SHILLONG: An RTI filed by the Meghalaya Peoples’ United Front (MPUF) revealed misappropriation of funds in the implementation of Special Rural Works Programme (SRWP), allegedly by four MLAs from Jaintia Hills.
MPUF, a pressure group, has sought clarification from the Legislators on the anomalies revealed by the RTI.
Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, MPUF president Dawanpoimi Laloo said the representatives from Nartiang, Mookaiaw, Raliang and Khliehriat have not adhered to the guidelines of SWRP as utilisation certificates were not submitted even after six months of implementation.
Speaking on Nartiang, which is represented by Congress Legislator Sniawbhalang Dhar, the RTI revealed there was a remaining balance of Rs 6, 90, 000 from a total sanction of Rs 1 crore for the year 2014-15.
Again for 2015-16, the remaining balance was Rs 14, 45, 000 from the sanction of Rs 1 crore while for the year 2016-17, out of a total sanction of Rs 2 crore, the remaining balance was Rs 5, 35, 000.
On the other hand, for Raliang represented by power minister Comingone Ymbon, Laloo said the utilisation certificate has not been provided despite the total sanctioned amount of Rs 2 crore been used.
“Though Rs 2 crore has been used, we are yet to get the utilisation certificate. We will try to get information from the nodal officer,” he said.
However, while referring to Mookaiaw constituency, which is represented by Robinus Syngkon, who has decided to join BJP, Laloo said, “It is too perfect. But it has no utilisation scheme to show whether the schemes were implemented properly or not.”
Another constituency pointed out by Laloo, which according to him is the most confusing of all the three, is the Khliehriat constituency represented by Justine Dkhar, who along with Syngkon, decided to move to BJP.
Michal Chyrmang, president of MPUF Khliehriat circle, said that Rs 54, 84, 736 remained as balance from Rs 1 crore for the year 2013-14.
“The MLA donated Rs 5, 35, 000 for the construction of a basketball playground for his own school, Ambrose Memorial Secondary School, and Rs 2, 30,000 to construct the bust of Kiang Nangbah,” Chyrmang said.
The MPUF Khliehriat unit president further said the balance for the year 2014-15 and 2015-16 was Rs 21 lakh and Rs 18 lakh respectively.
In connection with the anomalies found, Laloo said the organisation would file a PIL after they get information on the utilisation certificates.
He alleged that the remaining balance may have been used by the Legislators for their own benefit and cautioned them that they should implement schemes meant for the welfare of the public in a fair manner.
