Seeking early implementation of the Allahabad High Court order on a CBI inquiry into the misappropriation of funds under the UPA’s flagship scheme NREGA, Minister for Rural Development Jairam Ramesh has sent another letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.
Mr. Ramesh stressed on the necessity for a CBI probe into the misappropriation of funds in seven districts including Balrampur, Gonda, Mahoba, Sonbhadra, Sant Kabir Nagar, Mirzapur and Kushinagar besides a preliminary inquiry in other districts.
“Accordingly, I would request you to facilitate the enquiry for these seven districts as well as the remaining districts in the State, at the earliest,” stated the letter.
Mr. Ramesh said the high court, in its January 31 order, has stated that a writ in the nature of mandamus was issued directing the CBI to investigate the abuse and misappropriation of fund as well as the abuse of power under the scheme with regard to seven districts from 2007 to 2010 with appropriate action and prosecution in accordance with the law.
According to the letter, “the material on record prima facie reveals startling facts with regard to misappropriation of fund allocated under MGNREGA right from lowest echelon of the elected representative, i.e. Pradhan, Gram Sabha members to the higher bureaucracy in a well netted collusive manner”.
The court has also directed the CBI to hold a preliminary inquiry with regard to other districts of the state for the three years relating to abuse, misuse or misappropriation of fund provided by the centre under scheme with follow-up regular enquiry, if required.
Additionally, it also directed UP government to provide all necessary assistance including manpower to CBI within a month from the date of receipt of request, to proceed for investigation in pursuance to the present judgement.
Besides, the court has also directed the state government to consider establishment of multi-member state quality monitor at district and state level to supervise utilisation of funds under the scheme till the Centre frame appropriate rules, regulations or issue appropriate order keeping in view the observation made in the body of judgement.
