PCC working president Pradeep Majhi on Friday alleged that a corruption of Rs 300 crore committed in purchases of masks, helmets and gloves for workers by the Labour Department during the Covid lockdown period.
Majhi told a Press conference that there are 28,22,696 construction workers registered with the State Government. The Odisha Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board provides for Rs 1,000 for purchase of safety equipments and Rs 3,999 for work equipments to each worker. These equipments have been purchased at higher prices than actual rates. This way, Rs 300 crore has been misappropriated from the State exchequer.
“Let’s take Malkangiri, Angul and Cuttack districts as examples. A shovel whose actual cost is Rs 170 has been brought at Rs 397. Safety shoes have been bought at Rs 413 against its actual cost ranging between Rs 110 and Rs 280. Masks have been brought at Rs 80 against actual cost ranging between Rs 2.50 and Rs 10,” he alleged.
Majhi demanded a probe into the allegation and ouster of the Labour Minister at the earliest.
Among others, former Finance Minister Panchanan Kanungo, Smrutirekha Pahi, Rashmi Mohapatra and Deepak Mohapara were present.