broken Promises
Vipin Parmar accused some Congress councillors of acting like contractors, which raises serious questions about transparency and misuse of power.
Moreover, he stated that the Congress failed to fulfill its promise of free door-to-door garbage collection. Instead, residents now pay ₹50 for households and up to ₹350 for small shops.
He also cited a consumer commission order that penalized the municipal corporation for illegally disconnecting a water connection, calling it proof of arbitrary governance.
In addition, he said that promises of multi-level parking facilities remain unfulfilled, despite being included in the 2021 election manifesto.
Palampur Municipal Corruption Allegations: Infrastructure Collapse and Land Scam Allegations
Parmar further highlighted poor road conditions across Palampur, including Ghuggar–Neugal and Labana Basti routes, which remain damaged and narrow.
He also alleged a major land scam involving 101 kanal of land, affecting nearly 20 families who have lived there for decades.
Additionally, he claimed that attempts were made to divert agricultural land for tourism projects, but courts intervened and halted the decisions.
Moreover, he accused authorities of repeated road digging after repairs due to poor planning and coordination.
Anti-Drug Concerns and Civic Neglect
He expressed concern over rising drug and alcohol-related activities near educational institutions, especially around Vrindavan School. However, he said that the administration has taken no strong action.
He also highlighted water shortages affecting nearly 150 families in Bharmat region, along with tax hikes in newly included wards without improved services.
Corruption Probe and Strong Political Attack
Parmar also referenced findings from the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, which reportedly found municipal officials guilty of approving illegal constructions.
He concluded that the Congress government has delivered only corruption, mismanagement, and false promises to the people of Palampur.
Finally, he expressed confidence that voters will support the BJP in the upcoming elections and reject the Congress leadership.
Key Points of Palampur Municipal Corruption Allegations Spark Political Row:
- Vipin Parmar accuses Palampur Municipal Corporation of corruption and mismanagement.
- Allegations include ₹20 lakh machine sold cheaply and unused public infrastructure.
- Major projects like sewerage system and housing scheme remain incomplete.
- Healthcare system faces shortages, high costs, and poor accessibility.
- BJP claims widespread governance failure and promises electoral change.
