Bhawanipatna, Jun 8: Odisha Vigilance officials on Monday apprehended a Gram Rozgar Assistant (VB-G RAM G Assistant) in Kalahandi district for allegedly demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs35,000 from a complainant, officials said.

The accused, identified as Priyanka Jena, was serving under the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) scheme at the Soil Conservation and Watershed Development office here.

According to vigilance sources, Jena demanded the bribe from a beneficiary in exchange for clearing bills related to a completed farm pond project. Despite repeated requests to process the file without illegal payment, she allegedly insisted on receiving the money before taking further action.

The complainant, finding no alternative, lodged a formal complaint with Odisha Vigilance. Acting swiftly, officials laid a trap and caught Jena red‑handed while accepting the bribe. The entire tainted amount of Rs35,000 was recovered from her possession and seized in the presence of independent witnesses.

Chemical tests conducted on her hand‑wash and samples confirmed contact with the bribe money, strengthening the case against her.

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The Gram Rozgar Assistant role was introduced under the VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 to enhance transparency and accountability in rural employment schemes. However, this incident raises serious concerns about corruption at the grassroots level and the effectiveness of oversight mechanisms.

Officials stated that further investigation is underway to determine whether other officials or intermediaries were involved in similar practices.