Kumar Bahukhandi
Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai-File Photo
Raipur: During the third phase of Sushasan Tihar, the Chhattisgarh government has once again made it clear that its policy towards corruption is of ‘zero tolerance’. After confirmation of three contract workers associated with the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana in Bemetara district demanding bribe from beneficiaries and extorting money by intimidation, immediate and strict action has been taken on the instructions of Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai.
The information about the incident came to light through a viral audio clip, in which it was clearly revealed that Awas Mitra of Gram Panchayat Airamshahi, Mrs. Neera Sahu, had demanded a bribe of Rs 25,000 in lieu of releasing the installment of Pradhan Mantri Awas. In the investigation by the Tehsildar, Neera Sahu herself accepted that the voice in the audio was hers.
In the same case, evidence was found of Narayan Sahu, who is an employment assistant in Gram Panchayat Tendua, threatening the beneficiaries and demanding Rs 10,000. At the same time, his wife Ishwari Sahu, who was posted as an employment assistant in Gram Panchayat Airamshahi, has also been accused by the villagers of demanding money by intimidating the beneficiaries.
On the basis of the written report of the Chief Executive Officer, Janpad Panchayat Navagarh and the FIR lodged in Nandghat police station, all the three culprits—Neera Sahu, Narayan Sahu and Ishwari Sahu—have been removed from service with immediate effect. This order was issued with the approval of Collector Bemetara.
In the above case, an FIR has been lodged at Nandghat police station under sections 308(2) and 3(5) of the Indian Civil Security Code (BNSS) and a formal investigation of the case has been started.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has described this action as a proof of the basic objective of Sushasan Tihar. He said that transparency, accountability and honesty are paramount in the effective implementation of public welfare schemes. Corruption will not be tolerated at any level.
Chief Minister Sai said that the state government is ensuring that no officer or employee misuses the rights of the common man, and if he does so, he will have to face immediate strict legal action. The Chief Minister said that this is not just an action against corruption, it is a resolution for good governance.
