MGNREGS ombudsman seeks vigilance probe into works

Within a month of taking charge, K Chenthamarakshan, the Ombudsman constituted for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in the district, has written to the higher authorities seeking a Vigilance probe into the works implemented under the scheme.

 The letter was addressed to the Minister for Rural Development, Planning, Culture and NORKA, Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary, Mission Director, MGNREGS Cell, Commissioner, MGNRES Cell and District Collector.

 In the letter, the Ombudsman has demanded that disciplinary proceedings be taken against the Joint District Coordinator and Joint Development Commissioner, Commissionerate of Rural Development, Thiruvananthapuram, for dereliction of duty.

 Chenthamarakshan said that he made the move after the statutory body found many anomalies in the MGNREGS activities.

 “I have got an anonymous call stating the prevalence of corrupt practices in the works related to the 100 days of guaranteed wage employment under the NREGS Act 2005.

 “From spot inspection and records that have been maintained in the gram panchayat, the statutory body found out that it is flooded with corruption,” he said.

 The Ombudsman also said that job cards were issued to many beneficiaries without even verifying their records.

 “A majority of the beneficiaries under this scheme were affluent persons with properties in rural area. Besides, a sum of Rs 84 crore had been allotted to the Ernakulam district for implementing the NREGS scheme. The entire sum had been spent for this purpose and that too with little effect,” he said.

Chenthamarakshan said that he could not get a favourable response from the Joint District Coordinator to discharge his duty.

“As per the provisions, the Ombudsman should send a monthly report to the Chief Secretary and Secretary, State Nodal Department, to recommend action against erring agencies. But I could not proceed as I was not provided with the required documents,” he said.

He also added that though he was asked by the Muvattupuzha block development officer to inspect the site, it had to be called off as the official got a strict no from the authority.

When asked, N Vinodini, Joint District Coordinator refuted the charges.

 “Ironically he is not acting on the complaints received. He never asked for the complaint register but only sought personal assistance. We don’t have any proper guidelines from the government in this regard. He could submit the proof, if he has come across any anomalies,” she said.

Vinodini added that it has become a mental torture for her to work in the existing scenario.