Mrunal Manmay Dash

Balasore: A report of irregularity originating from Mahabala village under Baliapal block of Balasore District concerning distribution of work order for construction of houses under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) has raised serious questions on the implementation of CM Naveen’s 5T model of governance.

As per reports, one Jibanakrushna Jena of Mahabala village received the work order to build a pucca house for him under PMAY. However, it was alleged that Jiban was given the grant amount of Rs 90,000 in three instalments even as he showed pictures of his old house which he had built earlier.

The incident came to the fore after the villagers intervened and took up the matter with the local Block Development Officer (BDO). They alleged that the real beneficiaries are deprived of a pucca house only because of such corruptions.

Sukumar Das, a complainant said, “Jiban has embezzled Rs 90,000 by showing his old house. After we complained and an investigation ensued, he immediately constructed a roof on his old house by removing asbestos sheets as advised by those corrupt officials.”

However, refuting the allegations, Jiban said, “The house that I have built with the PMAY grant is the newer one at the front. It's true that I was living in the old house which is in the backside. But the allegations are completely false.”

On the other hand, BDO LadaMurmu said, “It doesn’t seem possible to me. However, if there is any irregularity, we will take action after proper investigation.”

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