BDO Vs Sarpanch: Development projects stalled in Malkangari amid Neta-Babu standoff.

After the BDA issued show-cause notices to Sarpanchs of Gangala, Biralaksmanpur, Markapalli and Sindhrimal panchayats, Ajay Kumar Pradhan was accused of obstructing government work for development in the block.

Development projects in Odisha's southern-most district of Malkangiri have reportedly been delayed due to a tussle between the Block Development Officer (BDA) of Sadar Block and Sarpanch of several panchayats.

After the BDA issued show-cause notices to Sarpanchs of Gangala, Biralaksmanpur, Markapalli and Sindhrimal panchayats, Ajay Kumar Pradhan was accused of obstructing government work for development in the block.

Pradhan, in the notice, further mentioned that the Sarpanchs are not cooperating in implementing the welfare schemes of the Central and State Governments and are forcing the developers to prepare false bills for the work.

As a result, the funds allocated for these schemes are not being spent and the Amrit Sarovar project is inordinately delayed, the BDA said in the notification.

“They (Sarpanch) are demanding to prepare the bill for the work that has not yet been completed under the Amrit Sarovar project. They are demanding money first and work later That's why the developmental work is getting delayed," Pradhan said.

On the other hand, the Sarpanchs have filed a counter complaint against the BDA.

After the show-cause notice, the Sarpanches filed a complaint with the District Collector. They alleged that the BDA did this to take revenge from them as they (Sarpanch) had earlier written to the Chief Minister and 5T Secretary to transfer the BDA chief from their block.

Biralaksmanpur Sarpanch, Neelkanth Hola said, “After the formation of 'Sarpanch Organization' in May last year, we met the Collector and demanded his (BDA) transfer. He is taking revenge on us now. "

Meanwhile, the project of Amrit Sarovar has ended in a block after a standoff between government officials and public representatives. The demand to solve this problem is increasing day by day