Bhopal, September 11 (Daily Kiran) : In Bhopal, Congress leader Jitu Patwari has called for an investigation into allegations of bribery related to compensation for families displaced by the Ken-Betwa Link Project. This demand follows a recent incident in Panna district, where a revenue official was caught accepting bribes from a displaced family.
Patwari revealed that the official had requested a bribe of 80,000 rupees, of which 30,000 rupees were accepted upfront. The official was apprehended while receiving the remaining 47,000 rupees. Patwari questioned the integrity of the compensation process, stating that if it were transparent and free of corruption, there would be no need for such demands.
He emphasized that this issue extends beyond a single corrupt official. It raises serious concerns about the rights of the 1,321 displaced families and the government’s entire compensation and rehabilitation system. The government had previously assured the assembly that there were no irregularities in the compensation determination and distribution process following a survey. However, the recent actions by the Lokayukta have cast doubt on these claims.
Patwari urged the Chief Minister to initiate a high-level independent investigation into the compensation and rehabilitation processes for the displaced families. He demanded accountability from the responsible officials and strict action against those involved in corruption related to the displaced families’ entitlements.
He further stated that if the government system is demanding bribes instead of ensuring rightful compensation for the displaced, it constitutes not just corruption but also injustice against the poor and displaced families. The Chief Minister must decide whether his government stands with the displaced or with the corrupt system.
Leave a Comment