Chapra. An irregularity has surfaced in the MNREGA scheme in Marhaura block, where a single individual was illegally paid as both a laborer and a mate. The matter came to light after Shashi Bhushan Rai, a resident, filed a complaint on the Sahyog portal. According to the complaint, an individual named Kartik Sah received payments totaling ₹23,205 for 91 days as a laborer and ₹11,975 for 44 days as a mate in the financial year 2025-26. Similarly, in 2024-25, he received ₹24,460 for 100 days as a laborer and ₹6,360 for 24 days as a mate.

During the investigation, it was found that excess payments of 35 days in 2025-26 and 24 days in 2024-25 were made. The Block Program Officer, Marhaura, instructed Panchayat Employment Secretary Arvind Kumar to recover the excess amount of ₹15,630 (₹9,275 for 2025-26 and ₹6,360 for 2024-25). Subsequently, the individual deposited the excess amount into the government account. PO Nandan Kumar Astik confirmed the recovery and issued a warning against future discrepancies.

Meanwhile, allegations of favoritism have been made regarding the declaration of flood-affected areas in Maujampur Panchayat of Garhkha block. District Councilor Ramawati Devi wrote to the DM, questioning the functioning of the Garhkha circle office. She stated that wards one, two, and three of the panchayat have been declared flood-affected, while ward four of the same village, Dhanaura, has been excluded. She also mentioned the death of a person by drowning in floodwaters on September 6, for which a case has been registered at Avtarnagar police station. Ramawati Devi has demanded a high-level inquiry to declare the entire panchayat flood-affected and to disburse GR grant assistance to the deprived families.