Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 2: While proceeding on a complaint filed against the officials of Labour Department, Doda, the State Vigilance Commission (SVC), in view of the gravity of allegations, has ordered for an enquiry and directed the Addl Deputy Commissioner Doda (District Vigilance Officer) to conduct thorough enquiry into the allegations and submit findings to the Commission.
The complainant alleged that a hefty amount is being collected from the destitute section of labourers and construction workers on account of renewal fee through an organized network of agents fixed by the officials of Labour Department Doda in connivance with concerned Assistant Labour Commissioner. The complainant further revealed that main agent is running a Photostat shop, outside the office of Assistant Labour Commission, and has engaged sub agents in rural areas for collection of cases pertaining to renewal of Registration Cards etc, who are charging Rs 1000 each from the labourers and construction workers against the Government fixed fee of Rs 120. The complainant further alleged that huge amount is thus being collected from these labourers for sanctioning and disbursement of financial assistance approved by the Government, under a welfare scheme, for them.
During examination of various documents submitted with the complaint and hearing of connected officials, the Commission observed that while the counterfeits of the receipt of fee from labourers showed only amount of Rs 120/, the main receipt had been left blank and discarded instead of being issued to labourers, thereby prima facie indicating possible embezzlement.
Earlier, the Commission rejected the explanatory report of Assistant Labour Commissioner concerned, who could not justify the discrepancies in record maintenance pertaining to fee collection and directed the Addl Deputy Commissioner to hold on spot enquiry for action against the involved.
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