Nayagarh: The implementation of MGNREGS programme is to create job opportunities for rural people through various labour-intensive projects. However, the scheme has miserably failed to achieve its objective in Nayagarh district due to alleged scams.
According to reports, Rs 9.70 lakh has been swindled in the name of some projects in Ranpur block. However, in reality the works have not been executed at all. The issue has been raised in the Assembly twice amid allegations that those involved in the scams are being protected.
According to reports, Rs 3.5 lakh was sanctioned for restoration of Champatipur-Shyamghanpur-Chandramadeipur canal road under MGNREGS in 2018-19. Another Rs 3,00,000 was provided for construction of steps at Kunjanaban Nuapokhari (pond) and Rs 3.20 lakh for construction of a road from Brajrajpur panchayat office to the village by the same name.
However, these works were not done, but the money was misappropriated by contractors concerned. Works have been shown in pen and papers but not done at all, alleged sources.
Some local residents had taken up the issue with Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture, the minister of Panchayatiraj (Odisha government), the joint secretary of the Union Rural Development Ministry (MGNREGS) and the district Vigilance SP.
Moreover, Rayagada MLA Makaranda Muduli had raised the issue in the Assembly, for the first time in March, 2020.
Thereafter, the Odisha government sought an action taken report from the Nayagarh collector.
Panchayatiraj Minister Pratap Jena said in the Assembly that due to the Covid-19 pandemic, investigation into the matter has been held up and action will be taken only after the report is available.
The Rayagada MLA again raised the issue in the Assembly, February 2, 2021. In his reply, Jena said that the investigation report has been received. “In the report, disciplinary action has been recommended against sarpanch Sukant Chandra Samantray, ex-PEO Suryamani Swain, two GRSs, Purnamasi Acharya and Laxmidhar Jena,” the minister had said.
Reporter of this paper tried to contact District Collector Poma Tudu over phone on the issue, but the calls went unanswered.
Local residents like Sunil Kumar Paikray, Udaynath Samantray and Rankanath Behera said that funds of MGNREGS projects are misappropriated in most cases while work is not done in reality.
They alleged that in spite of the investigation finding some persons allegedly involved in misappropriation of funds, no action is being taken. They lamented that there is a bid to suppress the matter.
PNN