‘Progress’ in Ri Bhoi land scam probe after PAC nudge

SHILLONG: The Public Accounts Committee of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly said on Thursday that inquiry into the Ri Bhoi land scam has made “some progress” after the panel’s intervention.
The PAC, under chairman Paul Lyngdoh, examined the progress report on the case for three months – from August to October. The report was submitted by the ADG CID. “The committee has decided that it would ask for the presence of the SSP CID and the IO of the case during the meeting,” said Lyngdoh.
Former minister and Umroi MLA Stanlywiss Rymbai had received Rs 8 crore for land acquisition for afforestation at Umsawkhwan, Mawpalai forest. This was despite the fact that the land was already in the possession of the Soil and Water Conservation Department. Earlier this year, the PAC had directed the state police to speed up investigation into the land scam.
On the mechanised abattoir in Jowai, Lyngdoh said the 75 per cent progress “is satisfactory”. “The progress report ending August 31 furnished by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary reflected a total progress of 75 per cent of civil works. Overall the retaining wall has been completed and the progress has been satisfactory.”
The committee wanted the department to assure that abattoir would be complete by the end of FY17.
Meanwhile, the PAC sought a status report on the progress of work at Nongstoin College. “On August 22, we visited the college to see the progress of construction works. The reports that have come to us suggest that the works have stagnated.
“The officials of the Education Department, the Commissioner and Secretary of education should submit a status report to the Commission,” Lyngdoh said.