Congress alleges scam in NREGA in Panchmahal too

Vadodara: After an offence was registered regarding the alleged scam in the National Rural Employment Guarantee (NREGA) scheme in Dahod district involving a BJP minister's sons based on the Congress's representations, the Congress has alleged that large-scale irregularities occurred in neighbouring Panchmahal district too. The party alleged that large sums of money were paid for material supplied by BJP members in violation of NREGA rules. The Congress raised the NREGA irregularities in Dahod, which were confirmed by an inquiry, and an offence was registered there. Congress now claims that the expenditure ratio of 60% on labour and 40% on material was not maintained in NREGA work in Jambughoda taluka of Panchmahal district. This ratio must be maintained, according to NREGA guidelines. Leader of opposition in the Gujarat assembly, Amit Chavda, said that in NREGA works taken up in the taluka in 2021-22, 79% of the money was spent on materials. In 2022-23, 2023-24 and 2024-25, expenditure on materials was 94%, 81% and 58%. He said that in all these years, the total expenditure on NREGA in the taluka was Rs 293 crore, and just 22% was spent on labour. Chavda said all four agencies supplying material for NREGA in the taluka are linked to BJP members. These agencies are Giriraj Traders, owned by BJP member Mayank Desai, who was recently appointed the district unit president of the party, Giriraj Enterprise owned by Jignesh Desai, and Giriraj Supplies owned by Mayank's wife and former district panchayat president, Keta Desai. Chavda alleged that Chhatrasinh Baria, the owner of the fourth agency, Jay Mataji Suppliers, was also close to a BJP leader. Chavda also pointed out that of the total expense of Rs 512 crore on material for NREGA works in the district, Jambughoda taluka spent Rs 216 crore, the highest. He added that the taluka was the smallest in the district and had a small population of just 42,000. He said that large numbers of works were done in even small villages in the taluka. Mayank rejected the allegations, saying they were aimed at targeting him and the party. "It is true that I have an agency for construction material. I have been supplying materials since 2017-18. It is the officials who raise the demand for materials, and we supply it," said Mayank. He said that beyond supplying material, he had no role in the development works. "I believe the works were taken up at the places where they have been shown. When we supply material, we take a certificate for the quality of the material, after which the billing and payment take place," Mayank said. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Brother's Day wishes, messages and quotes !