Unmarried Girl Listed As Widow, Allotted PMAY House In Odisha

Bhadrak: In yet another case of irregularity in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in the State, an unmarried college girl was allegedly allotted a house under the scheme after being listed as a widow in Narendrapur village under Tihidi block in the district.

According to the complainant Bhagirathi Sutar, Nibedita Behera, daughter of Rabindra Behera of Narendrapur village is an unmarried girl and studying in college but a PMAY house has been allotted under her name.

Sources said, Nibedita has also received Rs 20,000 of the total 1,20, 000 rupees sanctioned to her under the scheme in the first phase.

On the other hand, Nibedita's father has clarified that he is not aware of being allotted any house under the PMAY.

Reportedly, the complainant Bhagirathi and other villagers after coming to know about the alleged irregularity informed the Block Development Officer and the district Collector about the same.

"An unmarried girl was mentioned as a widow and money was drawn in her name. We have enough proof to substantiate our allegations and have also apprised about the same to the concerned authorities, alleged Sutar.

Tihidi BDO Dibyajyoti Deo, said, "The survey team allotted the house after carrying out necessary inspection. However, if there are allegations that a college girl has been allotted the house by being mentioned as a widow then an investigation is necessary."

Deo assured that if any mala fide intentions are detected against the officers involved in the case, appropriate action would be taken against them.

On the other hand, another such allegation of PMAY scam has been reported from Puri district where the family members of Nimpada block chairperson have reportedly got three houses under the scheme. The alleged scam has come to the fore after one local moved Orissa High Court alleging the same.

One Somnath Nayak of Dahijanga village alleged that the chairperson misused her power to get the housed under PMAY scheme. However, the chairperson Manaswini Khatei refuted the allegations.

"No one from my family is a beneficiary of the PMAY scheme. The allegations are baseless and politically motivated," said Manaswini.