Has the Odisha Government Accelerated Refunds for Ponzi Scam Victims?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Odisha government has expedited the refund process for chit fund scam victims.
- Decentralization to district levels has made refunds faster and more accessible.
- Over Rs 47.07 crore refunded to 1,26,137 depositors in one year.
- Plans to compensate an additional 5 lakh depositors soon.
- Government has confiscated properties from 35 illegal chit fund firms.
Bhubaneswar, July 2 (NationPress) The Odisha government has accelerated the process for reimbursing small investors impacted by chit fund scams in the state.
According to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) on Wednesday, under the direction of the Chief Minister, the refund process for chit fund investments has been streamlined and decentralized to district levels, making it quicker and more accessible.
The state government noted on Wednesday that since the BJP-led administration took office, the refund process has progressed considerably.
Additionally, the statement revealed that a total of Rs 47.07 crore has been refunded to 1,26,137 small depositors statewide over the past year. This is a stark comparison to the previous government, which managed to disburse only Rs 119 crore to 2,79,109 investors over a decade, from 2014 to 2024.
Demonstrating the state government’s commitment to compensating affected depositors, the Chief Minister has instructed officials to ensure that another 5 lakh depositors receive financial compensation within the next three to four months.
Reports indicate that government authorities have confiscated 1,472.428 decimals of immovable properties belonging to 35 illegal chit fund firms in Odisha.
Out of these, properties totaling 56.549 decimals have already been auctioned off. The state government has also issued interim orders to attach the movable and immovable assets of 66 fraudulent companies within the state.
The BJP had committed during last year’s general elections to ensure justice for small businesses and to return their investments caught up in chit fund scams within 18 months of assuming power.
These chit fund companies have defrauded countless depositors across Odisha by enticing them to invest in various ponzi schemes.