Union Minister Alleges Irregularities In PMAY Scheme In Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The blame game over irregularities in implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) in Odisha does not seem to end.

Massive irregularities have been committed in execution of PMAY in Odisha, said Union Minister Bishweswar Tudu on Thursday. He alleged favouritism and said the deserving beneficiaries of the housing scheme have been deprived of the benefits. The ruling party in the state preferred to strengthen its vote bank with an eye on the rural and urban local bodies elections, Tudu added.

Tudu said a Central team from Rural Development Ministry had visited Odisha to investigate the alleged irregularities in PMAY and based on the findings, Odisha government submitted a report to the Ministry on July 20, last year. The Centre, did not find the report to be satisfactory and rejected it, said Tudu.

As has been alleged in the past, Tudu said the State government is rebranding various schemes of the Centre, including PMAY and Jal Jeevan Mission to win over peoples’ attention and votes.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had set a target to provide pucca houses to all eligible beneficiaries under the scheme by 2022. However, the target has so far remained out of sight due to the negligence of the State government, Tudu added.