Ex-KHADC CEM dismisses misappropriation report
SHILLONG: Former KHADC CEM Pynshngain N Syiem has denied allegations misappropriation of funds in the implementation of the Khasi Heritage Village at Mawphlang.
Reacting to a news report in a section of the vernacular media, Syiem on Monday dismissed the report that a total amount of Rs.6.38 crore had been earmarked for the project.
“I would like to clarify that only an amount of Rs.5.98 crore had been earmarked for the project through the 13th Finance Commission,” Syiem said.
He also clarified that the KHADC was yet to pay the amount due to consultation firm Anderson Structural Consultant, which had been roped in for the project, since they were yet to make an assessment of the work at the project site.
“We have made it clear that the full amount would be paid only if we are satisfied with the work they have done,” Syiem said, while adding that the firm had been instructed that the rates they have quoted for any component of the project should be strictly as per the Meghalaya PWD (Building) Schedule of Rate 2010-11.
Syiem said the consultation firm had proposed an amount of Rs.32 lakh for construction of the two toilets at the project site, but the payment would be made only after the project engineer of the Council completes the assessment of this particular work.
The firm had proposed an amount of Rs.17.33 lakh for construction of the two toilets while another amount of Rs.14.52 lakh had been proposed for construction of the septic tanks.
“The Council would not pay the full amount which had been proposed for the two toilets if the work done is not justified,” Syiem said.
Syiem also said that the construction of the road leading to the heritage village was yet to begin.
“I am surprised that it was mentioned in the news report that a total amount of Rs.1.37 crore has been already spent for the construction of the road, but how can we pay the amount when the work has not even started?” the former CEM questioned.
Syiem also clarified that the Council was yet to purchase the traditional items and equipment even though they had earmarked an amount of Rs.30 lakh for the same.
“We have taken on rent the various equipments which was showcase during the Monolith Festival. We had spent Rs.1 lakh for this purpose,” he said.
The former CEM also asserted that he was open to the idea of an independent inquiry into the allegations.
“The previous Congress-led Executive Committee has done nothing wrong. We had conceptualized this project with the objective of promoting the Khasi culture and tradition,” Syiem said.
He also informed that he would moving a Zero Hour notice on this issue on the first day of the KHADC budget session on Tuesday.