RTI query brings to fore lapses in rural job scheme

Publication:The Times Of India - Chennai;
Date:Jan 27, 2009;
Section:Times Region;
Page Number:5
RTI query brings to fore lapses in rural job scheme
B Aravind Kumar TNN Chennai: It was a strange case of incongruity. In Tiruvannamalai district, the block development officer (BDO) paid Thalaivirichaan Rs 80 as the daily wage on December 28, 2006. Thalaivirichaan, however, had died 30 years ago. What was even stranger was that the BDO of the Chethupattu panchayat union admitted that he knew that Thalaivirichaan had died “approximately’’ 30 years ago and that the wage was paid for a day by “mistake.’’ This startling revelation was obtained by Rathinapandian, general secretary, Fifth Pillar India, through an RTI petition to the project officer of the District Rural Development Agency. An anti-corruption and RTI activist, Rathinapandian was approached by villagers in Nammedu panchayat (falls under Chethupattu union in Tiruvannamalai district) regarding irregularities in the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) being implemented there since August 28, 2006. Rathinapandian immediately petitioned the project officer, DRDA, in charge of the NREGS. The petition was forwarded to K Kandhasamy, the BDO concerned. The BDO said he had issued identity cards to 526 persons, of which 58 persons had registered twice. Asked about how many days one Perumal, son of Thalaivirichan, had been paid daily wages, the BDO has replied that the 46-year old had worked for 11 days, for wages of Rs 766. However, the BDO could not give a copy of Perumal’s identity card. Asked if Thalaivirichan had an ID card, the BDO replied in the negative but admitted that his name found its way into the daily wage register on December 28, 2006 “by mistake.’’ He was then candid enough to admit that he knew about Thalaivirichan’s death that had occurred about 30 years ago. When Rathinapandian asked for details of irregularities under the NREGS in Nambedu panchayat, the collector attached a writ petition filed under Article 226 by C Venkatesan of Nammedu village, an elected representative who alleged that the president was employing persons of her choice by creating false records. As huge amounts were being paid as daily wages through the NREGS (Rs 7,437 lakh was paid during 2007-08), Rathinapandian moved the court. Pandian’s queries on the action initiated against corrupt officials, their transfers, and the final action taken report have not been submitted. arvind.kumar4@timesgroup.com