Berhampur: The Kandhamal district administration has suspended the additional data entry operator (ADEO) and panchayat executive officer (PEO) of Daharakote panchayat in Kotagarh block for alleged misappropriation of Rs 38 lakh without executing projects under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). The suspended officials have been identified as ADEO Kansiram Digal and PEO Sutanay Mahakuda.
Action Against Other Officials
District collector Ved Bhushan has also written to the state government to take action against the concerned junior engineer and assistant executive engineer for their alleged involvement in the misappropriation of government funds. The administration has initiated steps for action against the concerned sarpanch, bare-foot technician (BFT), and others.
Recovery Notice Issued
A notice has been issued to all the accused for the recovery of the entire Rs 38 lakh within a fortnight, said the collector. He further stated that further action would be taken against them if they fail to deposit the amount. The announcement was made on Monday.
The misappropriated amount involved eight projects, including the construction of gadwall, village ponds, and roads during the financial years 2023-24 and 2024-25, according to sources. The chief executive officer (CEO) of Kandhamal zilla parishad, along with other officers, conducted an inquiry by visiting the spot after the district collector received complaints about payments being made without executing the works under MGNREGS.
During the recent inquiry, we found the misappropriation of around Rs 38 lakh, said Nandi. He has submitted the inquiry report to the collector for further action. Based on his inquiry report, action has been initiated against the errant officers, he added.
