RTI query helps housing scheme beneficiary unearth massive ‘scam’ in Odisha

A plea under Right To Information (RTI) by a poor beneficiary has helped him expose the alleged irregularities under housing scheme in Dhenkanal, Odisha. Victim Batakrushna Dehuri of Baunsapal village under Kamakhyanagar block alleged that he was deprived of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) scheme, thanks to rampant corruption in implementation of the same by district administration.

As per Dehuri’s allegations, his house has not been completed yet under the government scheme. However, he was left shellshocked when he received money for its repair work. 

Reports suggest that Dehuri had got work order to build the house under PMAY in 2007. But he could not build his house as he had not received the money. To his utter dismay, he received Rs 3,000 towards repair of his house in his account during the time when Covid was spreading its tentacles fast.

Subsequently, Dehuri filed an RTI plea and was shocked to know that his work has been completed in 2018. Allegedly, he also didn’t get any bank transaction about the work. 

With work order in hand, Dehuri is now running from pillar to post seeking justice.

“I had got the work order in 2007. The officials asked me to begin the construction work and assured me to give the money after completion. But I was poor and I didn’t have enough money to start the work. I visited many offices, but the officials did not pay any attention,” said Dehuri.

“However, I was surprised to get Rs 3,000 for repair work of my house in 2018. Through RTI query I came to know that construction of my house has been completed. As per the RTI reply, it was evident that I am a victim of a scam. I demand stern action against the corrupt officials,” he added.
 
Meanwhile, Dhenkanal district administration has taken the matter seriously and assured to initiate a probe into the matter.

“Advance money is given for construction of houses under PMAY. We will have a thorough investigation into the matter and stern action will be taken against the culprits,” said Dhenkanal Collector Saroj Kumar Sethi.