BHADRAK: After the Mid-day Meal scheme, a large-scale misappropriation of funds in the purchase of cement has come to the fore. Cement worth around ` 35 lakh has been misappropriated in Basudevpur block.
Sources said 30,000 bags of cement were purchased in 2010-11 for infrastructure development in the block. It is, however, alleged that only 20,000 bags were mentioned in the stock register. Later during an inquiry it was found that 14,423 bags were missing from the godown.
According to a letter sent by BDO Saroj Dash to the DRDA Project Director, it is mentioned that 14,423 bags of cement worth ` 35,19,212 has been misappropriated by a clerk of the block in two phases. In the letter, it has also been stated that the clerk admitted to the misappropriation and agreed to refund the money or cement. The BDO, however, recommended legal action against the clerk. Meanwhile, it is alleged that some other officials of the block may also be involved in the scam.
Investigations revealed that though more than 700 bags of cement have been used in the construction activities in Naikanidihi, Brahmanigaon, Balimeda and two other panchayats, it has not been mentioned in the stock register. Cement has also been provided to a few private organisations illegally.
DRDA Project Director Gopabandhu Pradhan said that he had received the letter from the BDO who held the clerk responsible for the misappropriation. “A fresh probe will be conducted and if required the case will be handed over to the Vigilance,” he promised.