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Bhubaneswar: After accusing Naveen Patnaik government of hijacking the central government schemes, Odisha unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today targeted the ruling party over alleged large-scale irregularities in the execution of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in the State.
Addressing a press conference here today, BJP leaders Sarada Pradhan, Prithviraj Harichandan and Golak Mohapatra alleged that massive irregularities were done in the allotment of houses under PMAY in Mahanga assembly constituency, the home turf of State Panchayati Raj minister Pratap Jena.
Presenting evidence of irregularities in the PMAY scheme, the BJP leaders showed copies of government data on the beneficiary lists and pointed out names of many BJD leaders, party workers and affluent families who have unjustifiably availed houses under the Central scheme.
“Among the houses allotted under PMAY in Nurtang panchayat of Mahanga block, four houses were availed by BJD supporters including Cuttack district general secretary Trilochan Swain. Similarly, three other houses availed under PMAY also belong to BJD supporters while many poor people and eligible beneficiaries have been excluded from the list,” party leader Sarada Pradhan alleged.
“As many as 5,000 cases of irregularities have been detected in the PMAY scheme in the minister’s own constituency. Even Class B and Class C contractors have also availed the PMAY houses. The Panchayati Raj minister had sought proof of irregularities from us and today we are providing the proof,” Pradhan said while demanding immediate dismissal of Panchayati Raj minister.
On the other hand, several eligible beneficiaries have expressed their discontent alleging apathetic attitude of the government in sanction of PMAY houses.
“The walls of my house have developed cracks and roof is also damaged. Despite repeated requests, the government is yet to sanction me a house under the PMAY scheme, "rued Amiya Kumar Jena, a resident of Nurtang village.
On the other hand, the Panchayati Raj minister dismissed the allegations. “It is a habit of BJP to level false accusations. If anyone is involved in corruption, they will not be spared. Stringent action will be taken against them. A survey is underway to identify those who are eligible to get PMAY houses but have not availed yet,” Jena said.
The BJP had raised the issue of PMAY irregularities in the block and staged a protest in Bhubaneswar two days back seeking intervention of Governor Professor Ganeshi Lal.
