SHILLONG: The MGNREGS scheme of the Union Government seems to have become a hot spot scheme for people to indulge in corruption and two accusations of misappropriation has been made in the scheme in the State recently.
RTI findings filed by the Khasi Students’ Union – Myntriang Unit (KSU-MU) with the Saipung Block Development Office on October last year revealed that the village Employment Council (VEC) secretary who is also the headman of Myntriang village Wolding Lamurong in East Jaintia Hills District allegedly misappropriated Rs 5.14 lakh sanctioned under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) for 2010 – 2011 and 2012 – 2013.
On the other hand, the Social Welfare Association (SWA), CEC, New Bhaitbari, West Garo Hills has threatened to file a case in the High court for alleged violation of the MGNREGA Act and payment of wages Act 1936 while alleging that the job card holders in Selsella block who are working under the MGNREGS are not getting their wages payment
When contacted, Commissioner and Secretary of C&RD department F Kharlyngdoh said that department had not received any complaints officially and all the irregularities in the scheme has been reported in the media only.
He said that the State rural employment Society (SRES) has to take action after inquiry against any one who is accused of indulging in corruption in the scheme.
He also added that a social audit system existed and all that the VEC had to do was conduct a social audit of the scheme to find out any irregularities.
It may be mentioned that the Social Welfare Association (SWA), CEC, New Bhaitbari, West Garo Hills has even issued a seven day deadline to the State Government to pay the wages.
