Kaptipada: Even as accusing fingers have been pointed at the administration of Kaptipada block in Mayurbhanj district for alleged irregularities in rural housing, pension schemes and MGNREGA, new allegations have been made in the execution of toilet construction under Swachh Bharat Mission.
Reports said construction of toilets, each costing Rs 12,500, has been poor in most cases. Surprisingly, some panchayats have been declared open-defecation free on paper, even though toilets of scores of beneficiaries have not been constructed till date.
An investigation into the issue revealed the state of affairs in building toilets in Jambani panchayat. Odia daily Dharitri had carried a report on the irregularities December 3, 2017. Jambani sarpanch Budhhesh Chandra Patra had drawn the attention of the BDO towards the irregularities.
The then BDO Yudhisthir Nayak had directed the GPO to look into the matter. Even though a year has passed, there has been no progress in the investigation. Chosen beneficiaries, deprived of toilets, have warned of an agitation.
In 2015, the panchayat was adjudged open defecation free while then sarpanch Pinki Majhi was honoured with a plaque, a trophy and a cash reward of Rs 10,000.
It is alleged that names of many beneficiaries have not found a place in the lists while in some cases many people eligible to get toilets have not been included in the scheme.
Social activists sought to know why the panchayat was declared open defecation free when over a hundred people do not have toilets. On the other hand, many rich people were provided with toilets under the scheme.
Activists raised doubts about the transparency of the administration and demanded a high level probe into the irregularities.
Kaptipada GPO Sashisekhar Sadangi said some cases were looked into while some are yet to be probed. “Those who have been left of the scheme will be provided toilets,” he assured.
PNN
