Puri: Documents showing extensive irregularities in allotment of Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY) houses in Astaranga Block of Puri district, during the year 2000-2006, has been seized by Odisha Vigilance. The seized documents include 27 files of six villages in Patalada panchayat and 35 files of three villages in Kendrapati panchayat.
While money for construction of a house has been taken twice in some places, not a single house was being seen in few other places despite release of payment. It was also found that beneficiaries have paid percentage to government staff and panchayat officials to get a house under the scheme.
Not only is Astaranga, vigilance has conducted raids at many other places, 24 cases have been registered and eight government staff have been arrested.
After Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik urged to put a check on the percentage system, 140 beneficiaries shared their complaints at toll free number of Panchayati Raj department. The department launched a probe based on the complaints. After getting strong evidences of corruption in Kakatpur and Bhadrak, stringent action was taken against three persons.
Talking to OTV, Panchayati Raj Secretary Deoranjan Singh said, "Why is there a delay in paying instalment of a beneficiary and is anyone taking percentage from him or her in promise of allotting a house is being checked. I ask everybody to remain aloof from such corruption or they will certainly face dire circumstances in future."
As per reports Panchayati Raj department has set a target to build 3.4 lakh new houses, under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and Biju Pucca Ghar Yojna (BPGY), in the coming year with a budget of Rs 3000 crore.
On the other hand BJP has alleged that 15 to 20 percent commission is demanded for allotting a house under the schemes. BJP spokesperson Sajjan Sharma said, "Maximum corruption has taken place in the ‘awas yojanas’ which will be amounting to more than Rs 1000 crore. 15 to 20 percent corruption is being held in the percentage sector."
Similarly, Congress alleged that percentage system is construction of houses is the greatest corruption of the century. Congress spokesperson Ganeswar Behera said, "In reality largest corruption is being held in this sector. If 10 percent is taken every year, you can think about the amount that is accumulated in 10 years. This corruption is spreading in a very dangerous manner."
In reply to the allegations BJD spokesperson Rabi Narayan Nanda said, "If such an incident has occurred in any place, payment has been done without construction of house or percentage has been collected during the construction, it should be complained. Enquiry will surely be done after receiving a complaint and the accused will be punished."
The State Government has set a target of providing pucca houses to 25 lakh people within 2019. It claims of providing pucca house to 11 lakh people till date.