Bhubaneswar, June 25: The Odisha Vigilance has initiated an investigation into alleged irregularities and misappropriation of government funds related to the installation of LED street lights in the gram panchayats of Keonjhar, Nayagarh, and Jajpur districts. This case pertains to the financial years 2021-22 and 2022-23.
The Vigilance department launched a detailed inquiry following credible information regarding the matter.
To ensure swift and coordinated action, the Odisha Vigilance has deployed 24 teams comprising 81 officials, including additional police superintendents, DSPs, inspectors, and other vigilance staff. Each district has been assigned 27 police officers for the investigation.
The inquiry revealed that a plan was initiated under the state finance commission’s grant to install an LED street light system in each village within the gram panchayats, which included annual maintenance contracts alongside the installation.
According to the Vigilance, significant irregularities have surfaced during the investigation. Violations of tender rules were noted, with essential equipment such as energy meters, cables, MCCBs, clamps, and photo switch timers not being utilized, yet payments were made by falsely representing these items in the bills. Signs of misappropriation of government funds have been identified in this case.
The department also reported that field investigations and technical inspections are being conducted at 50 locations across the three districts to accurately assess the amount misappropriated and determine the roles of the involved officials and agencies.
RTI activist Himanshu Shekhar Nayak stated that he had long raised concerns about corruption in this scheme and welcomed the investigation as a positive step. He expressed hope that a thorough inquiry could reveal the extensive misappropriation of government funds.
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