Viral bribe audio clip triggers action against Labour Department officer in Jagatsinghpur

The Jagatsinghpur District Collector has issued a show-cause notice to the District Labour Officer (DLO) following the circulation of an audio clip allegedly linked to a bribe demand under the Construction Workers’ Welfare Scheme. The officer has been directed to submit an explanation within two days.

Allegations of Irregularities in Welfare Scheme

The controversy came to light after Dhruva Charan Paital, a construction worker from Balikuda block, alleged irregularities in the processing of his application for financial assistance from the Construction Workers’ Welfare Fund. Paital had applied for the aid to support the education of his son and daughter.

According to the complaint, data entry operator Pushpita Sadangi allegedly demanded money to approve the application.

Beneficiary Allegedly Declared ‘Dead’

Paital alleged that when he refused to pay the bribe, his name was deliberately marked as “dead” on the department’s official website, resulting in the rejection of his application. The issue triggered public outrage after an audio clip purportedly related to the bribe demand went viral on social media.

Action Initiated Against Data Entry Operator

District Labour Officer Smrutirekha Nayak said the data entry operator has been barred from reporting to office and that a report recommending her termination has been submitted to the Labour Commissioner.

 “She has been asked not to report to the office, and a report has been submitted to the Labour Commissioner recommending her termination. An FIR has also been registered against her. She has not been assigned any official work, and a detailed inquiry should be conducted,” Nayak said.

Collector Seeks Accountability, Probe Underway

Meanwhile, the District Collector has sought a detailed explanation from the District Labour Officer regarding the incident. No response has been received so far from the accused data entry operator.

Authorities said further investigation is underway to establish the facts and fix responsibility in the matter.