2 sacked for misusing MGNREGS funds

BARIPADA: Mayurbhanj District Collector Aswathy S has dismissed Grama Rojagar Sevak Durgasankar Sahu and Grama Sathi Kabita Behera and transferred ABDO Gagan Bihari Behera to Thakurmunda block for their alleged involvement in misappropriation of funds.Besides, departmental proceedings have also been initiated against gram panchayat technical assistant (GPTA) Prasanta Kumar Das for alleged irregularities and mismanagement during the renovation of Darkhuli-Barudihi pond under MGNREGS at a cost of Rs 3 lakh.Official sources said the irregularities were brought to the notice of the district collector by Shreekar Mohapatra, a representative of Union Chemical and Fertiliser Minister, Srikanta Jena on June 30.He had sat on hunger strike demanding action against the officers involved in the misappropriation. Aswathy had ordered the district officials to probe the matter and submit a report. It was found that the officials had withdrawn money in names of some government employees, rich and dead persons citing them as job card holders.The Collector has also imposed a fine of Rs 1,000 on the ABDO, junior engineer Debasish Behera and the GPTA, said official sources.