Betanoti: The Centre recently claimed cent per cent electrification of villages across the country, but the scenario here in Mayurbhanj district is completely different. While funds had been provided to some panchayats for electrification, they remain unutilised for the last three years.
According to reports, an amount of Rs 1.5 lakh was provided to each panchayat for streetlight facilities. There are 24 panchayats in the block. The more populous panchayats were to be electrified first, to be followed by other panchayats.
Over Rs 1 crore was provided to all panchayats in 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18. A major part of the fund remains unutilized as yet. At best, five to six Chhaks (junctions) have been provided lighting. Many areas are in virtual darkness after sunset.
These areas include the MPC High School Road from NH-18, the Thana Chhak to Kacheri Road, the Thana Chhak to Betanoti CHC Road, the Betanoti block to government girls’ high school stretch, the daily market, the bus stand to College Road, the MI Chak to Mathashi Road, the Ananda Bazaar Road, the RCM Road and the Kalika Chak.
Dukhia Murmua, a resident of Betanoti panchayat, said there was a need for streetlights in all squares, slums and roads. GPO Prabhash Chandra Bhoi admitted that Rs 1.20 crore remained unutilised vis-a-vis street lighting.
The money remained in the accounts of panchayats while sarpanches were empowered to utilise it for street lightning, something they did not do, said youth leader Sanju Diwedi.
Betanoti BDO Jagannth Hanuman said Baripada DRDA had floated a tender for utilization of the funds. But, in some panchayats, people moved court, stalling work and throwing a spanner in the wheels of street lighting projects, he claimed.