Embezzlement in MGNREGA funds SVC directs VO to conduct Preliminary Enquiry;BDO exposes dishonesty of VLW

STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Jammu November 15, 2016: While hearing a complaint lodged by the then Block Development Officer (BDO), Lamberi (Reasi), alleging therein large scale irregularities and misappropriation of Government funds besides misusing of official position by Village Level Worker(VLW), Lamberi, the State Vigilance Commission (SVC) has asked Vigilance Organization (VO) to conduct preliminary enquiry in the matter and submit status report to the Commission on December 28, 2016.
Appreciating the courage and honesty exhibited by Mr J.N.Sharma, presently posted as BDO, Chasana, district Reasi in exposing irregularities and misappropriation of Government funds committed by VLW (Village Level Worker), the Chief Vigilance Commissioner said that the officer has set an example for others to follow. He said that such officials need to be encouraged, who will come forward and vividly raise voice against the corruption and corrupt practices being practised by their colleagues. He said emerging this tendency among the Government officials is a good sign and will go a long way in eradicating corruption in the State. Earlier, the Commission has received a complaint from J.N.Sharma alleging therein that one Roshan Lal a Village Level Worker (VLW) of block Lamberi, district Reasi has embezzled huge Government funds, meant for execution of MGNREGA works in block Lamberi, by way of drawing money from time to time on fictitious bills and muster rolls. He further alleged that VLW has misused his official position and in league with Sarpanch Bagnoti transferred funds, earmarked for MGNREGA works, from Panchayat Halqa Bagnoti into the account of Surpanch Bagnoti lead to heavy financial loss to the State Exchequer.
The Commission observed that matter involves public interest as the object of MGNREGA scheme is to improve the basic amenities of the people living in rural areas but the corruption seems to be the main hurdle in implementation of this scheme in our state. It is astonished to know that the Government officials, who are assigned to implement MGNREGA schemes are themselves indulging in corrupt practices, said the Commission, adding that the trend needs to be nipped in the bud.