New Delhi: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Tuesday alleges misuse of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna and other rural development funds in Punjab.
Kaur alleged, during Question Hour, the diversion of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 (MGNREGA) funds through Block Development Officers in Punjab.
“The funds are being released to preferred people by completely bypassing the elected panchayats,” she said, citing the example of Singhe Wala village in Lambi Tehsil which falls in her Bathinda constituency.
The Punjab MP also complained that the Chief Minister and state Agriculture minister were personally visiting the houses of beneficiaries and handing over certificates to them and photos of both the leaders are printed on them.
In the case of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAWAS) also, photos of state leaders have been pasted on documents.
In resposne of Kaur’s question center assured Parliament of an inquiry into the alleged rebranding of Union government schemes like MGNREGA and misuse of funds of Central schemes for political gains by ruling parties in states like Punjab.
Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said in Lok Sabha that a team will be sent to inquire into complaints of misuse of funds and violation of rules as pointed out by Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal.
“I want to assure the member that wherever there is non-compliance of directives, misuse of funds and violation of rules we will send a team, conduct an inquiry and take action,” said Chouhan.