In Deesa, a city in Gujarat, the Congress party has raised serious allegations against the local municipal administration. They claim there have been major irregularities in the funding for the Rain Basera project. The Congress committee submitted a petition to the Chief Officer of the municipality and the District Officer, demanding action.
According to reports, the Gujarat government allocated ₹36,50,000 (thirty-six lakh fifty thousand) to build ten Rain Baseras in Deesa. However, Congress leaders allege that not a single Rain Basera has been constructed to date. Additionally, they claim that funds meant for the project have been misused for other purposes. They assert that the sites mentioned for construction show no evidence of any building work.
Many Congress workers were present during the protest against the municipal administration. They accused the officials of corruption, stating that even in a scheme designed to provide shelter for the poor and homeless, irregularities are taking place. This, they say, is highly condemnable. They have called for an impartial investigation and strict action against those responsible. If immediate steps are not taken, Congress has warned of a larger protest.
The issue has gained more attention after a team from the Taluka Development Officer began an investigation. It was reported that between 2019 and 2023-24, although ₹36 lakh was approved for the ten Rain Baseras, none have been built. This revelation caused a stir, prompting the authorities to take action. The District Development Officer has now assigned a team to investigate. The Taluka Development Officer, Jai Chaudhary, announced that a report will be submitted in four days.
The Rain Basera project was initiated by the state government to provide shelters for the poor, labourers, and travellers. The funding was approved from the District Planning Board. Initially, the Taluka Development Officer was appointed as the implementing officer for the years 2019 to 2022-23. However, for the Rain Basera to be built in 2024, the Chief Officer took over this role.
Despite these arrangements, an RTI inquiry revealed that no Rain Baseras were constructed at the designated locations. Nonetheless, ₹36 lakh was disbursed. The revelation of this fraud has led to significant public outcry. Following instructions from the District Development Officer, the Taluka Development Officer has formed an immediate investigation committee. This team will inspect the locations and report back on the actual situation.
The Taluka Development Officer stated, “Our investigation team will present the facts within four days. If there has been misuse of funds, actions will be taken according to district orders.” The scandal has drawn comparisons to other fraud cases in the district, causing further outrage. Local residents are demanding strict legal action against all those involved in this scandal, including the Taluka Development Officer, Chief Officer, and engineers. There is a strong expectation for the authorities to act decisively against those responsible for this misappropriation of funds.
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