By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Taking strong cognizance on the increase of rampant corruption in the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), the state government has decided to organize mass awareness campaign in each and every village of the state this coming spring.
“Owing to the reports that have been received almost time and again on the irregularities unearthed in the implementation of this scheme, the government will organize awareness campaign in each and every village to educate the people on the guidelines, visions and purpose of this scheme and other similar schemes introduced by the government”, newly appointed Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills Sanjay Goyal told reporters here recently.
It was informed that by the first week of April, the government will go ahead with this campaign. “There are also other provisions included like organizing Melas’, fares and the like in the rural areas while focusing on the same note”, Goyal stated.
“I think such campaign will lessen the possibilities and temptations to get indulged in corruption. The main problem is because huge amount of cash is being handed to the members of the Village Employment Councils (VECs) thereby increasing the possibilities of diversion of funds”, the DC observed.
While mentioning that this is hardly the fault of the people, Goyal however stated “We cannot compromise on defaulters and the laws should be applied to all.”On this note, Goyal said such campaigns will to some extend will reduce the mischievous acts by some selfish individuals. “A highlight on the kind of punishments taken against the defaulters will at least instill a sense of fear and responsibilities among the people concern”, Goyal added.
Meanwhile, reiterating outgoing EKH DC, Jopthiaw Lyngdoh on the need to have more banking facilities to reduce corruption, Goyal said “This is one of the most effective ways to do away with this problem”, while adding that this ambitious method will take some time as almost three lakhs accounts has to be opened.
The government has recently sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the State Bank of India and the Axis bank in compliance with this move.
It may be recalled that many irregularities has been unearthed from various Village Employment Councils (VECs) and Area Employment Councils (AECs) pertaining to the implementation of the MGNREGS following which several arrests have been made.