Irregularities galore in rural job scheme in KBK

The Pioneer, March 29, 2010
Sudhir Mishra, Balangir

Even though Naveen Patnaik's Government is trying to cater to small and marginal farmers' irrigational needs by digging farm ponds under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), gross irregularities have come to the fore in Nuapada and Balangir districts under the backward KBK region much to the bewilderment of the common man.

The alleged fraud in the implementation of the MGNREGA in Nuapada district came to light when Khariar block-based Kusmal village farmer Khirasindhu Sagria sought information under the Right to Information Act.

"Physically farm ponds exist nowhere, but block officials claim to have spent more than Rs 2.13 lakh on seven farm ponds on the private plots of seven beneficiaries of Kusmal village in 2007-08 and 2008-09," alleged Khariar-based social activist Ajit Panda, adding that after carefully studying muster rolls, the estimated cost of the ponds, and expenditure made as furnished under the RTI, it was discovered that the engaged daily-wagers were fake and the farm ponds figured only on paper.

"We have brought the matter of fraud to the notice of the Union Rural Development Ministry when no action was taken within 10 days of the complaint and even a Central Employment Guarantee Council member has expressed concerns over the issue," said Bhubaneswar-based social activist Raj Kishor Mishra.

Same is the case with Kadobeda village of Ghunesh GP under Tureikela block in Balangir district here.

As per reports, one Champeswar Bhoi was a beneficiary of farm pond under the NREGS in 2007-08 implemented by the Soil Conservation Department. The size of the pond was 50ft x 60ft x10ft. The earth work started in 2008, but the wage payment was delayed. Champeswar's outstanding bill of Rs 30,000 was passed only after he had allegedly greased the officials' palms with Rs 9,000.

"The total amount spent for digging a single farm pond has amazingly been shown on the official website as Rs 2,02,500," informed a Khariar-based social activist Khaturam Sunani after having visited Kadobeda village, recently.

The Soil Conservation Department is working here as the Project Implement Authority (PIA) of the watershed programme.

Badabanki-based Community Base Organisation (CBO) Shramik Shakti Sangh (SSS) under Turekela block has decided to submit a petition to the block authorities to inquire into the matter.

"While Odisha has failed to develop a proper grievance redressal mechanism, there is nobody to see and act on the problems raised by poor beneficiaries in the State," rued Samuhik Marudi Pratikar Udyam convener Bhajaram Sahu.

"Unfortunately, the whistle-blower in the Nuapada farm pond case has been targeted and cases have been filed against him," fumed Supreme Court's Food Rights Commission advisor Raj Kishore Mishra, quipping it is unfortunate and dangerous that corrupt officials are now targeting whistle-blowers in the State.