Cuttack, Feb 8: The Orissa High Court on Wednesday observed that it is not illegal on part of the government to impose restrictions about execution of the works under Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha scheme.
The High Court refused to interfere in the process of implementation of the projects under the state government’s Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha scheme.
However, disposing of the batch of petitions, the single judge bench of Justice BP Routray asked the government to consider inclusion of sarpanches and panchayat representatives in implementation of the programme in the villages.
The petitioners do not have any right to claim their involvement and participation in execution of the works, Justice Routray ruled.
The petitioners, mostly the sarapanches and ward members, wanted the projects under Ama Odisha, Nabin Odisha scheme to be selected and executed by the local elected body of the gram panchayat.
More than 40 petitions had sought intervention against implementation of projects under the scheme by executive departments.
Under the scheme, the state government has allocated up to Rs 50 lakh to each gram panchayat, out of which up to R 10 lakh is earmarked for the purpose of promotion, preservation and protection of Jagannath culture and tradition, places of worship and pilgrim amenities in places with high congregation.
As per the scheme, either the works shall be executed by the panchayat samiti departmentally or by other agencies to be chosen by the collector.
