Rewa MGNREGA Fraud: Farmer Builds Pond, Wage Sent to Anganwadi Worker

Fake Master Roll Case

A major MGNREGA scam has surfaced in Rewa district’s Gram Panchayat Ketha. A farmer built his own farm pond with his family’s labour. But the Panchayat Secretary allegedly prepared a fake master roll. Consequently, Rs 4,694 was credited to an Anganwadi worker’s account without any work.

CM Helpline Uncovers Fraud

The matter came to light after a complaint on the CM Helpline. The complainant, Shivam Dwivedi, alleged irregularity in wage payments. Officials said a probe team verified the documents and site records. Their findings confirmed a clear mismatch between actual workers and the payment list.

Family Did the Work

The sanctioned work was pond construction on Murli Patel’s farmland. Patel and his family members completed the entire excavation themselves. No external labourers were hired for the job. Villagers confirmed this fact during the inquiry. However, the Panchayat Secretary named Ramvati Saket, an Anganwadi worker, as a beneficiary.

Worker Admits No Involvement

During questioning, Ramvati Saket clearly stated she never worked at the site. She told the probe team she had no knowledge of the payment. Local residents also supported her claim. The investigation report noted that 18 days of fake wages were credited to her account.

Secretary’s Role Under Scanner

Officials said Panchayat Secretary Mahesh Patel approved the payment without verification. The rules mandate physical measurement and muster roll authentication before any disbursal. Sources indicated the secretary bypassed all these steps. His role is now termed “highly suspicious” in internal reports.

Recovery Recommended

The probe team has declared the entire amount recoverable from the responsible person. As per officials, the money was paid against a work that never employed the named worker. The CEO of Janpad Panchayat, Gangew, has forwarded the report to senior authorities. A final decision on disciplinary action is awaited.

What Next in the Case

Higher officials are reviewing the report for possible criminal proceedings. The district administration may also order a wider audit of MGNREGA works in the block. An India news update suggests action could include suspension and recovery from the secretary’s salary. Public interest in the case remains high as more villagers come forward with similar complaints. Trending news India today highlights such frauds as a threat to rural job guarantee schemes. According to latest news today, strict instructions have been sought from the state rural development department.