Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), July 17: The disbursement of funds under the ‘Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha’ scheme initiated by the previous BJD government will undergo investigation, announced Panchayati Raj Minister Rabi Naik on Wednesday. Each Panchayat was allocated Rs 50 lakh under this scheme.
“We will investigate the utilization of the Rs 50 lakh funds allocated to each Panchayat under the Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha scheme. The scheme was monitored by the Third Floor while execution was handled by block and DRDA. Work orders were issued in the name of Junior Engineers (JE). However, there is a lack of data regarding project allocations, progress, and completion. It operated without accountability, so determining responsibility is essential for the investigation into irregularities,” Naik informed reporters.
The ‘Ama Odisha Nabin Odisha’ scheme, aimed at enhancing rural infrastructure in the state, was launched on October 10, 2023, with a budget of Rs 3,397 crore. It aimed to implement over 90,723 projects across 6,794 Panchayats, focusing on village development and the promotion, preservation, and protection of Jagannath culture. Each village was slated to receive Rs 10 lakh, with Panchayats receiving Rs 50 lakh each for comprehensive development, including digital infrastructure.