Built in 2020 for Rs 6 lakh, panchayat building in Odisha exists only on paper

KENDRAPADA: THE district administration has launched a probe following revelation that a government building, meant to be the living quarters of the Koilipur panchayat executive officer, exists only on paper.
As per the documents in the panchayat office, the living quarters was completed in 2020 and cost around Rs 6.22 lakh.
"I recently came to know that in 2020, the panchayat paid over Rs 6 lakh for the construction of a building, meant to be the living quarters of the panchayat executive officer.But the building does not exist. I have asked the district administration to conduct an investigation," said Dilip Rout, the sarpanch of Koilipur gram panchayat.
Panchayat executive officer Vivekananda Mallick was surprised when he heard about the living quarters. "Nobody built an official quarter for me. But the building exists on paper," said Mallick, who joined just four months back.
Nisan Mishra, the block development officer of Rajnagar said after coming to know of the 'missing living quarters', an investigation has been launched and some files seized from the panchayat office.
"During preliminary investigation, we came to know that the building was not built but the contractor got Rs 6.22 lakh in 2020 for constructing the quarter. It is mandatory on the part of the contractor to submit photographs of the building. But we could not find any in the official file. We will take stern action against those involved in corruption," Mishra said.
Following the revelation, the BJP demanded strong action against errant officials.
"Corrupt officials and panchayat body members in a clear nexus with contractors siphoned off the money. The district administration should take legal action against those involved in the scam," said Alekha Jena, a senior BJP leader and former MLA of Rajnagar.