SC gives nod to CBI probe of alleged misuse of NREGA funds in UP

The Supreme Court on Friday gave a green signal for a CBI probe into alleged misappropriation of funds under the NREGA scheme in seven districts of Uttar Pradesh.

A bench headed by Chief Justice P Sathasivam dismissed a batch of petitions including that of Uttar Pradesh government challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict for CBI probe into the alleged irregularities.

On 31 January, the Allahabad High Court had directed the CBI to investigate alleged abuse and misappropriation of funds under National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) scheme in Uttar Pradesh’s seven districts–Balrampur, Gonda, Mahoba, Sonbhadra, Sant Kabir Nagar, Mirzapur and Kushinagar–between 2007 and 2010. The high court order was passed on the basis of a PIL.

The high court had directed CBI to hold a preliminary  enquiry with regard to other districts of the state for the three years relating to alleged abuse, misuse or misappropriation of funds provided by the Centre under the scheme followed by a regular inquiry, if required.

It had directed the state government to provide all necessary assistance including manpower to CBI within a month from the date of receipt of request to proceed for investigation in pursuance to the judgement.

The high court had also directed CBI to submit a status report to it every three months with regard to the investigation.

PTI