Bhadrak: Taking serious note of several allegations that machines were used in various projects under MGNREGS in Tihidi and Dhamnagar blocks of Bhadrak, the panchayati raj department directed the project director (PD) of DRDA to conduct a probe and take action against those responsible.
The panchayati raj deputy secretary issued a letter (11096) June 30 to the PD, asking it to complete the probe in seven days and take action against the persons flouting the guidelines.
The allegation was raised by villagers of Talapada panchayat at a time when job card holders in various parts of the state have been decrying lack of jobs and unavailability of work under MGNREGS.
Locals had drawn the attention of the panchayati raj secretary to the machines being used in the road project under MGNREGS from Samiti road to Agadibagicha via Dasha sahi in violation of existing guidelines.
In the complaint, the villagers claimed that the illegality was committed in full knowledge of officials of the department concerned.
Besides, they had pointed out that machines were used in digging of a pond under Mo Pokhari in Talapada village too between May 8 and May 20. The villagers stated that some unscrupulous officials have mismanaged government funds by denying work to job card holders in the project.
The panchayati raj secretary had also reportedly received another allegation about use of machines in an MGNREGS project in Asurali panchayat under Dhamnagar block.
The complaint stated that a road project in Gadiali village (a part of Kakudigadia revenue village) was built at a cost of `6 lakh with earth movers and tractors.
The villagers had taken up the issue with the BDO and junior engineer, but no action was taken to prevent use of machines and engage local workers instead.
The locals had later intimated the matter to the panchayati raj secretary by sending photographs of machines engaged at the site. PNN
