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Keonjhar: Large-scale corruption in Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) resurfaced in Odisha with another such allegation of irregularities in the central housing scheme being reported from Raghunathpur village under Sadar block in the district.
As per the allegations, PMAY funds of 11 beneficiaries have been embezzled. Taking the advantage of the innocence of the villagers, some officials have allegedly gobbled up the money.
It is alleged that half-constructed houses have been reportedly geo-tagged and shown as completed just to draw the beneficiary money.
Sukra Munda alleged that when he approached the concerned officials while raising concerns about his half-constructed house under the scheme, he was informed that his PMAY fund (Rs 1.3 lakh) has been spent in the initial construction works and no further construction could be done.
"I initially withdrew Rs 20,000 and gave them for the construction works but they didn't complete the work and told me that the entire fund under the scheme has already been spent," said another beneficiary, Murlidhar Munda.
Meanwhile, the district rural development director, Udhav Charan Majhi said, "We will send a team to investigate, beneficiary-wise, the reason behind the incomplete works."
Majhi further said that action will be taken against those found guilty and steps will be taken to complete the half-constructed houses of the PMAY beneficiaries.
Baruda sarpanch, Hara Prasad Gouda alleged that the block officials are neglecting the deserving beneficiaries. "People who have lands and also family members in government jobs are getting the benefits of the scheme but the deserving people are being neglected," said Gouda.
Comments of the block officials could not be obtained on the allegations brought in by the Baruda sarpanch.
