Ombudsman detects misuse of funds in MGNREGS

Of which, the violators have already deposited Rs 30,000 to the MGNREGS account. The remaining amount is expected to be deposited within 15 days.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Ombudsman Sheena Shetty said that about 13 works taken up under MGNREGS were inspected. Of which, there were loopholes in 12 works.

The villagers had alleged that there was misappropriation in the work taken up under MGNREGS. Accordingly, the Belthangady TP EO had submitted his report on November 16. The report had highlighted non beneficiary getting the benefits, students and married women, who no longer reside in the village and anganwadi workers getting the benefit of the scheme.

The Ombudsman had conducted spot inspection and inquiry on October 22, November 3, November 8, Novemebr 26 and November 30 respectively to find out the loopholes and misappropriation of funds under the Act. During the probe, the secretary had revealed that as none had come forward to take up work for low wages under MGNREGS, a contractor was asked to take up the work.

Of the six roads taken up under MGNREGS, five road proposals were taken up without getting administrative approval from the Gram Panchayat.

The money to be recovered from six road works include Rs 30,250, two retaining walls—Rs 13,875, construction of individual wells—4,375, Halekkibailu vented dam—12,375 and work taken up through horticulture department—Rs 9,225.

During the probe, it was found that the Gram Panchayat authorities have failed to maintain Form No 6 and 8 properly. As per the Act, photographs of the development work in three stages are essential. However, in Marodi Gram Panchayat, it was not maintained. There was no information board on the site where the work was taken up.

The Ombudsman has also asked Gram Panchayat Secretary, Clerk, Junior Engineer, Horticulture Assistant and Watershed department Assistant to pay a fine of Rs 1,000 on the grounds of dereliction of duty under Section 25 of MGNREGS Act. It was also found that the officials have failed to follow the guidelines of MGNREGS while implementing the work.

Highlights in EO’s report

According to the report, in a work related to the development of Kallaradda road in Peradi village, the name of Rathnakar Indra who is seriously ill and can not walk has been included in the the Management Information System (MIS). However, the wage has not been deposited in his account.

Similarly, in the work on construction of an open well in the land belonging to Yashodhara Acharya alias Sundar Acharya, college student Jayalakshmi’s name has been included in the MIS. Accordingly, a sum of Rs 875 has been deposited to the account of her father Mahabala Shetty. In reality, she has not worked under the project.

According to the documents of the GP, Gujjottu to Halekki road was developed from March 23, 2011 to March 30, 2011 and a sum of Rs 4,500 has been utilised. However, in Nominal Muster Roll (NMR), one Ramanna’s name has been registered, who passed away on June 26, 2010. 

In the work related to Paraneeru private school road development work, students Surendra and Sulochana have not rendered their service. However, a sum of Rs 7,000 was found deposited in their account. Shetty said that the Gram Panchayat Secretary, Clerk and Udyoga Mithra have given a declaration that they will work towards the making corruption free, model GP.