Rajendra Prasad Mohapatra

Bolangir: Tension prevailed in the Paikamal block of the district on Thursday after members of Self Help Groups (SHGs) staged an indefinite protest in front of the block office over the alleged irregularities in the selection of Sattu distribution.

The Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) had reportedly issued a notice to all SHGs to apply for the preparation and distribution of Sattu in the block. However the members of the SHGs alleged that the block administration had resorted to favouritism in allotting the job to one particular group without informing others.

“The selected group doesn’t have the necessary machines to make Sattu. Earlier the group was omitted from the selection on that basis following an investigation by the Collector. But we are surprised to find the group in the final selection list,” alleged Janhabi Patnaik, a protestor.

“We have complained about the favouritism before the block authorities, but in vain. We will continue our protest till the allocation is withdrawn,” she said.

Meanwhile, ICDs official Santishini Guru stated that the particular group has been selected in pursuance of the Collector’s order.

“We have received the complaint by the SHG groups. Our district office has ordered an investigation into the incident. We have already started the probe and will submit the report to the district office soon. The district office will take a final call on it,” said Guru.

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