Chief Secretary AP Padhi has directed all district Collectors to implement the rural housing scheme as ‘zero tolerance against corruption’ programme and ensure that all eligible beneficiaries get pucca house in time.
Padhi has written to the Collectors in this regard.
“Collectors have been asked to keep strict vigil on execution of the rural housing scheme and take immediate action against officials and non-officials found indulging in corrupt practices,” Padhi said adding that the departmental proceedings and criminal cases would be initiated against anyone found corrupt.s
According to official sources, more than 11.5 lakh households living in kutcha houses have got pucca houses during the last three years.
Padhi, however, pointed that though the scheme achieved successe due to sincere efforts by several officials, yet a few occurrences of corrupt practices by some officials and non-officials have come to the notice of the Government.
He informed that the list of eligible households is already available at respective GP offices, AWC/schools buildings and other prominent places in villages.
“About one lakh objections for excluding the ineligible beneficiaries have been received. Inquiry into these complaints will be completed by this month-end,” Padhi asserted.
Stating that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has emphasised on improving citizen centric services through 3Ts, technology, teamwork and transparency, Padhi said, “We will ensure that selection of beneficiaries in rural housing scheme is being done in a transparent selection process. For this, massive campaigns will be undertaken through mike announcements, wall paintings, media advertisements and observance of Awaas Diwas and Gaon Sampark Sibirs.”
In case of deliberate delay by officials, concerned beneficiaries can upload the pictures of their under-construction houses on Awaassoft mobile app, he said.
The Government has issued a toll free helpline number 1800-345- 6768 for lodging of complaints and providing other information. The number is operational from 10am to 5pm on all working days,” officials said.