Two months on, no headway in probe into Labour division funds misuse in Odisha
2 min read By Express News Service
ROURKELA: Even as greater than two months have handed since Odisha Lokayukta ordered a Vigilance inquiry into alleged misappropriation of round Rs 9 crore by the officers of Labour division, the probe is but to start. This has been attributed to delay in submission of crucial paperwork to the Vigilance division by the Joint Labour Commissioner of Rourkela.
The Lokayukta, in its order dated November 3, 2020 had requested Director Vigilance to conduct a probe into the matter and submit a report inside three months. However, with the Labour division delaying submission of paperwork, it’s apprehended that the Vigilance division could have to hunt extra time for finishing the investigation. The case has been listed for listening to on February 18.
The scope of investigation covers misappropriation of funds in distribution of bicycles, security gear and dealing instruments amongst labourers and subject of pretend labour playing cards to ineligible beneficiaries. The complicity of Labour officers within the case too is meant to be investigated. The Labour workplace has attributed the delay to accessing giant variety of paperwork after looking for clearance from higher-ups.
Rourkela Vigilance SP SC Swain mentioned, “We have given a requisition to the local labour office for supply of necessary documents. We have also been sending reminders at regular intervals but till date no documents have been submitted to us.”
He mentioned as soon as the paperwork are made out there to the Vigilance division, the probe shall be expedited. Rourkela Divisional Labour Commissioner Pranab Patra couldn’t be contacted for his feedback on the matter. As per a grievance filed by one Rashmi Ranjan Padhi on December 5, 2019, discrepancies have been present in distribution of 18,734 bicycles value Rs 7.58 crore and Rs 1,615 working instruments and gear value round Rs 64.70 lakh. Padhi had filed an RTI software to entry the knowledge.
