Flaws in pension, NREGA works found

Atmakuru: A social audit has revealed misappropriation of Rs 19,10,300 in disbursement of social welfare pensions in Atmakuru Nagar Panchayat. Also, it found out misappropriation of Rs 27,72,397 in the execution of 73 NREGA works in the Nallamala forest area.

Social audit officials ordered recovery of the pension amount from the erring persons. The misappropriation was related to 7,102 pension accounts. A sum of Rs 2,89,500 has been drawn by landlords, Anganwadi workers and those who are not eligible to seek pension in the name of dead persons allegedly in cohorts with politicians.

During 2016-17, the forest department executed 73 works that include construction of check-dams, digging of percolation tanks, desiltation of streams and wildlife conservation works at a cost of Rs 27,72,397 under the NREGA. The social audit and quality control officials’ team found out that the works to be of substandard, got done using machinery, old check-dams were presented as new check-dams, measurement of works done not in tune with the documents shown as evidence of works done and locally available sand was used instead of buying from outside as specified by rules.

The forest department has shown records for 20 works out of the 73 works. Records related to 47 works were hidden from official scrutiny. For the 20 works executed the amount spent was shown as RS 14,30,000, it was alleged

By M Sathya Peter