Rayagada: During her visit to Rayagada, the Secretary of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Development Department, Poma Tudu, was presented with a memorandum by the Lanjia Saura community. The memorandum was submitted by the Lanjia Saura Development Association (LSDA), based in Putasing, Gunupur Subdivision, Rayagada district. The memorandum includes allegations against former independent officer of LSDA and current District Welfare Officer (DWO) Asima Rao, accusing her of misusing government funds, engaging in illegal activities, and committing atrocities against the primitive Lanjia Saura tribal people.
After receiving the memorandum and listening to the grievances, Secretary Poma Tudu assured the villagers that a proper investigation would be conducted. The memorandum claims that while serving as an independent officer of LSDA, Asima Rao was involved in numerous illegal activities, gross misuse of government funds, and severe exploitation of the local community. It is alleged that she failed to follow the mandatory government tender process and misappropriated lakhs of rupees meant for the promotion of traditional Lanjia Saura art, particularly Idital painting.
The memorandum further alleges that the murals painted in houses were done without the consent of the residents, who were given minimal compensation. Additionally, there are claims that the widow of a deceased LSDA employee was harassed and unjustly removed from her position. The Lanjia Saura community has demanded a high-level investigation into financial irregularities, misappropriation of funds, and misuse of government resources, along with departmental action against those responsible.
Several community representatives, including Paitan Gamang, Majhi Dalabehera, and Joseph Gamang, along with over a hundred Lanjia Saura men and women, were present during the submission of the memorandum. Another copy of the memorandum was also submitted to the District Collector, urging necessary action.
It is noteworthy that on January 28, District Collector had relieved DWO Asima Rao from her duties due to negligence. However, she challenged the order in the High Court, which subsequently overturned the relief order and directed the department to reinstate her. Following this, she resumed her duties today, but fresh allegations from the Lanjia Saura community have sparked discussions across the district.