The Odisha government has taken strict action against 843 officers in Mayurbhanj district, withholding their salaries due to their failure to meet targets under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). The decision, announced in an official notice, reflects the government’s stance on ensuring accountability in completing rural housing initiatives.
Delays in Rural Housing Completion
The withheld salaries are a direct response to the officers’ inability to complete designated PMAY housing projects for rural households. Among the 1,026 officers assigned to the district’s PMAY projects, a review revealed that only 173 successfully finished their assigned tasks. This significant backlog led to 63 percent of the PMAY houses remaining incomplete, which district authorities attributed to inadequate field visits and poor project oversight by many of the officers involved.
Government Orders Strict Monitoring
The Mayurbhanj District Collector, Hema Kanta Say, has instructed Block Development Officers (BDOs) across all blocks to issue notices to these officials. The official directive, dated October 28, 2024, states that the salaries of the non-performing officers will remain frozen until the pending work is completed within the 2023-24 fiscal period. Furthermore, the administration has directed the 26 BDOs to ensure rigorous monitoring and oversight of these delayed projects, prioritizing their timely completion.
This action by the Odisha government underscores its commitment to achieving the objectives of PMAY and ensuring that designated officers fulfill their responsibilities. By linking salary disbursements to project performance, the administration aims to expedite the completion of rural housing in Mayurbhanj, emphasizing accountability and diligence in public service.
