BJP targets BJD for 'dilly-dallying' on PM Awas Yojana in Odisha

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday targeted the BJD-led Odisha government for allegedly dragging its feet on implementing Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and showing more interest in its ‘Mo Ghara yojana' for which registrations started today. 

The BJP alleged that the state government has started ‘Mo Ghara yojana' with the intention to cover up the corruption done in selecting beneficiaries for PM Awas Yojana. While the state government is showing alacrity in implementing its own programme, it is yet to distribute as many as 9.5 lakh PM Awas houses even though they have been sanctioned by the central government, the saffron party alleged.   

“The Prime Minister has been providing houses free of cost. Around 29 lakhs houses have been sanctioned. They (the BJD) are yet to distribute 9 lakh houses. They have devised ‘Mo Ghara yojana' to sweep the corruption in selecting beneficiaries for PM Awas Yojana under the carpet,” said State BJP President, Manmohan Samal. 

When asked, BJD MLA Susant Rout said, “Yojanas are for all. Beneficiaries are not chosen on their party allegiance. I assure you that all will get the benefits.” 

It is learned that the Panchayati Raj department has already written letters to all the block development officers (BDOs) of the state, directing them to distribute work orders for the construction of houses under PM Awas Yojana. But it is alleged that the district administrations are not distributing work orders on the pretext of selection of eligible beneficiaries. 

When contacted, Balasore district Collector, Dattatreya Bhausaheb Shinde said, “The process of geo-tagging of eligible beneficiaries is underway. We are still receiving complaints about ineligible beneficiaries and the process of striking them off is also going on. But the first installment to be given after the work order is yet to be received.”

On the first day of the registration under ‘Mo Ghar Yojana,' the applicants underwent a harrowing experience due to the ongoing strike of government clerks, power cuts and internet connectivity issues. 

“They said the site is not opening. After waiting for hours, I am now returning home,” said Kabi Swain, a beneficiary in Khallikote area. 

“Today is the first day of applying for a house under the ‘Mo Ghar Yojana.' People have come from distant places. Though the site is a bit slow, we are trying to get their names registered,” said Dillip Kumar Patra, manager of Jana Seva Kendra, Mohana.