Paralakhemundi: Villagers of Kanchimala under Bastiguda Gram Panchayat in Gajpati district have alleged large-scale corruption in road construction works in their locality.
A road connecting the Aradi Road and Kanchimala village had been constructed under the supervision of block engineer K Nageswar in the 2016-17 financial year. While Rs 3.45lakh was sanctioned under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) scheme, Rs 1lakh was endorsed from the fourth SFC fund of the Panchayat. Besides, Rs 4.45 lakh was granted from the MPLAD fund the same year for the construction of a Ghat road.
It is alleged that the engineer left the Ghat cutting work incomplete and siphoned off the funds by creating a false bill. The engineer refused to respond to media queries Friday .
The villagers have also submitted a written complaint to the district collector, the BDO and the block chairman, pleading for an inquiry. “The engineer utilised the fund of around Rs 5lakh sanctioned under MNREGA for construction of the road but he siphoned off the funds meant for Ghat cutting,” alleged Brundaban Dalai, a villager.
BDO Sachidananda Nayak said, “An inquiry is being carried out by the block administration; we will approach the Collector with detailed reports. Necessary action will be taken.”
