Cong alleges large scale corruption in Malkangiri

Malkangiri: Alleging large scale corruption and diversion of central funds meant for improving the lot of the poor in Malkangiri, the Congress on Sunday said it would launch an agitation against alleged negligence by state government in the backward district from Monday.

"We will launch protest meetings at village and gram panchayat level in the district to make people aware of the provisions under various poverty alleviation central schemes", Congress leader and local MP Pradeep Majhi said here.

The Centre was providing Rs 50 to 80 crore every year besides funds for other developmental projects for improving the lot of the people in the Maoist-hit district.

However, the state government in connivance with district officials had diverted the central funds for other purposes leaving the needy in the lurch, Majhi alleged.

Citing examples, Majhi, who represents Nabarangpur Lok Sabha constituency that inludes three Assembly segments of Malkangiri district, said the Centre had provided funds for constructing Ranchi-Vijayawada road but it was yet to start.

Similarly, construction work of the Karkatpali and Manyamgunda canal, a major demand by the Maoists as well, was also yet to be implemented, he said.

Only 20 per cent of central funds were being utilised in the district and the rest siphoned off for other purpose, Majhi said alleging that the BJD government was receiving huge funds from the Centre and utilising it elsewhere.