Administrative action has been taken in Odisha’s Boudh district following allegations of corruption in the implementation of the flagship Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
An Additional Data Entry Operator (ADEO) stationed at Khatakhatia Gram Panchayat under Kantamal block has been suspended over direct involvement in financial irregularities and fraudulent documentation.
The suspended official, identified as Saroj Kumar Mahakud, came under severe administrative scrutiny after reports highlighted gross negligence in official duties and deliberate attempts to siphon off government funds meant for rural housing assistance.
Fraudulent Photo Submissions Uncovered
According to administrative sources, the breach centred on housing assistance designated for a beneficiary named Yajnaseni Banka. To inappropriately accelerate and trigger the release of the second financial instalment under the PMAY scheme, Mahakud allegedly uploaded photographs of an existing old structure, passing it off as new construction progress required under government guidelines.
The attempt to misrepresent progress on the ground for financial payout quickly drew the attention of local authorities, prompting an immediate investigation.
Strict Measures Ordered by District Administration
Taking severe note of the misconduct, financial mishandling, and breach of trust, Boudh District Collector Bibhuti Bhusan Nayak officially issued suspension orders for Saroj Kumar Mahakud.
To ensure full compliance during the ongoing administrative investigation, the Collector’s directive mandates that the suspended ADEO report to the Kantamal Tehsil office every day. Furthermore, Mahakud has been strictly prohibited from leaving the Kantamal area without obtaining prior written permission from higher authorities.
Further disciplinary and legal actions are anticipated as administrative proceedings progress.
