A joint inspection by the Roorkee joint magistrate and Khanpur MLA on Wednesday revealed irregularities in beautification of ponds being done under MNREGA. The Khanpur MLA Umesh Kumar and joint magistrate Anshul Singh conducted the joint inspection in Nagla Imarti and Jabarpur Jorasi villages acting on complaints received from villagers.

Taking serious cognisance of the matter, they directed the block development officer to get the work done according to the rules and give work to the villagers under MNREGA.  They warned that any irregularity would not be tolerated in the work of beautification of the ponds.The joint magistrate said that instead of getting the work done by MNREGA labourers, the soil was being diverted elsewhere by digging the ponds.The machine being used for the purpose was also sealed.  The MLA and joint magistrate also directed the village development officer to get the work done as per rules. The MLA said that complaints were being made by the villagers that instead of MNREGA laborers to lift the soil for the beautification of ponds, the work is being done using a mechanical excavator which is wrong.The purpose of MNREGA is to give employment to locals. He averred that various shortcomings had come to the fore during the inspection. Kumar said that the officials have been directed to ensure that MNREGA job card holders get work. He further said that he had clearly told the officials and contractors that the soil excavated from the ponds will not be sold but will be used for the embankment of the pond. Any irregularity will not be tolerated, he stressed.