Graft worth 143 cr detected in govt welfare schemes

Srikakulam: Regional Vigilance and Enforcement department officials detected irregularities to the tune of Rs 143.25 crore in the implementation of various government works and schemes. 

Regional Vigilance and Enforcement Officer (RVEO) T Hari Krishna briefed details of irregularities for 2018 at a press conference in Srikakulam on Monday. Hari Krishna said notices were served to concerned officials for recovery of Rs 90 crore and a sum of Rs 17.75 crore was recovered so far from the officials.

Vigilance teams also recovered Rs 25 crore towards royalty from illegal quarries in two districts from its owners, he added. He said the officials also found anomalies in Neeru-Chettu and irrigation works and recommended action against 39 officials.

They also booked cases regarding violations in civil supplies and recovered goods worth Rs 1.22 crore. With the aid of police, the vigilance teams booked 13 cases against selling and transporting of gutka and khainee packets.

The vigilance teams also acted against 12 manufacturers of mineral water for violation of quality standards and exposed selling of stale food and use of banned colours in food items in hotels.

The teams also submitted reports to government on violation of safety rules by private schools’ managements in maintaining their school buses. Vigilance DSP K Bhargava Rao Naidu, CI G Chandra were also present.