Kanpur District Magistrate Takes Strict Action Over MGNREGA Financial Irregularities
In a decisive move against corruption in rural development schemes, District Magistrate Jitendra Pratap Singh on Thursday dismissed four contractual employees following the detection of significant financial irregularities in works carried out under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in Sebasu Gram Panchayat of Bilhour Development Block.
Inquiry Committee Uncovers ₹20.58 Lakh Scam
The action was initiated based on a comprehensive report submitted by a three-member inquiry committee constituted under the directives of Chief Development Officer Diksha Jain. The panel conducted a thorough examination of MGNREGA works executed in Sebasu Gram Panchayat between the financial years 2022–23 and 2024–25, along with all related payment records.
The investigation revealed financial irregularities amounting to approximately ₹20.58 lakh, exposing systematic violations of prescribed norms for work execution and payment procedures. In multiple instances, payments were released without proper scrutiny of records, indicating serious lapses in administrative oversight.
Officials Found Guilty of Multiple Violations
The inquiry committee found additional programme officers Preeti Agnihotri and Deep Singh, along with technical assistants Indra Kumar and Pramod Kumar, guilty of:
- Gross negligence in discharging their official duties
- Violation of established MGNREGA guidelines
- Commission of financial irregularities
- Failure to provide satisfactory explanations for the lapses
Consequently, all four officials were dismissed from service with immediate effect. The committee noted that serious administrative failures occurred specifically during the tenure of these accused officials.
Recovery Proceedings and Additional Actions
In related developments, officials confirmed that proceedings have been formally initiated to recover the misappropriated funds totaling ₹20.58 lakh. Show-cause notices have also been served to the then Accountant and the Block Development Officer/Programme Officer for alleged negligence in their supervisory responsibilities.
Meanwhile, additional programme officer Shishir Kumar received a stern warning from the administration, though he was not dismissed from service.
Administration's Commitment to Transparency
Chief Development Officer Diksha Jain reiterated that transparency and accountability in development works remain the administration's top priority. She emphasized that the district administration would continue to take strict action against anyone found involved in financial irregularities or negligence at any level of implementation.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges in ensuring proper implementation of rural employment guarantee schemes and the administration's determination to address corruption through rigorous monitoring and swift disciplinary action.
