The Collector, Sundargarh
The Project Director, DRDA, Sundargarh
The ADM, Rourkela
Sub: Report of Public Hearing on NREGS at Nuagaon block, Sundargarh district
Madam/Sir,
The date of public hearing on NREGS was fixed on 25.8.2011 at 11.00 AM at Nuagaon block headquarter office vide letter no. 1231 dated 5.8.2011 and subsequent 2 meetings by the BDO, Nuagaon (one new and One old) with committee members and EOs/ GRS etc. to inform all the villagers and get ready for the hearing with all documents. As no social audit of any panchayat was done before this public hearing in this block, hence it was decided by the new BDO and all members present in the preparatory meeting on 22.8.2011 at block office that six panchayats were identified to present all the progress and status who were directed by the BDO with a direction by the BDO to all
panchayat functionaries to be present on 25.8.2011 at 11.00 AM with proper food and acoustic arrangements for the hearing.
We reached at the spot on 25.8.2011 at 11.30 AM for the hearing. We found tent arrangements, food arrangements with chairs were ready and around 400 villagers including women, aged were present along with all government staff roaming around along with large number of contractors. Suddenly the GRS started lifting chairs without informing us anything. We asked them to call the APO and others to inform what happens. No answer. We called the ADM, Rourkela who informed that the block has cancelled the meeting at the last moment saying less turnout of villagers which was shocking for us and waste of time and sheer negligence towards the poor villagers who has walked through 15- to 20 kms by foot to reach the sight to share their concern and get justice from government. Large number of media people from all print and electronic media were present to see the most
efficient Nuagaon block’s public hearing.
We felt this as the harassment of the villagers so that they will not turn out again as this always happens in Nuagoan block in most of government meetings. Looking at the misery and problem of the poor villagers and pressing demand of the villagers and to save the face value of the administration, we agreed with the villagers to listen to their all problems and inform the competent authority. We called all the line department, all EOs, all GRS who were all gathered inside the A/C computer room along with a coterie of contractors but did not turn around. We know 400 tribal villagers attendance on own expenses is one of the best turn out of villagers for any public hearing in Sundargarh district.
One by one the villagers, women folk shared their harassing stories which is video recorded thoroughly by DD news, ETV, Kanak TV and our own camera. The testimonies were presented by the villagers with wet eyes and infant in the womb by malnourished women. Written complaints were taken from them with self presentation of cases which is narrated in brief for thorough enquiry and redressal along with harsh action against the erring officials and repay the part of their tears, agony, harassment and sufferings of the tribal poor:
The presentation:
1. Large numbers of villagers have not received their wage payments ranging from 6 months to 2 years. Many of them are widow, disabled, aged and extreme poor categories who do not have enough voice to ask their dues. The details list of testimonies presented with written application is enclosed.
2. Mr. Simon Munda of Koyamunda village reported about Low quality of murhooming work done in Koyamunda village under Lukumbeda G.P by the government under NREGS work which was also reported by many other villagers.
3. Advance of Rs.2 lakh taken by Sarpanch/EO of Chitapedi G.P for work of road construction in Banki village of the same G.P in the year 2007 – 2008 and till date this is not done and advance not settled. This is deposed by the Niab Sarpanch of the same G.P along with many villagers.
4. Less payment of wages .
5. Non availability of job card even after applying and running from pillar to post to get it.
6. Multiple payments of bills for the same work to the contractor may be in some villagers name which was expressed by many of the present people in the meeting. This was mostly complained for SORDA Pond bathing steps of large amount of fund.
7. High negligence and avoidance of Gram Sanjojaga by the government functionaries with malafide intention raising discontent among the gram sanjojaga. It was reported by Ms.Lanen Barla , Gram sanjojaga of Koyamunda village.
8. False bill payment for large numbers of pond excavation in many villages which is actually not done complained by Mr. Bhaura Toppo , Gram Sanjojaga of Koelsuta village Khutgaon G.P. He asked to enquire all this pond work in the entire G.P of Khutgaon and get the scenario.
9. The pass books with blanked signed withdrawal slips and job cards kept by the EOs/ GRS of Chitapedi G.P and the villagers are not able to understand their accounts of payments. Occasionally some payment done to the party by the EO/GRS. This was reported by Dhananjay Singh of Chitapedi (Girja Toli). This same practice was also confirmed by many of the present villagers from various G.P. There is apprehension of nexus between block officials/ GRS/EO with the Post offices, banks during drawal and disbursement.
10. Dutami Toppo, carrying a anemic, malnourished baby in her arm of Panisal Village reported about chronic hunger and starvation due to non availability of any ration card, job card, work for wage etc. with tearful of eyes. She has been running from panchayat to block several times by foot covering 25 kms. But the GRS/EO/BDO/Sarpanch are not lending their ears.
11. Most unfortunately, while public hearing was going outside , the block NREGS staff Ms.Nirupama Kiro and others were busy in chatting on ORKUT and Facebook in the air condition hall of which the photographs is attached and video recording has been done. This shows the commitment and accountability of our staff and system. And after the hearing is over, BDO came out and asked the villagers to come for lunch. Thanks to him at least, he realized the situation but the staff were found using abusive words to the villagers for
their attendance which again created dissatisfaction among the villagers. But all the block staff had their lunch in this public hearing first making many poor villagers return hungry with no food for them.
When going through the NREGS website, in many cases the payment of wages has been shown. Hence thorough enquiry should be done in presence of us.
While discussing with the BDO of Nuagaon, on 22.8.2011 who is changed on 25.8.2011, we enquired about the advance status which he reported about 4 crores in the name of JE/AE and others. We wanted to know the time period for which they have kept the advance along with verification of case records, cash books, bank pass books and PRIASOFT accounts of each G.P. WE also need to check the muster rolls including the e-muster roll of randomly selected works to verify the practices beside filed verification. If the situation of the number one block of the Sundargarh district is this then we could imagine the situation of other blocks. That may not have come out or reflected because of inefficient, low capacitated quality of members in the public hearing but the administration has to look into it seriously and efficient supervision along with harsh action needs to be
taken against the erring officials.
Thanking You,
Sincerely Yours,
1. Abul Kalam Azad, Member, Public Hearing Committee, Nuagaon
2. Binay Kumar Sahoo, Public Hearing Committee, Nuagaon
CC: Principal Secretary, Panchayati Raj Department, Government of Odisha
Advisor for Odisha, Food Commissioner’s office of Supreme Court
OREGS Watch
Photographs of Nuagaon block Public hearing
Nuagaon NREGS STAFF BUSY in PLAYING in ORKUT and Facebook when public hearing is going outside
DEPOSED TESTIMONIES
|
Sl |
Name |
Village |
Work |
Complain |
|
1 |
Ram Oram (9361) Mahadev Oram (9389) Jagtu Lohar (9305) Srimati Oram (9300)
Dalle Oram (9411) Etwa Kujur (9478) |
Badkulagaj G.P - Urmei
|
Construction of Road in year 2010 in village Badkulagaj |
Non Payment of wage for the last one year for 209 Chaukas |
|
2 |
Pura Singh (14895) Dhodiya Singh (14947) Samaru Singh (14982) Birsa Lohar (14894)
Gondra Singh (14891) Magu Singh Bisrath Singh Ghunjuwa Oram (14754)
Sibdhar Singh (15094) |
Kaatepur G.P – Chitapedi
| Culvertt Work in year 2008-2009 in village Katepur. Katepur main road to Tounthatolli
|
Non Payment of wage for the last one year for 114 Chaukas |
|
3 |
Somor Toppo (14760) Bikram Kujur (14761) Asru Singh (14351)
Prakash Munda (14177) |
Banki G.P – Chitapedi
|
Road Improvement from Bnaki Tounthatolli to Banskona Village in year 2009-2010 |
Non Payment of wage for the last one year for 83 Chaukas |
|
4 |
Niravati Singh (9523) Butni Sing (9546) Kandra Pradhab (9490) Kalwati Singh (9552)
Samaru Pradhan (9550) Samal Singh (9509) Dadu Badaik (9505) Sumitra Singh (9484)
Kisna Chick (9530) Sadhu Pradhan (9561) Lalu Singh (9545) Palidra Singh (9560)
Raglal Pradhan Lalmani Badaik (9544) Lalmohan Singh (9562) Somari singh (9555)
Govindh Pradhan (9663) Sonamati Singh (9500) Sumitra Singh (9562) Subani Tirkey (9549)
Nehru Singh (9558) Subash Singh (9557) Kandra Oram (9529) Sumitra Singh (9551)
Jhargi Oram (9537) Kartik Singh (9563) Dam Singh (9503) Shiv Charan Singh (9499)
Laxmi Narayan Singh (9541) |
Sankulagajo G.P – Urmei
|
Bridge Construction in Sankulagajo last year in 2010 |
Non Payment of wages for 340 Man Days of total 30600/-Rupees |
|
5 |
Manga Oram (14601) Eta Ekka (14612) And 22 other villagers were involved in this work.
| Pital
G.P – Chitapedi |
Road Improvement from Pital Ganjutolaa to kulabeda in year 2009-2011 |
Non Payment of wage for the last one year for 40 Chaukas |
|
6 |
Pradeep Munda (14207) Lapa Munda (14244) Chari Oram (14178) Birsu Toppno (14261)
Subash Munda (14107) Dawood Toppno Albis Munda (14219) Sukru Toppno (14308)
Salan Tirkey (14141) Monika Toppno (14085) Chama Oram (14178) Fransis Toppno (14312)
Silban Toppno (14310) Sanjay Toppno (14266) Siman Toppno (14242) Eugien Oram (14216)
Mariyanus Toppno (14288) Sanilal Munda (14169) Jhagru Badaik (14180) Sukramati Badaik (14173)
Prakash Munda (14177) Pawal Munda (14111) Ashok Munda (23896) Ashok Lakra (14144)
Kamal Prasad Ekka (14198) |
Ganjur G.P – Chitapedi
|
Road Work Ganjur School tolla to Chundatolla |
Non Payment of wage for the last one year for 366 Chaukas |
|
7 |
Sunand Munda (14518) Kishor Horo (15257) Junathan Kandulna (15363) Baus Munda (14484)
And 18 more villagers |
Pital G.P – Chitapedi
|
Road Work from kulabeda to Ghosogoda in year 2010 |
Non Payment of wage for the last one year for 706 Chaukas |
|
8 |
Andrias Lugun (8994) Filip Lugun (9016) Budhni Lugun (8931) Ladri Lugun (8952)
Florisia Lugun (8982) Saharai Lugun (9028) Bijay Barla (8965) Johan Lugun (8988)
Saharai Lugun (8981) Phagu Kandulna (8986) Dulari Kandulna (8993) Debanand Singh (9014)
Lolen Barla (9023) |
Koyamunda G.P - Koyamunda
|
Road Improvement from Koyamunda Main Road to Koyamunda Jharia in year 2010 |
Non Payment of wage for the last one year for 82 Man days of Rs 7446/- |
|
9 |
Mangu Patar Bhudwa Rout Mahendra Mirda
| Koelsuta
G.P – Khutgaon |
Road Improvement from Lindra RD Road to Lachubasti |
Non Payment of wage for 90 Chaukas (advance 2000/-)
25 Chaukas (advance 2000/-) 60 Chaukas
(advance 3000/-) |
10 |
Karuna Munda |
Panisal G.P – Chitapedi |
Road Improvement from Chitapedi to kulabeda |
Non Payment of wage for 30 Chaukas |
|
11 |
Gama Munda Madesh Dang Somra Oram Kusu Munda Magra Munda
& other 3 villagers |
Urmei G.P – Urmei |
Land Development at Village Urmei G.P – Urmei in year 2009-2010 |
Non Payment of wage for 150 Chaukas |
|
12 |
Rajit Lahkuwa Bisnhu Lahkuwa Sundarshan Lahkuwa Sula Lahkuwa
Dasru Bhuniya Goldo Lahkuwa Mangra Lahkuwa Lucha Lahkuwa Somra Munda
Dayal Kandulna Magri Purty Mansit Purty Sawani Dhanwar
Sanika Dhanwar Ashab Topno Sanika Topno Rusu Topno Debit Topno
Sukhdev Purty Bandhan Purty Dawood Dhanwar
|
Paniasal |
Applied for 2 years |
Job card not issued |
|
13 |
Bhunjua Toppo Harihar Xalxo |
Banki G.P – Chitapedi
|
Road Construction work of Banki village worth 5 lahks 2007-2008 |
Sarpanch has taken advance of Rs 2,00,000/- but work has done yet |
|
14 |
Tersa Dang |
Urmei G.P – Urmei |
Land development at Urmei (Soil Conservation Department) 2010 |
Non Payment of wage for 81 Chaukas |
|
15 |
Etwa Xalxo |
Sugajore G.P - Lukumbeda
|
Land development at Sugajore (Soil Conservation Department) March 2011 |
Non Payment of wage for 25 Chaukas |
|
16 |
Bandhna Xalxo |
Sugajore G.P - Lukumbeda
|
Land development at Sugajore (Soil Conservation Department) February 2011 |
Non Payment of wage for 13 Chaukas |
|
17 |
Sarojini Dungdung |
Chitapedi Girja Toli |
Road work |
Rs.150000/- wage not paid. |
|
18 |
Harmena Bage Aneas Lamanga Bisran Lugun
| Kahrijore
G.P – Lukumbeda |
Darin Work from Kahrijore Ganjutolla to Schooltolla 2010 – 2011 |
Non Payment of wage for 2 days work |
|
19 |
Kamal Chnadra Jojo |
Loaram G.P – Chitapedi |
Land Development |
Non Payment of wage for 7 ½ Chaukas |
|
20 |
Jonathn Kandulna |
Gahsogoda G.P- Chitapedi |
Land Development |
Non Payment for 2 ½ Chaukas |
|
21 |
Daud Munda |
Pital Kulabeda |
Road work from Chitapedi G.P to Kulabeda Jamu Tola |
Use of machine which is toped after lot of protest No other facilities are given like shed, water, first aid , muster roll on site etc.
|
22
| Lalen Barla,
Gram Sanjojaga |
Lukumbeda Koyamunda |
In every work |
Avoidance of Gram Sanjojaga in all work and delayed payment in all work |
|
23 |
Bhaura Toppo, Gram Sanjojaga |
Khutgaon G.P Koel Suta Village |
Mo Pokhari work In 2009-10 |
Most of the work not done but full bill withdrawn shared among the officials and set beneficiaries.
|
24
|
Balram Badi |
Ex Zilla parishad member, Nuagaon |
Sorda Pond work |
4 times bills and payments shown for the same work under different names. |
|
25 |
Dhananjaya Singh |
Chitpedi , Girja Toli |
|
Pass books , job cards are all kept by the EOs/GRS and few payments given by them for the work and unholy nexus with post office and bank officials . This is confirmed by many villagers from various G.Ps.
|
26
| Simon Munda
|
Koyamunda |
Road work |
Extreme low quality of road work with one inch mourhming |
|
27 |
Jiten Lakhu |
Paniasal |
Road work |
Extreme low quality of road work with one inch mourhming |
|
28 |
Teophil Jojo |
Lukumbeda Koyamunda |
Firm Pond |
60 chowkas wage not paid. |
|
29 |
Dutami Toppo |
Panisal |
Failure of all system, Hunger, malnutrition |
No job card, no other card nothing |
|
30 |
Lanen Barla Gram Sanjojaga |
Lukumbeda Koyamunda |
BRGF work |
Block engage contractors, refuse villagers saying they are poor and do not have huge capital base to undertake work.
|
Signature of the villagers took part in the public hearing:
Disha
B-12 Ashiyana Colony
Bisra - 770036
Sundargarh, Orissa.
India
Tel: 00 91 (0)661 2612447
Fax: 00 91 (0)661 2612614
