Alappuzha: The implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has been marred by numerous irregularities, ranging from the reduction of cement in road construction to extortion of wages under names of deceased persons. Every year, corrupt officials are found guilty of misappropriation, leading to lakhs of rupees recovered following investigations by ombudsman.

During last financial year, the ombudsman ordered recovery of Rs 67 lakh, out of which Rs 11 lakh was returned, leading to the exoneration of the involved officials. More than 1,400 complaints were investigated during this period.

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So far this financial year, 286 complaints have been lodged. The ombudsman has already directed investigation in 187 cases, resulting in the recovery of Rs 5.77 lakh.

Widespread irregularities uncovered

The ombudsman’s investigations have uncovered various irregularities across different districts. These include collecting money without commencing canal restoration projects, including ineligible persons in construction projects, charging more than double the cost in road construction, and retaining the names of deceased persons on muster rolls to collect the wages.

Despite central government directives to monitor the project closely, the state has struggled with effective implementation, hampered by local political interference. A recent suggestion to deploy drones for real-time work monitoring aimed at improving job security remains unimplemented.

Alappuzha second in most complaints

The highest number of complaints regarding irregularities has been recorded in Thiruvananthapuram, with 364 complaints filed last year and 90 so far this year. Last year, Idukki ranked second with 305 complaints, but Alappuzha has taken the second spot this year with 40 complaints. In contrast, Kasaragod and Ernakulam districts have reported fewer complaints this year, with one and three complaints respectively. With seven months remaining in the financial year, the number of complaints is expected to rise.