Materials purchased from ghost suppliers
JOWAI: Yet another MGNREGA scam has surfaced in West Jaintia Hills as the VEC Secretary and the VEC Chairman who is also the Rangbah Shnong have allegedly misappropriated the funds sanctioned for development project such as construction of internal road, construction of drinking wells and construction of footpath besides others within Larnai village under Thadlaskein Block, West Jaintia Hills.
At least 19 people who are permanent residents of Larnai village lodged a joint complaint with the West Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner who issued a probe order into the matter.
“I have asked my Magistrate to conduct an enquiry and if it is found that the fund meant for development activities through the MGNREA was misappropriated, stern action will be taken against any one involved”, the Deputy Commissioner, PS Dkhar said.
Acccording to the complaint lodged by residents of Larnai village, the VEC Secretary, Ms. Philda Lamare and the VEC Chairman cum Rangbah Shnong, Agustre Lamare have fraudulently withdrawal the money meant for purchase of materials meant for implementation of MGNREGA project in the village using fake names of suppliers.
Both the VEC Chairman and VEC Secretary have misused the fund amounting to Rs. 13.92 lakh. The name of T Nongrum and O Shadap both residents of the village were used as suppliers of materials in which the RTI reports featured that Rs. 3,69,400 and Rs. 1,64,100 were paid to them. Both, T. Nongrum and O Shadap denied that they supplied any materials as mentioned in the RTI reports.
“I have not supplied any materials, not even a truck of sand to the VEC Secretary and the VEC Chairman has misused my name”, said Nongrum.
Fake names were also used in withdrawal the funds meant for purchasing of materials. The amount of Rs. 27,000 and Rs. 80,000 were also featured in the RTI beside another payment receipt of Rs. 32, 300 without the name of suppliers except a thumb impression.
The scam came to light after residents of the village informed the matter to the FKJGP Thadlaskein Cricle who sought RTI reports from the office of the Block Development Officer, Thadlaskein C & RD Block.