Villagers Halt Construction Work in Chandil Over Alleged Corruption

Seraikela: Serious allegations of corruption and irregularities have surfaced in the construction of a Panchayat Bhawan and a Health Center in Rasunia village under Rasunia Panchayat of Chandil sub-division. Protesting against the alleged use of poor-quality construction materials and non-payment of labor wages, villagers on Wednesday halted the ongoing construction work.

According to local residents, the Panchayat Bhawan project is being carried out by a company named “Abhinav India.” Villagers alleged that mandatory project details have not been displayed at the construction site, raising questions over transparency in the execution of the government-funded projects.

Information Board Missing, Rules Allegedly Violated

Residents claimed that apart from the foundation stone plaque, no official information board has been installed at the site. Under government norms, details such as project cost, contractor’s name, timeline of completion, and labor wage rates are required to be publicly displayed. Villagers alleged that the absence of such information indicates violation of government guidelines and lack of transparency in the implementation of the projects.

Poor-Quality Construction Materials Allegedly Used

Villagers further alleged that low-grade bricks, sand, and gravel are being used in the construction work. During a visit to the site on Wednesday, residents reportedly found under-burnt bricks, sand mixed heavily with soil, and gravel containing excessive dust. The villagers expressed concern that the use of inferior materials could compromise the strength and durability of the buildings.

Villagers Protest After Contractor Ignores Complaints

According to the villagers, contractor Sheikh Alamgir refused to address their concerns despite repeated complaints regarding the quality of work. Angered by the alleged negligence, villagers staged a protest at the site and temporarily stopped the construction work.

Laborers Await Wages for Months

Residents also accused the contractor of failing to pay local laborers the minimum wage. Several workers allegedly have not received payment for the past two to three months. Villagers further alleged that instead of engaging local Job Card holders, laborers from outside the area are being employed for the work.

Complaint to Be Filed With Administration

Village Head Sukhlal Mahto said that complaints regarding the matter would be submitted to the Chandil Block Development Officer and the Deputy Commissioner of Seraikela-Kharsawan district. He stated that villagers would not allow construction work to resume until quality materials are used, pending wages are cleared, and transparency norms are followed.

Attempts to contact contractor Sheikh Alamgir for his response were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, the Chandil BDO stated that an inquiry would be conducted after receiving a formal complaint and necessary action would be taken accordingly.