Irregularities in ongoing works at various locations of Tarbha NAC in Subarnapur district under the Mukhyamantri Karma Tatpara Abhiyan (MUKTA) have sparked strong resentment among the local denizens.
In order to provide employment opportunities to the urban poor, on February 1, 2021, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had launched the wage scheme to generate employment during the Covid-19 lockdown. Activities like storm water drainage, rainwater harvesting, green cover, increased sanitation, creation of community centers, etc are taken up under the scheme which is funded by the State Government from its own budget. However, despite repeated complaints against irregularities in the scheme, the department officials were not showing seriousness towards the issue.
The locals alleged that use of sub-standard construction materials, lack of supervision by Junior Engineer (JE) and unholy nexus between the contractors and officials have led to substandard works. Srikanta Meher, a local, said the engineers were busy collecting their percentage; so, the contractors were forced to use sub standard construction materials to meet the budget. A few newly constructed rain water harvesting works are totally a waste, he added. Locals meanwhile have demanded a Vigilance inquiry into ongoing works in Tarbha NAC under MUKTA Yojana and immediate transfer of venal ones.
