'Lapses in PMAY': Left-out beneficiaries lock panchayat office in Angul, Pallisabha boycotted in Bolangir

There seems to be no let up in the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged irregularities in the allotment of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in Odisha.

Resentment is now brewing among the beneficiaries who have been deprived of the benefits under the scheme in different parts of the state. Tension prevailed in Angul district on Thursday after scores of left-out beneficiaries locked the Santarapur panchayat office under Banarpal block.

The protestors locked the panchayat office when a meeting regarding awas allotment and other issues was underway on the occasion of Republic Day today. Sarpanch, panchayat executive officer, ward members and other officers were present during the meeting.

The situation was brought under control after police reached the spot and held discussions with the agitators.

Apart from Angul, resentment is also brewing among beneficiaries in Bolangir district over irregularities in allotment of houses under PMAY.

Protesting non-allotment of houses to eligible beneficiaries, representatives of 317 panchayats including Sarpanchs, samit members boycotted pallisabha. The representatives have threatened noncooperation in government works and programmes till the eligible beneficiaries are not included in the scheme. (Reported by Biraja and Ghateswar)