SHILLONG: The HNYF has accused three JHADC MDCs of violating the ‘norms of secularism’ as specified in the Indian Constitution’ by allotting development schemes to religious institutions.
Addressing newsmen here on Wednesday, HNYF publicity secretary Donbok Dkhar said that as per the RTI findings, South Jowai constituency MDC D Nongpluh, Nangbah constituency MDC C Biam and Sutnga constituency MDC S Shadap have allotted schemes to religious institutions thus violating the basic principles of secularism.
“South Jowai constituency MDC (Nongpluh) had allotted a scheme for the improvement of community hall at Chiliang Raij, Jowai. The work order amounting to Rs. 42,000 was sanctioned under the MDC scheme 2009-10,” Dkhar said while referring to the data collected under the RTI.
He also informed that JHADC member C Biam gave Rs 20,000 for the improvement of community hall run by the Presbyterian Church at Kyndong Tuber. The scheme was sanctioned in 2011-12 while Sutnga constituency’s S. Shadap gave Rs 30,000 for the construction of footpath to the Narwan Presbyterian Church in 2012-13.
“These actions violate the tenets of secularism as enshrined in the Constitution of India,” Dkhar said while adding that besides this, the MDCs are allotting schemes to businessmen, government servants and even ex-MDCs of the Council which he alleged was a clear violation of the existing guidelines.
Dkhar also claimed that some government servants and businessmen were made beneficiaries of the MDC scheme for improvement of paddy fields under Raliang constituency which is held by N. Lamare. Lamare had given the schemes in 2009-10.
Another discrepancy revealed by the RTI finding is that government servants, businessmen and ex-MDCs’ names figure in the list of BPL beneficiaries under Raliang and South Shangpung constituency.
“This is totally unfair on the part of the MDCs depriving those who deserve the schemes,” Dkhar said.
The RTI findings also revealed anomalies in the distribution of CGI sheets.
Dkhar said that the HNYF will take up the matter with the Governor RS Mooshahary and Minister in charge of District Council Affairs for immediate action.