Probe ordered into allotment of IAY houses

Following allegation of irregularities levelled by people's representatives, Koraput administration in Odisha has requested the state government for a probe into allotment of Indira Awas Yojana (IAY) houses in the district in the past five years.
The issue was raised at a zilla parishad meeting here on Thursday. The members alleged that actual beneficiaries have been deprived of houses under the central scheme. "Rich people connived with officials and got houses sanctioned for themselves," Jeypore MLA Tara Prasad Bahinipati said today.
He said panchayat extension officers (PEOs) are to be blamed for it. "The PEOs prepared the list of beneficiaries without any leg work. We demand a probe into the massive corruption in selecting beneficiaries for IAY houses in all 14 blocks of the district," claimed Bahinipati.

Echoing Bahinipati, MLAs of Koraput and Laxmipur also alleged massive indiscretions while selecting beneficiaries for IAY houses.
"Such a situation has arisen as the beneficiary lists prepared by PEOs were not crosschecked by block development officers concerned. Allotment of IAY houses in the district should be examined," claimed BJD MP from Koraput Jhina Hikaka.
Koraput district Collector, Yamini Sarangi said "Following complaints from elected representatives about irregularities in awarding IAY houses, it has been decided to recommend the state government for getting a probe conducted by an independent agency."
Under IAY, a beneficiary is provided financial assistance of Rs 70,000 in plain areas and Rs 75,000 for hilly and difficult terrain for construction of house, district officials said.