Bandipora, Oct 29: People of Bankoot block here have alleged misappropriation of money sanctioned under the centrally sponsored Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) scheme and demanded action against the accused officials.  
 Locals accused the concerned officials of the Rural Development Department of embezzling the funds meant for execution of various works under MNREGA.
 “In many cases, the funds have been withdrawn but the work on the project is yet to start. Besides in some cases, the works have been left half way. A glaring example of this is the construction of Bankoot road for which Rs two lakh have been withdrawn and the work is still incomplete,” the locals said.
 The locals claimed that they had apprised the Block Development officer (BDO) and Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) about the matter. “However, no action was taken. It is a serious matter that how they withdrew Rs two lakh without completing the work.
 Similarly the locals said the construction of Surbal- Sumlar road has been left half way and alleged that the money meant for it have been embezzled.
 The locals urged the Deputy Commissioner Bandipora to take up the matter with Government to stop misuse of funds under MNERGA. “We hope that the DC will initiate action against the accused officials after probe,” they said. 
 However, the Block Development Officer (BDO) Bandipora Muhammad Anwar, denied the allegations of the embezzlement and misuse of funds.
 “We have properly executed the works under MNREGA. The allegations of embezzlement of funds are baseless,” he said.

Lastupdate on : Sat, 29 Oct 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Sat, 29 Oct 2011 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sun, 30 Oct 2011 00:00:00 IST