RTI findings reveal MLA scheme anomalies in Mawsynram
SHILLONG: A resident of Mawsynram constituency has alleged anomalies in the implementation of MLA schemes worth over Rs 8 crore in the area based on RTI findings.
The MLA scheme in the area is facilitated by local legislator PN Syiem who is also the KHADC CEM.
Addressing media persons here on Thursday, Banshai Marbaniang, who had filed an RTI to seek replies on the implementation of the scheme, alleged that as per the reply, as many as six MLA schemes worth Rs 8.17 crore – the Chief Minister’s Special Rural Development Fund (CMSRDF), Construction of Rural Roads Programmes (CRRP), Integrated Arts and Cultural Development Programme (IACDP), Intensive Sports and Youth Development Programme (ISYDP), Development of Traditional Folk and Music (DTFM) and Special Rural Work Programme (SRWP) – for 2008-2009 till 2014-2015 were not implemented properly.
“Most of the residents and even the traditional heads are not aware as to how the MLA scheme is functioning,” he said and added that it was the presence of the 100-day work of MGNREGS that helped the residents of the constituency in securing employment and sustaining their livelihood. The total amount earmarked for MLA schemes is over Rs 8.17 crore for 2008-2009 till 2014-2015. “The total expenditure for DTFM, ISYDP, IACDP is Rs 17.50 lakh, for CRRP it is Rs 35 lakh, CMSRDF Rs 30 lakh and Rs 7 crore for SRWP,” he told reporters.
Marbaniang, who is also the FKJGP leader of the area, went on to allege that there is no ambulance in the constituency but RTI findings revealed that an ambulance was purchased for Rs 5.50 lakh in 2008.
He further said 5,415 bundles of CGI sheets were purchased at the rate of Rs 4,500 per bundle, but only 2,105 households have benefitted from the scheme though over Rs 2.42 crore was spent. “I will meet the BDO of Mawsynram over the matter. At the same time, I will write to the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary demanding a fair inquiry so as to clear all doubts,” Marbaniang said.