Khaira: The Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PMAGY), aimed at the development and beautification of backward and neglected villages, is progressing at a sluggish pace in Khaira block of Balasore district. Of the total allocation of Rs 3.93 crore, only 52% has been spent, leaving Rs 1.86 crore unused.
Villagers allege that even the funds that have been used were not in line with approved estimates and that the work executed is of such poor quality that the infrastructure has quickly deteriorated and failed to serve its intended purpose. Seventeen villages across various panchayats were selected under the scheme from 2019 to 2023, including Raikula, Tuto, Jalanga-Gandibeda, Arjunpur, Udaypur, Bishnupur, Gagandhuli, Gengutia, Badanuagaon, Narama, Miripur Khaira and Kusundaspur.
Additional villages such as Baunsagadia, Nahanga, Garadi, Rapeia and Tarang were included in later phases. The project received Rs 40 lakh in financial year (FY) 2019–20, Rs 80 lakh in FY 2020–21, Rs 2.15 crore in FY 2021–22 and Rs 58 lakh in FY 2022–23.
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The funds were to be spent under the supervision of panchayat executive officers (PEOs) and sarpanches. However, local-level administrative apathy and failure in proper execution have led to severe underutilisation of these resources. Block Welfare Extension Officer (WEO) admitted that while some projects may have been partially completed, the absence of proper investment documentation has led to large sums being officially unaccounted for. He noted that funds spent on electrification, drinking water systems, sanitation, Swachh Bharat initiatives and road construction are now nearly worthless, with many streetlights defunct, water facilities broken, and waste bins and drainage systems damaged or destroyed. In Jalanga-Gandibeda, villagers have alleged large-scale misappropriation of funds and demanded a Vigilance probe into the entire expenditure under the scheme since its inception. Prafulla Das, a former samiti member of Manitri panchayat, has formally called for such an investigation by the vigilance.
Dissatisfaction is also growing among villagers in panchayats that were left out of the scheme, particularly as some panchayats have seen multiple villages selected while others have been consistently ignored. This perceived imbalance in selection has led to widespread discontent. When asked for comment, Block Development Officer (BDO) Narayan Sahu said that repeated reminders have been issued to the panchayats to utilise the remaining funds, but the pace of implementation remains poor. A visit to Jalanga village revealed a rusting project signboard from the scheme, standing amid crumbling infrastructure and incomplete works — a visible reminder of an initiative that has fallen far short of its promise.
