AJAY KUMAR Vs. STATE OF BIHAR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard learned counsel appearing on behalf of the parties. The writ petition has been filed seeking direction to the respondent authorities, more particularly, the District Magistrate, Lakhisarai respondent no. 2 and the Block Programme Officer, National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Block-Surajgarha, P.S.- Surajgarha in the district of Lakhisarai respondent no. 5 to make payment of the wages of the petitioners under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (hereinafter referred to as the 'NAREGA').

(2.) It is the case of the petitioners that on a public petition filed for excavation of Champapur Pokhar (chahbacha) a decision was taken to construct the same by the Gram Sabha of Gram Panchayat Raj, Arma, Block-Surajgarha in the district of Lakhisarai and scheme drawn up. An estimate was prepared by the Junior Engineer for execution of the work at a cost of Rs. 2,79,600/-. The said proposal was forwarded by the Gram Panchayat for its approval by the respondent no. 5 who gave his administrative approval for execution of the work of excavation of the aforesaid pond.

(3.) It is the contention of the petitioners that after the completion of the work in question an actual estimate was drawn and determined at Rs. 2,78,961/- and out of which an amount of Rs. 1,42,157/- was paid to the petitioners vide cheque dated 15.6.2009 as contained in Annexure-3 to the writ petition.