Moradabad District Administration Launches Inquiry into Mass Wedding Scheme Irregularities
The Moradabad district administration has initiated a formal inquiry into alleged financial irregularities within the Chief Minister Samuhik Vivah Yojana. This action follows the discovery that 37 ineligible couples were improperly included on the beneficiary list during a large-scale mass wedding ceremony held on December 5 last year, which involved a total of 1,600 couples.
Complaint by BJP MLA Triggers Investigation
The issue came to light after BJP's Kundarki MLA, Ramveer Singh, filed a formal complaint alleging significant corruption in the beneficiary verification process. Singh further claimed there were irregularities in the distribution of essential household items promised under the government scheme. Acting promptly on these serious allegations, Social Welfare Minister (Independent Charge) Asim Arun directed officials to conduct a thorough physical verification of all 1,600 couples who were married under the scheme.
District-Level Committee Uncovers Widespread Lapses
District Magistrate Anuj Kumar Singh confirmed that a dedicated district-level committee was established to meticulously examine the records from the mass weddings. The committee's investigation revealed that 37 couples did not meet the established eligibility criteria for the scheme. A detailed breakdown shows that 34 of these ineligible cases originated from the Mundapandey block, while the remaining cases were distributed across the city area and other blocks within the district.
Additional Irregularities and Corrective Measures
The probe uncovered further administrative failures, noting that several eligible beneficiaries did not receive the mandatory gift kits that are a core component of the welfare scheme. District Magistrate Singh stated that the distribution of these pending items is now actively underway. He issued a stern warning, indicating that departmental action will be taken against the officials responsible for the verification lapses and the failure to ensure proper distribution.
This inquiry highlights critical gaps in the implementation and oversight of a key social welfare program, raising questions about accountability and the effective use of public funds intended for community support initiatives.
