Bhadrak: Both the Central and the state governments have harped on the importance of effective implementation of MGNREGS projects in rural areas so that manual job opportunities can be created for migrants returning home and the rural populace during COVID-19 times.
But at many places of Bhadrak district machines are being used in MGNREGS projects while job card holders have been ignored.
Sadly, this concern of the government has allegedly been ignored during execution of projects in Baripada area. It has been alleged that when people bring these anomalies to the notice of the administration, concerned officials tactically remove data of the project from the websites.
According to reports, Rs 5,00,000 was sanctioned for renovation and beautification of the Baripada pond in 2020-21. The plaque (No 241001031) says that the work on the project was started by the concerned panchayat March 23.
However, the contractor who executed the work engaged machines instead of daily wagers. Some locals had taken pictures of the work and had drawn attention of the district administration through Twitter.
Immediately after the post, all the data related to the project were removed from the website while information on the plaque was whitewashed, it has been alleged.
On the other hand, scores of local people have been facing shortage of work. Thus, they were deprived of their rights. Villagers have demanded an impartial probe into the allegation and stern action against those who were involved in the pond project.
They pointed out that scores of labourers are sitting idle for want of work in the area. So such blatant violations of MGNREGS rules should be disciplined accordingly.
The villagers observed that use of machines has affected the scope of earning of the poor people in the area who depend on MNREGS for their livelihood. There were instances of machines being used and fake rosters of workers being made MGNREGA work in the past.
“A lot of workers do not get the work and wages they deserve. If machines are allowed for the work, it would only benefit the contractors,” they noted.
As for the project, Bhadrak BDO said that it has not been approved by the block administration.
However, locals wondered how can a project be executed without proper approval? They asked as to why a plaque was put up near the MGNREGS project with a certain number.
Asked about this issue, PD Madhusudan Das had earlier said that the allegation will be probed by the executive engineer. Bhadrak BDO has been asked to submit an investigation report to the administration, Das added.
Meanwhile, ombudsman in charge of MGNREGS project Lalita Sahu has conducted an investigation into the allegation. She talked to the panchayat executive officer, the GRS and the complainant in this regard. She said she would soon be submitting a report to the collector.
PNN