Cuttack Municipal Corporation Commissioner under scrutiny over housing allowance controversy

Allegations have surfaced against Anam Charan Patra, the Commissioner of Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), for reportedly drawing a housing allowance while residing in government-provided quarters. 

Allegations and Accommodation

Patra assumed his role as CMC Commissioner in September 2024. As part of his official entitlement, he was allocated the SO-8 quarter at the Gadakhai area in Cuttack. Despite the provision of official accommodation, allegations have surfaced that he continued to accept a monthly housing allowance.

“The govt has provided a quarter to the commissioner. However, he has been taking Rs 22900 monthly as housing allowance,” alleged Sukant Sethi, a social worker.

Official Response

In response to these allegations, Patra stated that he was only recently made aware of the quarters' availability. He assured that any undue amounts received will be adjusted from his salary moving forward.

Must Read: Cuttack Municipal Corporation gets Orissa HC notice on vending zone near Law University

“There was a delay in receiving the allotment letter from the government. Now that the government has finalised, the required house rent will be deducted. Whatever is payable to the government will be returned,” the CMC commissioner said.

This development has sparked questions on the procedure and approval for claiming a housing allowance whilst being allocated official accommodation.

Oversight and Accountability

The situation has drawn public and administrative interest, highlighting the need for checks in the allowance system to prevent potential misuse of public funds. Authorities and stakeholders are calling for greater transparency to ensure accountability in similar future instances.