Cuttack: The process of cancelling additional plots in cases of multiple allotments by the development authority under discretionary quota appears to have made very slow progress in three years.

In June 2015, over 1,000 cases of multiple allotments of plots were listed for cancellation. But the the development authority has been able to complete investigation and submit only 42 cases to the government for cancellation.

"The additional plots in 35 cases have been cancelled. Another seven have been sent to the government for approval," said a senior official who did wish to be named.

The government had formed a task force to examine irregularities under discretionary quota since January 1, 1995, in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. It was also asked to review allotment of more than one plot, flat or house to members of the same family. The report it submitted on November 3, 2014 said: "All discretionary allotments made after January 1, 1995 should be cancelled."

The government passed a resolution to implement it on January 30, 2015. The quota system was withdrawn in 2013. Sources said the task force report had identified 1,099 such beneficiaries.

"As part of the process, showcause notices were issued in phases to such beneficiaries. After giving them opportunity of hearing, the decision of the government for further action (cancellation of additional plots) was sought," the senior official said.

Sources said after giving opportunity for hearing, investigation had been completed in 134 cases. While cases were dropped against 43 beneficiaries as no case was made out against them, 42 were submitted for cancellation. Legal advice has been sought in 38 cases due to complexity of the dispute raised by the beneficiaries, the remaining 11 cases have been taken up for re-investigation. In another 900 cases, hearing and investigation is in progress, the official source said.

"The process has been taking time because the issuing of showcause notices, giving opportunity of hearing and investigation involves a cumbersome procedure. There is further delay when beneficiaries take their case to court."