Kolkata
Villagers in Katwa Allege Misuse of Funds Under 100-Day Work Scheme
Residents of Korui Gram Panchayat in West Bengal’s Katwa have alleged serious corruption in rural employment and development schemes, claiming that funds were diverted through unauthorized bank accounts and that beneficiaries were forced to surrender most of the money allocated under a river restoration project.
Serious allegations of financial irregularities have surfaced from Korui Gram Panchayat, where local residents have accused officials and intermediaries of misappropriating funds meant for rural development and employment schemes.
According to villagers, funds allocated under the rural employment programme, commonly known as the 100-day work scheme, were allegedly diverted through unauthorized bank accounts opened without the knowledge or consent of beneficiaries.
One resident claimed that after 2016, many job card holders discovered that bank account details linked to their employment records did not belong to them. The villager alleged that fake accounts had been opened in their names and that they became aware of the issue only when they were asked to complete Know Your Customer (KYC) formalities.
Residents have also raised concerns regarding a river restoration and excavation project undertaken in 2018 and 2019. According to their allegations, money was deposited into the accounts of job card holders under the scheme, but a substantial portion of the funds was allegedly taken back.
One villager alleged that while approximately ₹18,000 was credited in the name of each beneficiary, only around ₹3,000 was ultimately received by the workers, with the remaining amount allegedly collected by others involved in the project.
The allegations have sparked demands for an impartial investigation into the handling of public funds and the implementation of rural development programmes in the area.
The claims have not yet been independently verified, and no official response regarding the specific allegations has been reported. Authorities are expected to examine the complaints and determine whether any financial irregularities or procedural violations occurred.
If substantiated, the allegations could raise serious questions about the implementation and monitoring of welfare and employment schemes at the local level.