Concerns have arisen over the implementation of an MGNREGA road project in the Boko Development Block, with accusations of mismanagement of funds and the denial of employment to local villagers.
The project, titled “Construction of Agribundh cum Road from Hahim PWD Road to Roumari Sahipara via Dhanhati”, is part of the 2025-26 MGNREGA initiatives aimed at improving rural connectivity and supporting the local economy in the 70 No. Dakhin Pub Luki Gram Panchayat. The project has a sanctioned budget of Rs 9,57,519, with Rs 7,75,972.40 allocated for wages and Rs 1,81,546.60 for materials. It is expected to provide around 3,031 mandays of employment, offering villagers both wage support and essential infrastructure for the area’s farmers and residents.
However, reports suggest that mechanized machinery, such as excavators (JCBs), has been used in place of manual labor, leading to allegations of misuse of MGNREGA funds. Villagers claim this practice denies them the wages they are entitled to under the scheme.
On Friday, a group of locals staged a protest at the construction site, forcing the work team to halt operations and leave. Accusations have surfaced against project supervisors, with Chandan Kumar Boro, president of Dhanhati village, accusing Panchayat member Jitumoni Rabha and BJP booth committee president Karmeswar Rabha of being involved in the alleged malpractice. Residents further claim that JCBs have consistently replaced manual labor, and contractors have been withholding job cards from workers.
Villagers, many of whom rely on daily wages for their livelihoods, have reported receiving only small sums—around Rs 500—after the scheme funds are deposited into their bank accounts. Some workers have been forced to travel to nearby cities like Boko or Guwahati for alternative work.
Boko Block Development Officer Rajiv Das confirmed that an inquiry into the matter would be conducted. He emphasized that MGNREGA guidelines require that work be carried out by villagers with valid job cards, and the use of machinery like JCBs goes against these regulations.
Meanwhile, Swapnan Rabha, president of the 70 No. South East Luki Gaon Panchayat, allegedly warned villagers over the phone that any obstruction of the roadwork could result in the suspension of all development schemes in the area.
Local residents have now called on the Block Development Officer and the Kamrup District Commissioner to intervene. Authorities’ response to the issue will be closely monitored, especially as similar reports of irregularities have surfaced in other villages under the Boko Development Block.
