J&K Lieutenant Governor used public fund for son’s marriage function: Report

The office of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has come under scrutiny following allegations of misappropriation of public funds to cover expenses for a personal event in New Delhi.

The incident, dating back to February 2021, involved funding arrangements for a function reportedly linked to Sinha’s son’s engagement ceremony, held at 7 Akbar Road, a prestigious government bungalow, The Wire reported.

The issue surfaced when Neeraj Kumar, the Additional Resident Commissioner of Jammu and Kashmir in New Delhi, addressed a letter to the Raj Bhawan two months after the event, highlighting a payment of over Rs 10 lakh for organizing the function.

Kumar sought a resolution for the non-payment of these expenses, which included catering and decorations for 120 guests. Following the exposure, Sinha has reimbursed the amount, though Kumar defended the incident as an internal matter misrepresented to defame the Lieutenant Governor.

This incident has sparked a debate over the ethical and legal implications of using public funds for personal events. Legal experts and political figures have voiced concerns, describing the instruction from Sinha’s office as a case of "constitutional impropriety" and "misappropriation of public funds."

Senior IAS officer Ashok Parmar has called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter, while the Jammu and Kashmir Congress has demanded transparency from the Lieutenant Governor.

Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticized the Raj Bhawan for habitual misuse of government resources, alleging continuous use of public funds for the Lieutenant Governor’s personal comfort. He highlighted instances of vehicles, private jets, and expenses for guests, suggesting a pattern of treating the Union territory as a personal domain.

Legal experts have highlighted that funds from the Consolidated Fund of India, designated for Jammu and Kashmir as a Union territory, must be allocated for state welfare or public interest functions and require parliamentary approval. Expenditure on personal functions does not fall within this remit. The financial code, they argue, does not support the funding of personal events by the state head.

The controversy stems from a function related to Sinha’s son’s marriage, held at the official Delhi residence of the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor. Traditionally allotted to high-profile government officials, the bungalow at 7 Akbar Road, was utilized for this personal event.

The official communication revealed that the arrangements were made on the instructions of the Lieutenant Governor’s office, and the resident commissioner's office covered the cost. Under existing rules, a governor is entitled to various allowances for official duties, including entertainment and hospitality grants. However, these funds are intended for promoting state interests, such as organizing seminars and conferences, and not for personal celebrations.

Former Jammu and Kashmir law secretary Ashraf Mir pointed out that such funds are meant for public functions and should receive legislative approval. He characterized the incident as a clear violation and potential misappropriation of public funds.