A scam in plantation of mango saplings in Oupada block in Baleswar district has surfaced. The beneficiaries of the project under the MNREGA scheme have alleged that the officials have gulped lakhs of rupees by showing false records, while they were not given the due benefit.
According to sources, the Horticulture Department had undertaken a mango plantation drive in 45 hectares of land in 2014-15. In records, it was shown that towards plantation and maintenance of the saplings, Rs 8.85 lakh was spent. But the locals have alleged that the money was swallowed without any work on ground. Further, it was shown in records that saplings in 20 hectares died even as no plantation was done on the land.
BDO Sibananda Swain received the complaints from the beneficiaries. He said the officials didn’t come to a social audit meeting and he would take appropriate steps after conducting a probe.
According to the complainants, the first phase money was withdrawn without any plantation. They also alleged that in order to misappropriate subsidies, the officials showed in records that the beneficiaries possessed less than one acre of land each. “A probe by Vigilance can unearth the truth,” said a beneficiary, adding, that an agitation would be held if no action against the venal officials was taken.