Corruption deep rooted in Odisha Works Department: Congress

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Congress today lashed out at the State government alleging that the Works Department is deep rooted in corruption and the illegal percentage commission (PC) practice in government works is rampant.

Addressing a presser here at the party office, Congress media cell chief, Satya Nayak alleged that the appointment of the secretary of the Works Department on ad hoc basis even after retirement has been done to continue such corrupt practices.

"The entire Works Department is presently running on ad hoc policy flouting the norms. The current secretary of the department is not a permanent one. The reason behind this only PC," alleged Nayak.

The concerned secretary even roped in as many as 33 officials and engineers of the department on ad hoc basis after retirement. The government is not appointing a new secretary or recruiting new engineers deliberately, he further alleged.

However, the ruling-BJD refuted the allegations terming them false and baseless.

BJD spokesperson Sasmit Patra said, "The position of Congress in Odisha is miserable. The party is presently in ICU and by making frivolous and baseless allegations; it is belittling its own image."

Earlier in the day, Nayak termed the 'Make in Odisha' conclave as 'Break in Odisha' stating that it is a new way for the Odisha government to collect funds.