Kandhamal Officials Suspended Over ₹38 Lakh MGNREGA Fraud

Kandhamal district authorities have suspended an Additional Development Officer (ADO) and a Panchayat Executive Officer (PEO) following allegations of a Rs 38 lakh fraud in Dharakot Panchayat

The irregularities reportedly occurred under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme during pond excavation work.

District Collector ordered the suspensions after complaints of inflated expenses and irregular documentation surfaced.

Recommendations have also been made to suspend a Junior Engineer and an Assistant Engineer linked to the project.

Villagers’ alleged misuse of funds meant for community assets sparked strong local reactions.

Authorities have assured strict action against those found guilty, emphasising transparency and accountability in rural development projects.