Assam: Panchayat officials accused of extorting lakhs from PMAY-G beneficiaries in Dhubri's Baraibari

A significant scandal has erupted in Dhubri district's Baraibari Gram Panchayat, where allegations have surfaced against key officials for exploiting vulnerable residents in the name of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) scheme. 

 

The accused include Gram Panchayat President Jamiran Nessa, Secretary Auliya Yasmin, and reportedly, even higher-level officials such as the Block Development Officer (BDO) and other associated personnel.

 

Residents of the Debitola development block have come forward with claims that Nessa and Yasmin solicited funds from hundreds of local beneficiaries, promising to secure housing under the PMAY-G, a flagship initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi aimed at providing affordable housing to the rural poor. 

 

According to the victims, the officials demanded sums ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 5,000 per individual, allegedly under the pretext that failure to pay would disqualify them from receiving the housing benefits.

 

Also read : Meghalaya education minister hails quality of education in state after NEHU misses NIRF spot

 

The scandal deepens as reports indicate that these extorted funds, amounting to lakhs of rupees, were collected in the name of the BDO, with no corresponding action to fulfill the housing promises. Despite the payment of these bribes, nearly 300 residents continue to live without the homes they were assured.

 

Further allegations point to additional corrupt practices within the Gram Panchayat. The Gaon Panchayat Coordinator (GPC) and Gram Rozgar Sahayak (GRS) are accused of collecting an additional Rs 500 to Rs 1,500 from beneficiaries for the geotagging process, a crucial step in verifying eligibility for the housing scheme.

 

The enraged beneficiaries are now questioning where their hard-earned money has gone, as the dream of owning a home remains unfulfilled. The scandal has sparked widespread anger and frustration in the community, with many calling for stringent action against the corrupt officials. The focus now shifts to how government authorities will address these serious accusations and restore faith in the PMAY-G scheme.