Villagers in Balasore stop work alleging huge scam under MGNREGA

Dubasahi villagers under Bhogarai block in Balasore district stopped a project work alleging huge scam under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

As per reports, the playground of Gaya Prasad High School is being constructed under MGNREGA scheme. However, the villagers have alleged massive irregularities in the project.

As per the allegations by the villagers, the playground has been filled with few trips of soil in a tractor, which will cost only Rs 8,000. However, a false bill amounting Rs 1,03,800 has been submitted and the money has been disbursed, the villagers alleged.

Irked over the development, the villagers staged a protest in front of the school and stopped the work by tying a red tape on the school gate.

The villagers have demanded a high-level inquiry into the incident.

“No job card holders have done any work on the playground project under MGNREGA. The playground has been filled with only 10-15 trips of soil in tractors. However, a huge amount of money has been embezzled. There is a nexus between the Sarpanch, GRS, JE and they are all involved in the huge scam,” said Akhya Kumar Patra, a villager.

“We demand a high-level inquiry into the scam. Stern action should be taken against the erring officials. We will not allow the work to begin till then,” said Ramakrushna Khamari, another villager.