Bhubaneswar: At a time while the State Government is boasting of 'zero tolerance' towards corruption, its inaction in the large-scale irregularities worth Rs 4 crore in large area multi-purpose cooperative societies (LAMPS) in the undivided Koraput region even after three years has exposed the extent of truth behind such claims.
As per reports, the MD and employees of as many as 11 LAMPS in undivided Koraput region had embezzled around Rs 4.10 crore by making bogus bills related to paddy procurement and transportation between 2012 and 2015.
Malkangiri MLA Manas Madkami himself had urged the Cooperation Minister Surya Narayan Patro to look into the matter on January 31 this year following which the minister had directed the department to take action against errant officials. But even as 10 months have elapsed, no action has been initiated.
Only recently the Cooperation department directed the Jeypore and Rayagada divisions to probe the matter and submit reports within 7 days.
Meanwhile, delayed action in the matter has raised questions on the role of the government.
The Opposition parties came down heavily on the State government for its negligent attitude.
Congress MLA Angsuman Mohanty said "This is not the only incident as we have also seen corruption in Markfed in Rajnagar. Enquiry is also pending into that and we believe that even if the government releases a probe report, it will be a mala fide one.
BJP Spokesperson, Prithviraj Harichandan said "The state government is very much aware about the corruption and the MLAs & ministers of the ruling party also have a share in that. So the government should come out clean and order for a probe into the incident."
However, Cooperation Minister, Surya Narayan Patro said that a vigilance probe has been ordered in connection with the alleged scam. "We hope that its report will come out soon so that action will be taken against the guilty," he said.