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Ensure development of remote areas: MP

KORAPUT: Lack of accessibility to information in addition to the absence of interface mechanism with the administration was the root cause of widespread unrest and discontentment among people living in remote areas like Dasamantpur, Narayanpatna and Bandhugaon blocks of Koraput district, Giridhar Gamang, MP, Koraput, said while attending as chairman of the ‘seventh district level vigilance & monitoring committee’ meeting held here on Thursday.

Expressing concern over the absence of implementing officials in these blocks Mr. Gamang said that the developmental work was affected in most parts of the district and even resulted in non-payment of dues to the tune of Rs. 1 crore in each block even after completion of the work under NREGA, he said and urged the District Collector to depute an official in the rank of Sub-Collector to these blocks to understand the realities that the common men of the region faced and officials be made accountable for their negligence.

Alleging massive irregularities in road works in rural areas of the district, Taraprasad Bahinipati, MLA, Koraput said that construction of roads were planned to suit the interest of the contractors and ground level officials rather than looking at finding the best & shortest route for the people to cover.

Citing an example on how a road was constructed between Thelapadar and Balighat in Dasamntpur block covering a longer distance spending more than Rs. 10 lakhs where a direct road could have connected the two villages by spending only Rs.3 lakhs, Mr. Bhainipati demanded an enquiry into the alleged irregularities.

Asking the district administration to ensure regular audit at the panchayat level, Basudev Majhi, MLA, Kotpad, alleged that in absence of such measures, offenders like that of a secretary of Sadaranga panchayat in Kotpad block who was alleged to have misappropriated funds from his panchayat some 10 years ago, were left unpunished.

District Collector highlighted the importance of social audit.

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