Serious allegations of corruption, misuse of official position by govt officer

BDO denies charge, says probe has revealed no irregularities

BY CB SINGH

Rayagada: Chandrapur block under Odisha’s Rayagada district, a thickly populated forested area with 60 to 70 per cent of illiterate, economical poor scheduled tribe and schedule caste (ST and SC) and other backward classes, – is suffering from lack of development.

Plagued with corruption and nepotism, – this block now craves for cleansing act by higher authorities.

Officers of the block are allegedly demanding percentage from each work from over the representatives of people executing various works. They are also allegedly misappropriating the government funds. The officers are also allegedly making money from allotments of houses to the needy and downtrodden people.

Deserving persons are not allotted houses as they cannot bribe, says former Chandrapur block chairman Bhima Gagarenga.

“Such things happen more particularly in cash of distribution of old age pension, widow pension, Madhubabau Pension scheme ration card which are meant for the poor public. BDO Bikash Chandra Baino misuses his power and allows avoids to hold the Palli sabha. Ultimately he appoints his own JE, GPTA , PEO for construction of CC Road, new connected road, embankments and culverts and the execution at his choice, which all are of sub-standard works. Likewise, last 8 month ago one vigilance officer from Rayagada had visited this block after receive allegation from local people, to look after one CC road being constructed at Rs 8 lakh. And many more manipulating are happening this block sir. Even the Indira Abash Yojana, Biju Pucca Houses area also allotted to other than BPL category persons taking huge money from them for which the deserved poor persons are deprived to avail the same,” Mr Gagarenga has informed in a letter to the district collector.

He has requested the collector to ensure that the tribals people’s representatives are given due importance.

The BDO Mr Baino, however, rubbished the charge. He said all allegations against him were motivated and malign his image.

“I’ve been working here tirelessly. But some people are trying to defame me. Probe into all allegations have proved that no irregularities have taken place,” said Mr Baino, adding, he welcomed all sorts of inquiries.