PRAYAGRAJ: A total of over 9,000 individuals have fraudulently claimed Rs 1.20 lakh each under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, despite already owning homes. Investigations have revealed the misuse of funds designated for this scheme, prompting authorities to take action to recover the disbursed subsidies.
Moreover, instances of pension fraud have emerged across multiple government schemes, resulting in a loss exceeding Rs 40 lakh due to fraudulent claims, deceased beneficiaries, and cases of unreported remarriages. Officials acknowledge that the lack of recovery mechanisms complicates enforcement, highlighting the urgent need for policy reforms and enhanced verification processes.
Under the PMAY scheme, the government allocates Rs 1.20 lakh in three installments to economically weaker families for home construction. However, a departmental survey conducted after the first installment was disbursed revealed that over 9,000 individuals in various villages had already constructed homes, some even double-storied. Many of these beneficiaries submitted false documents to access the funds.
In the Shankargarh block, more than 3,127 beneficiaries did not undertake any construction after receiving the initial assistance. Local verification confirmed that these individuals had no need for a new home. Authorities are now preparing to initiate recovery measures against them.
Chief Development Officer Harshika Singh has launched a probe and directed the administration to initiate legal action against the implicated individuals. Officials responsible for approving these applications are also under investigation.
Fraudulent activities extend beyond housing schemes, with malpractices detected in various pension programs managed by the departments of social welfare, women and child development, and disability welfare. Official reports indicate that approximately Rs 40 lakh in pension funds were claimed unlawfully.
In the Widow Pension Scheme managed by the women and child development department, it was discovered that over 100 women had either remarried or passed away over a year ago, but their pensions remain active, leading to a misallocation of more than Rs 12 lakh. District Program Officer Sarvjeet Singh mentioned that while funds were directed to the correct accounts, the absence of recovery mechanisms prevents reclaiming these amounts.
Similarly, in the Old Age Pension Scheme, which currently supports 1.53 lakh pensioners in the district, it was found that 2,351 beneficiaries had died over a year ago without their families reporting their deaths, enabling continued pension credits. District Social Welfare Officer Ram Shankar pointed out that existing regulations do not facilitate recovery in such scenarios, hampering the department’s ability to respond effectively.
These findings underscore significant gaps in verification and recovery systems within welfare schemes, raising critical concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
