CM shifts five officials over MGNREGA lapses in Kaithal

Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini has shifted five officials over alleged irregularities in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme in Kaithal district. The officials, including an Assistant Block Panchayat Officer (ABPO) from Siwan and four Junior Engineers from Saraswati Heritage Division-3, have been directed to report to their respective directorates or headquarters.

An official said, “Reports concerning corruption under MGNREGA in Kaithal district were published in certain newspapers. Taking note of these reports, the Chief Minister has shifted these officials.”

The CM has directed the Director of the Rural Development Department to investigate the allegations and take appropriate action if discrepancies are confirmed. “If any discrepancies are found, suitable action will be taken in accordance with the law or rules. The Commissioner and Secretary, Development and Panchayat Department, have been asked to submit an action-taken report on this case within 15 days,” the official added.

The matter gained attention during a recent district-level Development Coordination and Monitoring Committee meeting, where Kurukshetra MP Naveen Jindal called for an investigation into MGNREGA works worth Rs 18 crore completed over the past 10 months.

Sources revealed that the alleged scam involved the creation of fake job cards for individuals living abroad. Although these individuals did not work under the scheme, their attendance was falsely recorded and wages were embezzled.

The CM's swift action reflects the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in public welfare schemes.