MGNREGA team in Faridkot to probe ‘irregularities’

Tribune News Service

Faridkot, July 9

To probe the allegations of irregularities in utilisation of MGNREGA funds in various development works in this Assembly constituency during the last one year, a Central team, led by Dharmvir Jha, Director, MGNREGA, reached here this evening.

Taking cognisance of a complaint, forwarded by SAD chief Sukhbir Badal, the Union Ministry of Rural Development has deputed Jha to probe the allegations and submit the report by July 15. An Akali leader and former sarpanch of Sadhuwala village in Faridkot had highlighted the alleged irregularities in the use of MGNREGA funds in many villages of Faridkot. On June 25, Sukhbir forwarded his complaint to the Centre, demanding necessary action.

Following this, Kushaldeep Singh Dhillon, Congress MLA from Faridkot, accused Sukhbir of trying to stop central grants under MGNREGA to the state. “He has chosen Faridkot to hit me in a vengeance act. Being the chairman of Committee of Privileges of the Punjab Vidhan Sahba, I had dared to summon Sukhbir for making derogatory comments against the Speaker,” alleged Dhillon.

In the complaint to the Union Ministry of Rural Development, it has been alleged that there were many cases of use of MGNREGA funds on individual’s land. Instead of making use of funds for public cause and giving benefit to eligible persons, there were many instances of fund misuse in many villages of Faridkot.

The allegations 

• In the complaint to the Union Ministry of Rural Development, it has been alleged that there were many cases of use of MGNREGA funds on individual's land. 
• Instead of making use of funds for public cause and giving benefit to eligible persons, there were many instances of fund misuse in many villages of Faridkot.