Dumka, Oct. 29: The state MGNREGA commissioner arrived in Godda today to look into allegations of irregularities in the implementation of the Centre's flagship employment scheme in the district and neighbouring areas of Dumka and Deoghar.
Kumar Arun is likely to probe the allegations, raised by Godda BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, that include issuing fake job cards and doctored muster rolls in connivance with local officials.
In a complaint to the Union ministry for rural development, Dubey is said to have provided documentary evidence to minister Jairam Ramesh, asking for a CBI probe to ascertain the quantum of funds that had been misappropriated by local stakeholders in the name of helping the rural population.
The irregularities, Dubey alleged, ranged from citing fake or old schemes to issue job cards to the undeserving and defalcation of money during payments after filling up muster rolls with names of dead persons.
"Yes, payments against MGNREGA work were made to dead labourers in connivance with block officials and postal employees," the MP told The Telegraph over telephone.
Dubey claimed that Ramesh was convinced about the need for a CBI inquiry and had written to chief minister Arjun Munda twice on the matter.
"The chief minister has assured the Centre of conducting a transparent investigation into irregularities being committed over the years in almost all panchayats of my constituency falling under Godda, Dumka and Deoghar districts," the MP said.
A worried district administration has already registered FIRs against the mukhiya, panchayat sevak, rozgar sevak and postmaster of Balbadda panchayat under Mehrma block of Godda.
MGNREGA commissioner Kumar Arun, who visited Firojpur, Sukhari and Madhura panchayats today, however, refused to comment on his findings.
"It will not be appropriate to divulge the findings of the inspection at this stage. I am basing my conclusions on documentary evidence and field visits to ensure transparency," he said.