THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau has found massive irregularities during the raids conducted on Scheduled Tribes Development Department offices in the name 'Operation Vanaj'. Massive irregularities were found in the implementation of Scheduled Tribes welfare schemes.

In Alappuzha and Kollam, irregularities were found in the payment of money under the Janani Janamraksha Yojana, which provides Rs 2,000 per month to pregnant women belonging to Scheduled Tribes for up to 18 months. 36000 was not spent in Iritty. In Palakkad, no action was taken on applications submitted three years ago.

In Ranni, 4 laptops purchased for students of professional colleges were not distributed. In Kalpetta, the internet system in 15 colonies is not working in three places. In the 'Kaithangu' scheme for orphans, money was sanctioned without verification. Irregularities were found in the purchase of footwear, nightwear and uniforms in Thodupuzha and in the purchase of milk, fish, meat and grocery items in Palakkad. A Rs 5 lakh scholarship amount has not been distributed in Thodupuzha.

When a child, who was listed in the Directorate of Scheduled Tribes Development Department as having received a gold medal for obtaining high marks, was contacted over the phone, it was found that he had not received the medal. Students with addresses in Karnataka were also allotted money for studying abroad. Many applications have the same phone number. In Nedumangad, the construction of a bridge, for which the contract was signed in 2022, has not yet started. In Kanjirappally, not a single person received water through the drinking water project that cost two and a half crores. Irregularities were also found in providing funds for housing renovations.