Congress Demands Gujarat Minister’s Removal Over MGNREGA Scam Allegations

Quick Summary

• The Congress has accused Gujarat Panchayat and Agriculture Minister of State Bachubhai maganbhai Khabad of misusing MGNREGA funds on personal land.
• Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil presented alleged evidence showing multiple work orders issued for the same plot, claiming funds for projects such as flood drains, dams, wells, tree plantations.
• The supplier of materials for these projects was Raj Constructions,owned by the Minister’s son Balwant Khabad. Allegedly, the contract was awarded without being the lowest bidder.
• MGNREGA funds are designated primarily for rural employment; material supply contracts should follow a competitive bidding process.
• Gohil also highlighted concerns over Gambhira bridge collapse in Gujarat that resulted in 12 deaths and alleged corruption as a cause.
• Written complaints regarding the bridge’s poor condition went ignored by authorities despite costly repairs conducted recently.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The allegations brought forward by Congress about misuse of public resources under MGNREGA raise meaningful questions regarding governance and accountability in rural development programs. If accurate,claims such as awarding contracts to family-owned firms and creating dubious work orders could undermine not only trust in government systems but also deprive intended beneficiaries-rural laborers-of guaranteed employment opportunities under this flagship scheme.

The Gambhira bridge collapse adds further gravity to concerns around infrastructure integrity in Gujarat. Fatalities due to structural failures suggest potential lapses either at oversight or execution levels despite significant repair expenditures. A clear inquiry into both incidents will be pivotal to restoring community trust while ensuring responsible usage of taxpayer money across critical developmental schemes.

For further reading: The Hindu