Bhubaneswar, Dec. 15 -- Allegations of large-scale irregularities in the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) have surfaced in Odisha's Bolangir district, with funds allegedly siphoned off using fake labour and vendor records. Serious discrepancies were reported from the Bangomunda block on Monday, raising concerns over monitoring and accountability at the grassroots level.

According to available records, MGNREGA funds were allegedly withdrawn in the name of a deceased individual in the Chandotara panchayat under the Bangomunda block. Documents show that Mangalu Bachha, who died on January 30, 2020, was listed in muster rolls as having worked under the employment scheme in June 2020. Offi...