The Odisha government has taken action against at least 258 officials and some private persons for allegedly taking commission while implementing rural housing schemes in the state.
This was stated by Panchayati Raj Minister Pradip Maharathy while replying a written question of BJP MLA Dilip Ray in the state assembly.
The anti-corruption vigilance department has punished 258 people in 22 districts, no such action is taken in eight other districts.
The minister said: "The government had earlier on June 21, 2017 had asked all the district collectors to take strong actions corrupt elements."
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik while addressing the collector's conference had called upon the district authorities to end percentage commission being allegedly collected in the rural housing schemes.
Accordingly, the Vigilance Department had geared up its action to nab the corrupt elements. The department had also set up a helpline number seeking feedback from the public on corruption in the rural housing schemes.
This apart, an oversight committee headed by the state chief secretary has been set up to review the actions being taken to prevent corrupt practice.
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