Dispute Over ₹3 Lakh Grant for Maa Mangala Temple Development in Kanpur Bada Adivasi Sahi ;

Villagers allege irregularities in payment for development work; seek impartial probe into utilisation of funds.

Dillip Kumar Pattnaik

KHORDHA, SEPTEMBER 30: Allegations of irregularities in the disbursement of funds sanctioned for the development of Maa Mangala Temple at Kanarpur Bada Adivasi Sahi under Arikama gram panchayat in Bolagarh block of Khordha district have triggered a controversy, with villagers demanding an impartial investigation into the utilisation of the government grant of ₹3 lakh. The complainants have alleged that although the temple’s peripheral development work was carried out collectively by villagers, the amount sanctioned for the project was paid to two other individuals. Raising questions over the basis of the payment and the execution of the work, they have approached the Khordha Collector, the Chief Development Officer-cum-Executive Officer of the Zilla Parishad and the Vigilance Department in Khordha, seeking a thorough inquiry into the matter. The
controversy relates to funds sanctioned during the financial year 2024-25 under the “Bikashita Gaon, Bikashita Odisha” scheme for the peripheral development of the temple. The shrine, situated in Kanarpur Bada Adivasi Sahi, is an important centre of religious faith and community participation in the locality.
According to the complainants, the development work was undertaken collectively by villagers following approval by the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Bolagarh Panchayat Samiti. They have further claimed that the work was executed under the supervision of a junior engineer of the block.

However, the villagers alleged that they subsequently learnt that the payment against the work had been made to Mithun Paikray and Ashok Kumar Sahu, both residents of Arikama village. The alleged discrepancy between the execution of the work and the disbursement of funds has prompted the complainants to question the circumstances under which the two individuals received the payment. They have sought clarification on the basis on which the work was recorded as having been executed by them and the procedures followed before the release of the sanctioned amount. In their complaint, the villagers have stated that when they approached the junior engineer concerned, she informed them that the payment for the work had been made to Mithun Paikray and Ashok Kumar Sahu.
The complainants have maintained that the circumstances surrounding the payment need to be examined through an independent verification of official records. They have stressed that the issue is not merely about the identity of the recipients but also about ensuring transparency and accountability in the implementation of development projects funded by public money.

Demand for scrutiny of official records

Seeking a comprehensive investigation, the complainants have urged the authorities to examine all documents relating to the sanction, execution and payment of the project.
They have specifically called for verification of the administrative sanction, estimated cost, work order, bills, vouchers, measurement book and records relating to the disbursement of funds.
The villagers have also demanded a technical assessment of the work to establish whether the development undertaken at the temple corresponds to the approved estimate and whether the quality and quantity of work are consistent with the expenditure incurred.
They have further sought verification of whether the bills and vouchers were prepared in accordance with the prescribed procedures and whether all mandatory formalities were completed before the release of the funds.
According to the complainants, a detailed examination of the financial and technical records, coupled with a physical inspection of the project site, would help establish the actual position.
They have urged the administration to ascertain whether the funds were utilised for the purpose for which they were sanctioned and whether the payment was made in accordance with the applicable rules and procedures.
The complainants have also demanded appropriate legal and administrative action against the persons concerned if the investigation establishes any irregularity, violation of prescribed procedures or misuse of government funds.

Zilla Parishad Chief Development -cum- Executive Officer assures inquiry

Meanwhile, Jyoti Shankar Sahu, Chief Development -cum-Executive Officer of the Khordha Zilla Parishad, has assured the complainants that the allegations would be investigated, according to them.
However, details regarding the commencement of the inquiry, the officials who may be entrusted with the investigation and the specific aspects to be examined have not yet been made available.
The allegations have brought the implementation of the temple development project under scrutiny, particularly with regard to the relationship between the execution of public works and the subsequent release of payments.
The outcome of the proposed inquiry is expected to clarify who actually executed the work, on what basis the payment was released, and whether the prescribed financial and technical procedures were followed.
While the villagers have pressed for an impartial investigation, the allegations are yet to be independently established. A verification of the relevant official documents, physical inspection of the completed work and examination of the payment records would be necessary to determine the facts.
The villagers are now awaiting further action by the district administration and the findings of the proposed inquiry.