Assam: Suspension of Block Development Officer Over PMAY-G Scheme Irregularities

GUWAHATI: In a resolute move to address improprieties in the allocation of houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), the Panchayat and Rural Development Department in Assam's Bongaigaon district has taken decisive action. On Wednesday, they suspended the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Manikpur Development Block, Manjushri Ghosh. The suspension comes in the wake of multiple allegations of discrepancies and irregularities in the implementation of the housing scheme during Ghosh's tenure.

The suspension order was executed in accordance with Rule 6(1) of the Assam Service (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1964. It signifies a significant step toward accountability and transparency in government services. Ghosh's suspension is pending further departmental proceedings, which will be conducted after a comprehensive investigation exposed numerous discrepancies and irregularities in the allocation and construction of houses under PMAY-G during her term as BDO.

According to the suspension order, the investigation yielded several disturbing findings:

1. Some beneficiaries of the PMAY-G scheme were discovered to already possess permanent houses on the same property, raising questions about the necessity of providing additional housing under the scheme.

2. Many houses that were marked as 'completed' in the AwaasSoft portal were found to be physically incomplete during field inquiries. These discrepancies include missing doors and windows, indicating a failure to meet the program's construction requirements.

3. Instances were identified where multiple members of the same family received separate PMAY-G houses, triggering concerns about equitable resource distribution and whether these families genuinely needed multiple houses.

4. Issues related to job cards, such as incomplete or missing job cards, payment discrepancies, and problems with job card issuance, were discovered in certain cases. This suggests potential irregularities in maintaining job cards and the payment process.

5. No completed houses were found to display the PMAY-G logo, indicating non-compliance with program requirements.

6. Some beneficiaries continued construction beyond the plinth level, even though not all installments had been released. This indicates a lack of timely inspections, even after several months had passed since the first installment was released.

7. Despite apparent separations within families, it was observed that multiple family members continued to share kitchens or live in close proximity to permanent houses, suggesting irregularities in the scrutiny of family arrangements and eligibility.

Additionally, some beneficiaries raised concerns, including allegations of solicitation for money and the collection of personal information.

This suspension showcases the commitment of the Panchayat and Rural Development Department to uphold the integrity of government schemes and ensure they reach the deserving beneficiaries. It sends a strong message that irregularities and discrepancies in welfare schemes will not be tolerated, and those responsible will be held accountable. Further departmental proceedings will shed more light on the extent of the issues and determine appropriate action.

ALSO READ: TRIPURA: Two Women Arrested While Trying to Smuggle Ganja

ALSO WATCH: