The Calcutta High Court has disposed of a PIL, alleging embezzlement in the funds of Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana (MGNREGS), while directing the District Magistrate of Purba Medinipur to lokk into the charges.
The Division Bench of Chief Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj, while considering the PIL on January 17, directed the District Magistrate, Purba Medinipur to duly consider the petitioners’ representation in accordance with law and conduct enquiry after giving opportunity of hearing to all the concerned parties.
It further directed the DM to take an appropriate decision in accordance with law as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a certified copy of the order.
The PIL was filed by Amit Kumar Das and others.
It was submitted by the Counsel for the petitioners that the funds have not only been misappropriated, but even the payments have been shown to those who are dead or those who are in custody.
The Counsel further submitted that the petitioners have already filed a detailed representation on November 22, 2021 before the District Magistrate, Purba Medinipur but so far, no action has been taken.
The Counsel for the state submitted that there was no objection in considering the petitioners’ representation within a time-bound period.