A major scam has been unearthed in the MGNREGA scheme in Kotam Salve village of Latehar district. An illegal withdrawal of Rs 38,598 was made by creating a fake job card in the name of a minor student, prompting demands for action.
Latehar: A significant scam has come to light in the MGNREGA scheme in the Latehar district of Jharkhand. In Kotam Salve village of Garu block, an illegal withdrawal of Rs 38,598 was made as wages by creating a fake job card in the name of a 12-year-old student. AJSU District President Amit Pandey has termed this a serious case of corruption, questioned the role of the Panchayat Secretary and Employment Sevak, and demanded strict action against those responsible.
Amount Withdrawn by Creating Fake Job Card Using Aadhaar Card
The AJSU District President stated that a fake job card was issued using the Aadhaar card of 12-year-old Arsh Hussain, a student of Class 6 at Middle School Kotam. Wages were withdrawn from several MGNREGA schemes based on this fake card.
In this fraudulent scheme, Rs 10,434, Rs 10,152, and Rs 16,320 were withdrawn from the Bagatoli Birsa Munda Mango Horticulture schemes, respectively. In total, Rs 38,598 was withdrawn in the name of the minor, which is a direct violation of both the MGNREGA Act and the Juvenile Justice Act.
AJSU Raises Serious Questions
AJSU District President Amit Pandey said that such irregularities in MGNREGA, an ambitious scheme of the government, are highly condemnable. He accused the Panchayat Secretary, Employment Sevak, and BPO of collusion, stating that this exposes the ugly face of corruption.
He demanded that FIRs be registered against the culprits, they be suspended, and the recovery of the illegally withdrawn amount be ensured. Pandey added that this case is not just about one village but reflects negligence across the entire system.
Memorandum to be Submitted to Administration
The AJSU party has announced that a written application will be submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, Latehar, regarding this matter. The party clarified that if the administration does not take prompt action, they will be compelled to launch a public movement.
Pandey stated that siphoning off money meant for poor and needy laborers in this manner is a severe blow to social justice and the credibility of the schemes. He urged the administration to conduct an impartial investigation and take strict action.
