Five Years of Neglect Turn Panchayat Government Building into a Hay Storage Facility and Gambling Den
Correspondent: A Panchayat Government Building that was constructed to provide government services to villagers at the grassroots level has fallen into a state of complete neglect. Located in Bairiya Panchayat of the local block, the building, constructed at an estimated cost of around ₹1 crore, has remained virtually unused for nearly five years. Due to the absence of regular government operations and prolonged neglect by the concerned authorities, the facility has reportedly been turned into a hay storage space by some villagers and is allegedly being used as a gathering place for gambling by anti-social elements.
The condition of the building has raised serious concerns about the maintenance of public infrastructure and the implementation of rural development projects. A facility originally intended to bring essential government services closer to villagers now stands abandoned and largely unusable.
Original Purpose of the Building Defeated
The state government established Panchayat Government Buildings to strengthen local governance and reduce the need for villagers to travel to block or district offices for routine administrative work.
These buildings were intended to provide services such as residential, income, caste, and birth/death certificates, along with access to pension schemes, agricultural assistance, social welfare programs, and other government services. Space was also designated for Panchayat representatives, Panchayat Secretaries, revenue officials, and other government employees.
However, the Bairiya Panchayat Government Building has failed to fulfill its intended purpose and remains largely non-functional.
Building Remains Unused for Nearly Five Years
According to local residents, the building was used for a limited period after its construction but has remained almost completely closed for nearly five years. No government office has been functioning there on a regular basis.
As a result of prolonged abandonment, the condition of the building has steadily deteriorated, and the premises have reportedly become a hub for unauthorized activities.
Allegedly Being Used as a Hay Storage Facility
Villagers claim that several rooms inside the building are now being used to store hay and other agricultural materials. They say that the use of a government building for private purposes has rendered the facility almost entirely ineffective.
Residents believe that had the administration made the building operational in time, its current condition could have been avoided.
Allegations of Gambling Activities
Local residents have also alleged that anti-social elements gather at the premises during the evening to gamble. They say such activities have created a sense of insecurity among nearby residents.
According to villagers, if government offices were functioning regularly in the building, such misuse of the premises would likely not occur.
Building Has Fallen into Disrepair
Years of neglect have left the building in poor condition. Several doors and windows are broken, plaster has peeled off in multiple areas, and overgrown vegetation surrounds the premises. The lack of regular maintenance has significantly damaged the appearance and usability of the facility.
During the monsoon season, waterlogging around the building reportedly worsens the situation further.
Questions Raised Over Public Expenditure
Residents argue that the non-utilization of a building constructed at a cost of approximately ₹1 crore represents a waste of public funds. They believe that if the facility were functioning properly, thousands of villagers could receive essential government services within their own Panchayat.
They have questioned why such a valuable public asset has been left neglected despite significant government investment in strengthening rural infrastructure.
Villagers Face Difficulties
Because the building remains non-operational, villagers must travel to block offices and other government departments even for routine administrative work. This results in additional expenditure of both time and money.
Elderly citizens, women, and persons with disabilities are said to be particularly affected, as they have to travel longer distances to access basic public services.
Demand for Immediate Action
Local Panchayat representatives and residents have urged the administration to make the Panchayat Government Building operational at the earliest. They have demanded repairs to the structure, improved security, regular maintenance, and the deployment of the necessary government staff.
According to them, reopening the building would allow most essential public services to be delivered efficiently at the Panchayat level.
Protecting Public Infrastructure
Social activists have emphasized that government buildings are valuable public assets built with taxpayers' money. They argue that ensuring their proper maintenance and utilization is the shared responsibility of both the administration and the local community.
Experts also warn that continued neglect could result in even higher repair costs in the future.
Villagers Hope for Administrative Intervention
Residents of Bairiya Panchayat now hope that the administration will take notice of the situation and restore the building for its intended use. They believe that if the structure is repaired and government offices begin functioning there again, thousands of villagers will be able to access certificates, pension services, agricultural schemes, and other public services without having to travel outside the Panchayat.
After nearly five years of neglect, the Panchayat Government Building has become a symbol of poor maintenance and underutilization of public infrastructure. Villagers maintain that such a costly public asset should not be allowed to deteriorate further and hope that timely administrative action will transform it once again into a functional center for rural governance and public service delivery.
