India: The Indian state of Karnataka has ordered implementation of GPS technology in an effort to put a stop to irregularities in housing schemes.
Earlier, nodal officers of Rajeev Gandhi Rural Housing Corporation visited the villages where the beneficiary houses were under construction and verified the details. If the documents were approved the funds were remitted to the respective beneficiaries’ accounts.
But with the rise in allegations that the officials were hand in glove with the beneficiaries and were sanctioning funds even when the construction of the houses is in basement level, the government had directed to use GPS to monitor the scheme and then approve further funds.
GPS technology, which was limited only to Basava Housing Scheme earlier, is now being extended to Indira Awas and Dr B R Ambedkar Housing Schemes too.
The government is sanctioning INR 75,000 under the Basava Housing Scheme. According to guidelines, the Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) has to make spot inspection of the site and has to transfer the information to the nodal officer through online. Later, nodal officer would visit the site and check it through GPS and after the information sent by the PDO is verified the first instalment of the amount – INR 15,000 is approved and remitted in the bank account.
The next installment of INR 20,000 is remitted at the lintel level and another INR 20,000 at the ceiling level. The final instalment is approved after the completion of the house after checking through GPS by the nodal officer.
Source: Deccan Herald
