The CBI probe into the alleged irregularities in implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in Orissa, has revealed that certain work orders were allegedly issued in the name of state government officials in Kalahandi and Koraput districts of the state.
According to sources the agency, which has completed its investigation into the preliminary enquiry (PE) registered to probe irregularities in implementation of the MGNREGA, is likely to file an FIR in this regard. The probe report has been submitted to the senior officials of the agency, sources added. “Final decision will be taken only after discussing the matter at higher level”, they said.
“Probe by the agency has revealed that certain work orders in Kalahandi and Koraput were allegedly awarded in the name of state government officials. This is sheer violations of the MGNREGA guidelines. The agency has also recorded statements of certain officials of the state government in this regard”, sources said. Similar violations have also been reported in Malakangiri district of the state which is being further verified, sources added.
As far as agency’s probe in Malakangiri district is concerned, CBI officials need some clarification from top officials of the state government, sources said. “The agency sleuths also want to question some state government officials of the district in this connection. Without registering a regular case, the agency does not have power to call anybody for questioning,” sources said.
The Supreme Court had earlier ordered a CBI probe into the alleged diversion of funds and non-implementation of the MGNREGA in Orissa.
The apex court had observed that the funds meant for the scheme were not reaching the intended beneficiaries. The agency is probing irregularities in implementation of the MGNREGA in 6 districts.