Guwahati: The District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) in Dhubri is at the centre of a growing storm, following explosive allegations of corruption, coercion, and gross procedural violations in the implementation of MNREGA schemes. Assistant Statistical Officer (ASO) Dipankar Gupta has emerged as the alleged kingpin in what appears to be a deeply rooted nexus undermining the core objectives of the rural employment programme.
Sources within the department reveal that Gupta allegedly exploited the prolonged vacancy of the Management Information System (MIS) Manager’s post to consolidate control over MNREGA operations across the district. This unchecked authority is said to have paved the way for manipulation of records and execution of fraudulent practices under the guise of rural development.
In Gauripur Block’s Dharmasala area, Gupta has been accused of masterminding the siphoning of funds through fabricated GST vendor bills in collusion with contractors across 15 Gaon Panchayats. Similar financial irregularities have reportedly been unearthed in Folimari, Gaspara, Madhusoulmari, and Tiamari, raising serious questions about the systemic oversight of MNREGA spending in the district.
Even more troubling are reports of whistleblowers being systematically silenced. Several individuals who tried to file complaints against the alleged wrongdoing have reportedly faced threats, intimidation, and forced withdrawals of their submissions. This culture of fear has crippled transparency and deterred efforts to hold those involved accountable.
According to inside sources, Gupta is also alleged to have demanded a cut of 10–15% as advance payments for scheme sanctions, and an additional 5% during the release of funds. These illicit commissions are believed to have enabled him to accumulate assets disproportionate to his known income—suggesting the possibility of a massive financial scam.
Calls for accountability have so far gone unanswered. DRDA and Zilla Parishad officials, when approached, have refrained from offering comments, only stating that the “matter is under review.”
As public pressure mounts, demand grows for an independent probe into the scandal and immediate suspension of officials involved. The alleged misuse of MNREGA funds not only undermines the scheme but also robs rural communities of their right to employment and development.