In a swift and large-scale operation, the Odisha Vigilance Directorate has launched a thorough enquiry into alleged corruption and embezzlement of government funds in LED street lighting installation works carried out across Gram Panchayats in Kendujhar, Nayagada and Jajpur districts during 2021-22 and 2022-23.
The Vigilance has deployed 24 teams comprising 81 officers (Additional SPs, DSPs, Inspectors and supporting staff — 27 officers per district) to ensure coordinated and time-bound action.
The project — “Implementation of LED street lighting system in one village of each GP on a turnkey basis, including Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (CAMC)” — was executed under the 5th State Finance Commission (SFC) devolution grants.
During field enquiries, Vigilance teams have found massive irregularities and clear violations of tender guidelines. Vital components required for each cluster of 10 LED lights were reportedly not installed at all, including:
- Energy meters
- 500 metres of cable
- MCCB
- Eye hooks
- Suspension clamps
- Dead end clamps
- Photo switch timers
Despite this, bills were drawn and payments released as if the components had been fully installed, leading to alleged misappropriation of government funds by the executing agencies.
To accurately assess the quantum of misappropriated funds and fix responsibility on both government officials and private executing agencies, on-the-spot field technical enquiries and inspections are being conducted at 50 locations across the three districts today.
Further reports are expected as the investigation progresses.
