Boko, Jan 9: The Boko Development Block has initiated the construction of an agribundh-cum-road under the MGNREGA scheme for the 2025-26 financial year.
The project, officially titled “Construction of Agribundh cum Road from Hahim PWD Road to Roumari Sahipara connecting road via Dhanhati,” aims to bolster the local agrarian economy within the 70 No. Dakhin Pub Luki Gram Panchayat.
Carrying the work ID 0407008003/WC/9010297226, the vital infrastructure project has been sanctioned with an estimated outlay of Rs 9,57,519, of which Rs 7,75,972.40 is earmarked for wages and Rs 1,81,546.60 for material costs.
Local authorities noted that the project is expected to generate approximately 3,031 mandays of employment, providing a dual benefit of direct wage support to rural households and the creation of a durable asset that will facilitate easier transport for farmers and residents in the Hahim-Roumari belt.
However, concerns have surfaced over the manner in which the construction is being carried out.
The scheme, designed to provide employment to local villagers, is reportedly being executed with excavator vehicles (JCBs). While such mechanisation reduces cost and time, villagers have been deprived of the daily wages they are entitled to under MGNREGA.
On Friday, as road construction continued with JCBs, a section of villagers gathered at the site and raised objections. Following the protest, the construction team abandoned the work and left the spot.
Allegations of large-scale irregularities have since been levelled against those overseeing the project.
Chandan Kumar Boro, president of Dhanhati village, alleged that Panchayat member Jitumoni Rabha and BJP booth committee president Karmeswar Rabha were leading the malpractice.
Villagers claimed that such irregularities have persisted for a long time, with JCBs being used instead of manual labour, thereby depriving them of rightful wages.
Further allegations suggest that Panchayat officials and contractors keep the job cards of villagers—many of whom travel daily to Boko or Guwahati to sell vegetables or engage in other work.
Once scheme funds are released to bank accounts, contractors reportedly withdraw the money and pay only a commission of Rs 500 to the job card holders.
When contacted, Boko Block Development Officer Rajiv Das stated that an inquiry would be conducted into the matter.
He clarified that under MGNREGA, work must be carried out by villagers holding job cards, and the use of JCBs is a violation of the rules.
Meanwhile, Swapnan Rabha, president of the 70 No. South East Luki Gaon Panchayat, allegedly threatened over phone that if villagers obstruct road construction, all development schemes from the Panchayat would be stopped in the village.
Local residents have appealed to the Block Development Officer and the Kamrup District Commissioner to take necessary action.
It may be noted that similar incidents have frequently occurred in several villages under Boko Development Block, and the measures taken by the authorities in this regard will be closely watched.
