THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Feb 10: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state spokesperson Pratul Shahdeo launched a sharp attack on the Hemant Soren-led Jharkhand government, alleging that the scrapping of the district-level MGNREGA ombudsman system has effectively given an open licence to corruption till March 31.
Decision Weakens Monitoring of MGNREGA Schemes
Pratul Shahdeo said that disabling the district ombudsman mechanism directly promotes corruption, as there is now no independent authority to monitor MGNREGA schemes operating until the end of the financial year. He alleged that the absence of ombudsmen has cleared the way for unchecked misuse of government funds.
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Government Accused of Deliberate Misinterpretation
Referring to Letter No. 13-121 Lokpal, 2023, Rural Development (N) 196, dated 09/02/2026, Shahdeo claimed that the Hemant government has deliberately rendered the appointment of district ombudsmen ineffective. He alleged that the state government misinterpreted a communication from the Central Government and used it as an excuse to weaken the monitoring system.
According to him, this move clearly shows that the government’s priority is not transparency but corruption.
MGNREGA Linked to Livelihood of Poor: BJP
The BJP leader stressed that MGNREGA is a livelihood scheme for the poor, labourers and rural population, but in Jharkhand, it has long been affected by commission-taking, fake muster rolls and large-scale irregularities. In the absence of district ombudsmen, there will be no effective check on corruption, raising serious questions about the state government’s intent.
Pratul Shahdeo further stated that widespread corruption in MGNREGA is the reason why the Central Government is now introducing the Viksit Bharat Ji Ram Ji Yojana.
BJP Demands Immediate Appointment of Ombudsmen
The BJP state spokesperson demanded the immediate appointment of MGNREGA district ombudsmen before the end of the financial year. He warned that if the government fails to do so, it would be assumed that the Hemant government itself is protecting corruption.
He added that budgetary provisions for MGNREGA were made in the previous financial year, and the Centre has also kept its share of funds ready. Until the Viksit Bharat Ji Ram Ji Yojana becomes fully operational, payments are still being made through MGNREGA.
Therefore, Shahdeo said, the state government must immediately appoint district-level MGNREGA ombudsmen and ensure oversight until March 31.