Cuttack: Stepping up its exercise against corruption in rural housing scheme, the vigilance department today launched dedicated telephone numbers to receive complaints directly from people regarding any bribery issues.
People can directly contact the Vigilance directorate, Cuttack on 0671-2305988 and six of its regional offices including Bhubaneswar (0674-2397748), Berhampur (0680-2282300), Sambalpur (0663-2412115), Balasore (255005), Koraput (233330), Cuttack Division (0671-2305682).
“The vigilance officials have been directed to act immediately soon after they receive the complaint. We appealed to the people to assist us to curb corruption completely,” vigilance director RP Sharma said at a press meet.
As many as 37 cases related to graft in rural housing programme have been registered so far while nine people have been arrested for their alleged involvement in such irregularities. Investigation of 76 cases is in progress while 48 secret verifications are being conducted, Sharma added.
The special drive came after Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik stressed on abolishing ‘pc’ culture in block levels at the Collectors meet in March.
Meanwhile, State government declared to keep the housing scheme beneficiaries away from other welfare programmes if they divert the housing funds they get under rural housing scheme. “The erring beneficiaries would have to pay back the amount sanctioned for building pucca house. They would not be included in other government schemes until they return the amount. Action may also be initiated against them if needed. Any government officials found involved in the irregularities will also face action,” Panchayati Raj secretary Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh said.