Bolangir: Manipulation of genealogy to grab compensation and other benefits for the displaced people of Lower Suktel irrigation project has rocked Bolangir district after an affected man from Koindapalli village lodged a complaint at the grievance cell of the district collector here Tuesday. The complainant Jagdish Pandey, 48, visited the Collectorate office and lodged a complaint stating that a youth has allegedly manipulated his genealogy by excluding the name of his two sons and only daughter. In their place the youth is trying to grab the compensation and other benefits provided by the state government. The accused youth has been identified as Sanjiv Patel belonging to the Agharia caste and a native of Patharkhandi village under Sadar block. In his complaint, Jagdish stated that he belongs to the scheduled caste ‘Kewat’ (fisherman) community. He has two sons, namely Arabind and Benudhar and a daughter Neeladri.
However, the names of his children are missing in the list prepared for compensation. In their place, the name of Sanjiv figures as his son. Jagdish alleged that the manipulation has been done to grab the compensation amount meant for the displaced villagers in the project-affected area. He has stated in the complaint that Sanjiv is not his son. He has asked how the name of Sanjiv got included in the list of beneficiaries instead of his own children. Jagdish alleged that without the involvement of government officers such a fraud couldn’t have taken place. He has demanded a proper investigation into the entire matter to unravel the truth. Jagdish has also alleged that efforts are being made to usurp the compensation and financial assistance that he has received so far. He has asked the district collector to take steps to ensure that he and his kids are not deprived of financial and other benefits in future.
Sources said that providing compensation, financial assistance as well as rehabilitation to the villagers displaced due to the Lower Suktel irrigation project has posed a stiff challenge for the Odisha government and the district administration. Officials are making an all out effort for smooth delivery of various assistance and benefits to the displaced villagers.