The allotment and occupation of government quarters have been found to be seriously irregular in the Colony of Devbhog Housing Board, where a number of officials and employees are said to be still occupying government accommodation in violation of the laid-down rules. Because of such infractions, Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) RS Sori has been unable to obtain official quarters and has been living in a PWD rest house for the last six months.
Reports indicated that former suspended SDM Tulsi Das Markam still retains the government residence assigned to him during his suspension from service. Even after its withdrawal from the two subdivisions, the housing unit is still registered in his name. Meanwhile, RS Sori, who additionally assumed charge of Mainpur SDM about a month earlier, has not been given accommodation either.
Some other officials are also reported to occupy government quarters even after transfers or a change of posting. These are ex-district CEO, RES SDO RK Sharma, Naib Tehsildar Ajay Dewangan, clerk Santanu Bandhe, and Nazir Gaurang Bariha. Dr. Sunil Reddy, also a former BMO in the Health Department, is still in a government mansion in the colony, although he is at Gariaband, where he was allotted separate quarters some time ago.
Housing authorities report that heterotrophically, 42 houses in the colony are occupied in violation of the housing rules. Rent is also reportedly not being deposited, which has led to the properties being poorly maintained in a number of cases.
Other irregularities also involve the occupation of government housing by employees who do not have a claim to house rent allowances. There are those reported to have used influence to take out multiple houses under the names of spouses, and there are also those who have merely boarded the houses without inhabiting them.
Other Collector Pankaj Dahare has declared the problem to be serious and has challenged that a thorough investigation will be conducted into it. The SDM has been instructed to compile a team and submit a report listing transferred officials who are still occupying houses and non-eligible occupants. Follow-up will be done accordingly after conducting the review.