In the Singwad taluka of Gujarat, serious allegations of corruption have emerged regarding the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) projects. Residents of Bhutkhedi village have raised concerns about the slow progress of stone barriers and check dams that were approved in 2021 but only recently began construction. This delay has led to suspicions of financial irregularities, prompting locals to petition the Chief Minister for an investigation.
The villagers allege that over ₹4 crore worth of material bills have been fraudulently filed for projects that have not been completed. They question how these approvals were granted when the district has not seen any recent administrative clearance for such works. The locals have demanded accountability from the technical staff and MGNREGA officials involved in this matter.
This situation is not isolated. Similar corruption scandals have been reported in the nearby districts of Dahod, including the recent revelations of millions being misappropriated in MGNREGA funds. Police investigations are ongoing, and some agency owners are reportedly evading arrest.
The Bhutkhedi community is particularly vocal about their grievances. They claim that official documents show projects that never materialized, and funds were misappropriated without any actual work being done. For instance, the records indicate that in the financial years of 2021/22 and 2022/23, substantial amounts were allocated for works that remain unfinished.
Despite repeated requests for an inquiry, little action has been taken, leading residents to approach higher authorities, including the District Development Officer of Dahod. They argue that the continuous delays in investigation are allowing corruption to thrive.
Currently, seven stone barrier projects have been initiated at the site, yet local beneficiaries assert that these are merely a cover-up for the earlier fraudulent activities. They report that materials are being used for works that were supposedly approved years ago, raising further questions about the integrity of the ongoing projects.
The community members, led by local activist Charpot Ramabhai, are determined to see justice served. They have urged the Chief Minister to take swift action against the officials involved and ensure that the funds meant for rural development are used appropriately and transparently.
As the situation unfolds, the residents of Singwad and Bhutkhedi remain hopeful that their voices will be heard, and those responsible for the corruption will be held accountable. They stress the importance of MGNREGA in improving their livelihoods and demand that the government uphold its commitment to transparency and fairness in rural development projects.
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