Political Allegation vs. Official Record: ITDA Rayagada clarifies no irregularity in Rs 4-crore fund use
By Chandrabhanu Singh
Rayagada, Oct. 12: Amidst a wave of political claims and counterclaims, the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), Rayagada, has strongly dismissed allegations of fund misappropriation amounting to Rs 4 crore, calling them politically motivated and contrary to official records.
Project Administrator Mr. Chandrakant Majhi clarified that all project expenditures under ITDA were made through due process, administrative approval, and transparent documentation. “Every rupee spent is traceable and supported by official sanction. There has been no misuse of funds,” he stated.
Mr. Majhi referred to the proceedings of the Special Development Council (SDC) meeting held on September 28, 2023, which approved procurement and distribution of musical instruments and sports kits to all 182 Gram Panchayats in the district. The project, with a total cost of Rs 6 crore, aimed to promote tribal youth engagement and preservation of cultural identity.
He cited a letter dated February 16, 2024 (No. 186) from Ms. Anusaya Majhi, then Chairperson of SDC Rayagada, addressed to the then Collector and CEO, Ms. Swadhadev Singh, recommending procurement through the Odisha Consumers’ Co-operative Federation Ltd. (OCCF), Bhubaneswar, an apex cooperative under the State Government.
“This documentation clearly reflects that the process had full administrative knowledge and consent at every level,” Mr. Majhi emphasised, adding that all related records and approvals remain available for verification.
He also referred to a State Level Advisory Committee (SLAC) resolution dated December 15, 2020, which empowered Collectors-cum-CEOs to continue implementing SDC projects until reconstitution of the councils, ensuring continuity of tribal welfare programs.
Contrary to this, BJD leader Pradeep Majhi has recently alleged that ₹4 crore of tribal development funds under ITDA Rayagada were misappropriated, claiming irregularities in accounting and transparency.
Observers note that the timing and tone of the allegation appear politically charged, especially as documents and government correspondence indicate prior approval and procedural compliance.
Mr. Majhi concluded that ITDA Rayagada functions with integrity and accountability, and remains open to any official audit or inquiry by competent authorities.
Political Allegation vs. Official Record: ITDA Rayagada clarifies no irregularity in Rs 4-crore fund use
By Chandrabhanu Singh
Rayagada, Oct. 12: Amidst a wave of political claims and counterclaims, the Integrated Tribal Development Agency (ITDA), Rayagada, has strongly dismissed allegations of fund misappropriation amounting to Rs 4 crore, calling them politically motivated and contrary to official records.
Project Administrator Mr. Chandrakant Majhi clarified that all project expenditures under ITDA were made through due process, administrative approval, and transparent documentation. “Every rupee spent is traceable and supported by official sanction. There has been no misuse of funds,” he stated.
Mr. Majhi referred to the proceedings of the Special Development Council (SDC) meeting held on September 28, 2023, which approved procurement and distribution of musical instruments and sports kits to all 182 Gram Panchayats in the district. The project, with a total cost of Rs 6 crore, aimed to promote tribal youth engagement and preservation of cultural identity.
He cited a letter dated February 16, 2024 (No. 186) from Ms. Anusaya Majhi, then Chairperson of SDC Rayagada, addressed to the then Collector and CEO, Ms. Swadhadev Singh, recommending procurement through the Odisha Consumers’ Co-operative Federation Ltd. (OCCF), Bhubaneswar, an apex cooperative under the State Government.
“This documentation clearly reflects that the process had full administrative knowledge and consent at every level,” Mr. Majhi emphasised, adding that all related records and approvals remain available for verification.
He also referred to a State Level Advisory Committee (SLAC) resolution dated December 15, 2020, which empowered Collectors-cum-CEOs to continue implementing SDC projects until reconstitution of the councils, ensuring continuity of tribal welfare programs.
Contrary to this, BJD leader Pradeep Majhi has recently alleged that ₹4 crore of tribal development funds under ITDA Rayagada were misappropriated, claiming irregularities in accounting and transparency.
Observers note that the timing and tone of the allegation appear politically charged, especially as documents and government correspondence indicate prior approval and procedural compliance.
Mr. Majhi concluded that ITDA Rayagada functions with integrity and accountability, and remains open to any official audit or inquiry by competent authorities.
