Large-scale irregularities in farm pond excavation have come to the fore in Jaleswar block of Balasore district. A beneficiary has allegedly submitted two bills and withdrawn money from two departments for excavating one pond in one plot.
According to the allegation, the Agriculture Department has paid ` 36,555 to one Purnima Das Adhikari for excavating a pond on plot number 448 and ‘khata’ number 37 in Ekada village under Khalina panchayat, for which Panchayati Raj Department also paid ` 22,680.
While Agriculture Department sanctioned the project under Rastriya Krushi Vikash Yojana, the Panchayati Raj Department carried out the soil excavation work under MGNREGS. Agriculture Department also paid ` 66,558 for putting polythene at the bottom of the pond to store water for a long time for fish seed farming. An investigation revealed, the money from the Panchayati Raj Department had been withdrawn in the name of 14 job card holders. Though one work order has been issued without any number and date, completion date has been mentioned as June 18, 2012.
Following an application dated February 22, 2012, submitted by the beneficiary, for dredging the pond and polythene sheets, the Agriculture Department has paid ` 36,555 on March 29 and ` 66,558 on October 20 respectively. Though on paper, the job has been mentioned as completed, officials in the department were reluctant to divulge details. A reality check revealed the pond excavation has not been done as per the specifications mentioned in the scheme. Locals alleged that the beneficiary in connivance with the officials of both Panchayati Raj and Agriculture departments had siphoned off the government funds by submitting false bills. Jaleswar BDO Gopinath Kuanr assured to inquire into the allegation.