Udupi: The members of Udupi District Gold and Silversmith Workers’ Union have alleged that Uday Acharya Palli has duped them of their subsidy and allowance funds under the Prime Minister’s Skill Development Programme.

Speaking with media persons at a press meet organised in the Udupi Press Club here on December 21, Dr. Rama Acharya, President of State Gold and Silversmith Workers’ Union said that Uday Acharya, a resident of Shirva, Manchakal, Founder of Mi-Tech ITI College near the petrol bunk at Shirva had deceived them of lakhs of rupees meant to be distributed to the beneficiaries under the Prime Minister’s Skill Development Programme of the union government.

He said that during the general body meeting of the association, the accused Uday Acharya had urged the members to enrol for a training programme under Gems and Jewellery course, which included a three months exposure with allowance and subsidy. Uday Acharya had given information with regards to the training, subsidy, certificate of proof and other facilities under the scheme at the general meeting of the association and had requested all the members to participate in the government scheme. Around 320 members had enrolled in the training programme, of which 120 members completed the examination and were provided certificates. However, the subsidy and allowance have not been deposited in the bank even after one year of the training programme, he alleged.

On inquiring regarding the non-receipt of the allowances and subsidy in their accounts, that were opened for the purpose in Bank of India, Udupi Branch, the members were threatened by both the bank officials and Uday Acharya stating that they were influential people and troubling them might lead to further problems.

As per the bank officials, an amount ranging from Rs 7000 to Rs 21000 has been deposited in these accounts. However, the same has been withdrawn by Udaya Acharya illegally with the help of corrupt bank officials, Rama Acharya said.

The members of Udupi District Gold and Silver Workers Association urged the district police and district administration to initiate legal action against the offenders.

Balakrishna Acharya Kappettu, Association’s Udupi unit President; Rathnakar Kurkalu, Secretary; other officials and members of the association were present during the press meet.