Phulbani: Cracking the whip on lapses in Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, the Kandhamal district administration suspended three government employees for alleged irregularities in implementation of the Centre's flagship housing projects for rural people.
As part of the scheme, the Centre provides Rs 1.20 lakh in three instalments to a beneficiary for the construction of a house, along with Rs 12,000 for building a toilet and Rs 15,750 as labour charge for 90 days.
The beneficiaries are selected on the basis of their economic condition and those who figure in below the poverty line (BPL) list. However, several irregularities were detected in K. Nuagaon block of the district, said project director, district rural development agency (DRDO) Sarat Chandra Panda.
A probe had been ordered into the alleged lapses. Inquiry has found prima facie evidence in the allegations. Three employees have been placed under suspension for acts of omission and commission, he said. Those placed under suspension are Mahasingh gram panchayat's executive officer Kartikeswar Behera, senior clerk of the block Sachidanand Diggal and head clerk Suresh Chandra Padhi.
Besides, BDO Parikhit Jena has also been found guilty of extending patronage to subordinates in perpetrating the irregularities. The state panchayati raj department has been asked to apply provisions of the Odisha Civil Service code-15 and place the officials under, suspension.
Penal action would also be initiated under Orissa Public Demand Recovery Act against those who availed of the housing benefits in contravention of the rules.
It was found that those belonging to the affluent section of the society were grabbing benefits meant for BPL people. There were also cases where grants sanctioned to deserving beneficiaries had been gobbled up.
Every BPL family is eligible for a single Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana grant. However, there have been instances of people making false claims of family break-up to receive multiple doles. Though no construction work was done, the beneficiaries were released instalments contrary to the norms. Those who were earlier covered under the scheme were re-allotted housing doles unlawfully. Complaints of bribe and extortion have also marred the flagship scheme in the district. Irregularities were mostly reported in the backward pockets. Beneficiaries belonging to scheduled caste and scheduled tribes complained of being harassed by corrupt employees. The complaints are being looked into.
