In a significant development that could trigger a high-level review of rural funding in the state, senior Punjab legislator Sukhpal Singh Khaira has formally written to Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Union Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, urging an immediate inquiry into the alleged diversion of nearly Rs 750 crore released under the 15th Finance Commission for Rural Local Bodies in Punjab.In his communication addressed to the Union Minister in New Delhi, Khaira expressed serious concern over what he described as credible inputs suggesting that a substantial portion of the constitutionally mandated grants may not have been transferred directly to Panchayati Raj Institutions as required.Instead, he alleged, the funds were reportedly utilised to meet departmental liabilities, including operational expenses related to water supply and allied services, raising questions about adherence to prescribed financial norms.The 15th Finance Commission grants were intended to strengthen grassroots democracy by empowering gram panchayats, panchayat samitis, and zila parishads with direct fiscal transfers for local development works. These funds are designed to promote decentralised planning, improve essential civic infrastructure, and ensure transparency in rural governance. Any deviation from the established framework, Khaira warned, would not only undermine the spirit of constitutional decentralisation but also deprive rural local bodies of resources critical for development.In his letter, the MLA from Bholath called for a detailed audit of the utilisation of funds released to the state. He urged the Union Ministry to seek a comprehensive report from the state government detailing tier-wise and panchayat-wise transfers, component-wise expenditure, and clarification on whether any funds were routed to departmental accounts instead of local bodies.He further sought a strict examination of compliance with operational guidelines governing the release, routing, and reporting of Finance Commission grants.Khaira emphasised that if the allegations of diversion are substantiated, they would represent a serious violation of the conditionalities attached to the grants and potentially weaken fiscal empowerment at the grassroots level. He also stressed the need for stronger monitoring mechanisms to ensure that future releases are safeguarded against misuse and that rural infrastructure development objectives are fully realised.The issue is expected to assume political significance in the coming days, as it touches upon transparency, accountability, and the integrity of constitutional financial transfers meant to bolster rural self-governance.Whether the Union Ministry orders a formal inquiry could determine the next course of action in what may become a major governance debate in the state.