Scam in KALIA forms: Admin directs BDOs to act tough

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Balasore: Amid allegations of black-marketing of forms meant for KALIA (Krushak Assistance for Livelihood and Income Augumentation) in Balasore, the district administration has gone on an overdrive to curb the alleged malpractice.
Panchayat offices are reportedly a scene of chaos with people crowding around to lay their hands on the ever elusive forms.
Some media houses have reported financial exploitation of farmers eager to purchase forms in several blocks of the district.
After receiving complaints in this regard, the Collector has directed BDOs to lodge complaints at police stations against those involved in the malpractice.
Meanwhile, Baliapal BDO Minati Jagdev filed an FIR against Sushant Paramanika of Madhupur panchayat under Simulia block.
Similarly, it was alleged that Akshaya Mahrana, a resident of Makhanpur under Khaira block, had allegedly sold KALIA forms. BDO Mahesh Choudhry filed a complaint against Maharana Wednesday.
Meanwhile, police have started an investigation. SP B Jugal Kishore Kumar has ordered action against the accused people.
Collector Ramesh Chandra Rout made it clear that forms for KALIA Yojana are available free of cost to the farmers in all blocks, but those taking money from people will be taken to task.
Now, after launch of this Yojana by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, panchayat and block offices in the district have been witnessing a huge rush of people.
It was alleged in various parts that some vested interests have tried to take advantage of the rush. Nodal officers had a tough time in convincing people about the eligibility criteria of beneficiaries, Officials have to deal with certain inconveniences, it is said.
Shortage of forms has also led to tension in other parts of the state.
Recently, forms ran short leading to a hullabaloo and tension at Adia panchayat under Bant block in Bhadrak when forms could not be available to them.