The audit draft reveals that a large number of construction workers in Odisha were declared dead by medical officers, even though they were alive and working. The false certificates were used to secure financial assistance under the Nirman Shramik Scheme.
The scheme, intended to provide relief to workers, is now being misused, with over ₹15 crore in aid directed to nominees of the deceased.
Officials say the fraud was uncovered during a routine audit of the scheme’s disbursements. The report calls for stricter verification and accountability.
The findings have prompted calls for a thorough probe into the medical officers’ conduct and the scheme’s oversight mechanisms.
