 Saahil Suhail
KULGAM, Nov 20: In gross violation of norms governing the Centrally-Sponsored Scheme Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the contactors enjoying patronage of Social Welfare Minister, Sakina Itoo have put into service the machines instead of human labor for carrying out different developmental works in Damhal Hanjipora constituency of Kulgam district.
According to residents, the Rural Development Department in DK Marg area of Damhal Hanjipora constituency represented by Social Welfare Minister Sakina Itoo, is violating the norms of the scheme by using machines and wet-mixers for carrying out works under the scheme. They said that works have been allotted to those enjoying the patronage of Sakina Itoo, due to which department seems in no mood to take action against the 'blue eyed' contractors carrying out works.
"Officials and Village Level Workers (VLWs) in nexus with their favorite contractors including the Sarpanchs and Panchs have put into service the mixers for carrying out different works, works including construction of lanes and drains," the residents of DK Marg alleged.
As per the norms, officials cannot get any work under the scheme done by contractors, neither machines can be used as the scheme is purely aimed at employing local card holders. But the officials in the area have illegally allotted the works to be executed under the scheme to their favorites, including activists of political parties which is against the essence of the scheme.
"What we can do, it is all because of political pressure once they (Politicians) stop dictating terms things can be streamlined," an official whishing not to be named from Block Damhal Hanjipora said.
A contractor, who was also found using mixer and directed its few workers to leave the spot immediately said, "Till madam ji is the Minister we need not worry."
Repeated attempts failed to contact ADC Kulgam. However, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam assured action against violators. |
