lists of names of the rural housing scheme beneficiaries would be displayed at gram panchayat offices soon, said Panchayati Raj Secretary Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh.
Singh said District Collectors had made this suggestion in the recently-held Collectors’ conference and the State Government has accepted it.
The rationale behind such a move is to inform beneficiaries whether they have been allotted houses under the rural housing scheme.
“While left-out eligible beneficiaries can re-apply to claim a house seeing the displayed list, it will also help in curbing the per cent (PC) taking culture,” he said adding that action would be taken against those who are found taking PC regardless of their designation.
Singh Budgetary allocation for Rural Housing Programme has been increased from Rs 300 crore to Rs 3,000 crore in Odisha.
The State Vigilance Directorate has already started a special drive to nab Government officials and others involved in corrupt practices in allotment of houses under the scheme.
Notably, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had issued a strict order to the Collectors at the workshop to keep a tab on the allegedly rampant ‘PC Culture’ at the panchayat level.
The State Government has also issued a toll free no 18003456768 for registering complaints by the victims.
According to sources, the Panchayti Raj department has received as many as 140 complaints till date through the toll free number and sent teams to some spots for enquiry.
Most of the complaints have been lodged against Sarpanches and PRI members. While action has been taken in 26 cases, cases have been registered based on some other complaints.