Post News Network
Cuttack, May 31: The state Vigilance department probing irregularities in allocation of land in CDA area is yet to figure out where to begin the probe into the misuse of discretionary quota.
According to sources, the 50 files that Vigilance officials have seized from Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) have unveiled a sordid saga of gross misuse of the discretionary quota to benefit politicians, MLAs, businessmen, doctors and lawyers.
Each file reveals how rules were flouted for the benefit of these people. Sources said sleuths have come across startling facts in many files during their investigations. Most of the files do not have even the minimum information. Officials are also scared of proceeding with their probe as most beneficiaries are powerful individuals, stated sources.
Preliminary investigations by the Vigilance department are limited to plots and houses allotted under the discretionary quota. Markatnagar was conceptualised and allocation of land in this newly-developed area began through CDA way back in 1985. According to available records, a total of 10,793 plots and 68 houses were allocated in Sectors 6, 7,8,9,10,11 and 13 of CDA by 2010.
Generally, plots and houses have been allotted using four methods. While several plots have been allotted through a draw of lots as per rules, houses and plots have also been allotted through the discretionary quota, auction and special plans. Maximum irregularities have been committed in the case of allotments done under discretionary quota. Records show a total of 945 plots were allotted through discretionary quota in different sectors of Markatnagar. Only those who do not have a house or a plot in Cuttack city area are entitled for allotment under discretionary quota.
The testimonials furnished by allottees in most cases of the discretionary allotments are flawed. At least 22 out of the plots under the discretionary quota were found to have been allocated to people with their permanent address in Cuttack urban area.
CDA does not have detailed records of notifications and rules under which the allotments were made. Under such circumstances, Vigilance would require at least a year to get all files from CDA to take its investigations forward, said a Vigilance official on condition of anonymity.
