Bhubaneswar, June 24: The Odisha Vigilance on Wednesday launched a large-scale enquiry into alleged corruption and embezzlement of government funds in the installation of LED street lighting systems across Gram Panchayats in Kendujhar, Nayagarh and Jajpur districts during 2021-22 and 2022-23.
Acting on reliable information, the Vigilance Department deployed 24 teams comprising 81 officers, including Additional Superintendents of Police, Deputy Superintendents of Police, Inspectors and other officials. A total of 27 officers have been assigned to each of the three districts to carry out the investigation.
The enquiry pertains to the implementation of the project titled “Implementation of LED Street Lighting System in One Village of Each Gram Panchayat on Turnkey Basis including Comprehensive Annual Maintenance Contract (CAMC),” executed under the Fifth State Finance Commission (5th SFC) devolution grants and the State Government’s flagship rural development scheme, Bikashita Gaon Bikashita Odisha (BGBO).
Preliminary field investigations have reportedly uncovered large-scale irregularities, including violations of tender guidelines and the non-installation of several essential components such as energy meters, 500-metre cables, MCCBs, eye hooks, suspension clamps, dead-end clamps and photo switch timers. Despite the absence of these vital components, bills were allegedly raised showing them as installed, resulting in suspected misappropriation of government funds.
Vigilance teams conducted technical inspections at 50 locations across the three districts on Wednesday to assess the extent of financial irregularities and determine the quantum of government money allegedly misappropriated. The enquiry will also ascertain the involvement of government officials and executing agencies in the alleged scam.
The Odisha Vigilance said further details will be released after completion of the ongoing enquiry.
