Bhubaneswar: Odisha vigilance on Wednesday launched a probe into alleged irregularities in the installation of LED street lights in gram panchayats of Keonjhar, Nayagarh and Jajpur districts during 2021–22 and 2022–23. The anti-corruption agency said the scale of graft could run into crores, though the exact value is yet to be assessed.“We have mobilised 24 teams comprising 81 officers — including additional SPs, DSPs and inspectors — to investigate corruption and embezzlement of govt funds in LED street lighting projects across the three districts,” a senior vigilance official said.Preliminary field inquiries revealed that the turnkey project, launched under the 5th state finance commission devolution grants, mandated installation of LED lighting systems in one village of each panchayat along with a comprehensive annual maintenance contract.“Massive irregularities have surfaced — from violation of tender guidelines to non-installation of vital components such as energy meters, cables, clamps and photo switch timers. Bills were drawn showing these items as installed, leading to misappropriation of government funds by executants,” the official added.The vigilance wing is now quantifying the extent of misappropriation and examining the role of govt officials and executing agencies. “We are assessing the financial loss and fixing responsibility. Accountability will be established at every level,” the official said.
