Discretionary quota scam: CDA for cancellation of 11 more allotments

Cuttack:  The Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) which is probing the irregularities under the discretionary quota has recommended the Urban Development department to cancel 11 more allotments made under the scheme. Earlier, the CDA, which has constituted a 3-member team including a task force officer, CDA secretary, and an estate officer, had recommended cancellation of 5 such allotments made under the scheme.

“In cases where false data have been provided by applicants in their affidavit, we have recommended cancellation of such plots,” said task force officer of CDA Ramakant Kar.

Notably, the CDA and the Bhubaneswar Development Authority launched investigations into the irregularities under the discretionary quota between 1995 and 2014 following government order.  As per data, under CDA jurisdiction, 181 plots have been allotted under multiple allotment, 66 under multiple discretionary allotment, and 833 under discretionary allotment.

Based on the task force report, the CDA has launched an investigation against people who have taken multiple plots under the scheme and has sent the files to the Vigilance department as well.  The Vigilance department has initiated civil suits against 27 persons who have been the beneficiaries under the discretionary quota scam. Moreover, cases have been registered against 5 CDA employees who have helped others in getting multiple allotments under the scheme.