Use of machines in place of labourers in NREGS works was detected by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) at many places in the State during the last financial year.
Taking strong exception to the practice, the CAG maintained in its latest report that in Mayurbhanj and Jajpur districts unauthorised use machines like excavators in execution of works, as alleged by the public, was confirmed on inquiry.
Besides, in two tank projects of Jajpur and Nayagarh districts, evidences of marks of tractor wheel, digging marks of excavators, large size clods and dumping by mechanical means were also noticed during joint inspection in May 2009, the report added.
The report, however, observed that the works were shown as executed manually by labourers and in one case even individual/ group measurement was not recorded in measurement books and in 14 muster rolls, wage payment was found tampered. Besides, in two other works, mechanical transportation of ordinary excavated soil was also provided in the estimate by the assistant engineer concerned. The report said Rs 4.01 lakh was paid to the tractor owners in cash on hand receipts for transporting soil to the site, embankment of tank and adjacent connecting road.