SPVS projects not implemented properly: CAG report
SHILLONG: The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India that audited the accounts of the Special Purpose Vehicle Society (SPVS) for development of Lafarge Umiam Mining Areas for 2014 in Shella and adjoining areas, has observed that many projects were not implemented satisfactorily when the panel was headed by a retired IAS officer and others.
The report quoting the Local Project Implementation Committees (LPICs) said the committee was set up by the local village authorities to oversee implementation of the project.
LPICs had voiced their concerns regarding the absence of a full-time chief executive officer (CEO), involvement of line departments, withholding of funds by BDOs, discontinuation of honorarium to LPIC members and others.
LPICs also raised a number of demands to change the function of SPVS.
The Special Purpose Vehicle Committee said in February 2017 that when SPVS was set up, a retired IAS officer was appointed as a full-time CEO assisted by retired officers of the government.
“However, upon monitoring of the projects taken up, it was found that many projects were not implemented satisfactorily and hence to provide better delivery of services, it was felt necessary to revamp the organisational structure of SPVS,” the CAG report said.
Moreover, under the guidelines of Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) only a serving officer of government of India can handle CAMPA funds.
Hence, the East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner was appointed as CEO and project director, District Rural Development Agency as the secretary of SPVS.
The role of Deputy Commissioner is to ensure that there is no duplication of schemes and proper utilisation of funds.
Residents Safety Rules tabled
SHILLONG: The notification related to Meghalaya Residents Safety and Security Rules, 2017 was tabled in the Assembly on Friday. Earlier, the Act was notified on August 14 this year. According to the government, the purpose of framing rules was to effectively implement the measures to check influx and ensure the safety of the residents. The issues related to verification of tenants, felicitation centers for the visitors at the entry and exit points are other aspects of the rules
Five bills introduced
Besides, the government also introduced five Bills which are Meghalaya Essential Services Maintenance (Amendment ) Bill, Legislative Assembly of Meghalaya Members’ Salaries and Allowances (Amendment ) Bill, Meghalaya Anatomy Bill, Meghalaya Passenger and Goods Taxation Act ( Amendment ) Bill and Meghalaya Nursing Council (Amendment ) Bill 2017.
Food panel wants PDS records in public domain
SHILLONG: The Meghalaya State Food Commission has recommended that the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS) records maybe placed in public domain and open for inspection to the public.
The first annual report of the Meghalaya State Food Commission tabled in the Assembly on Friday said that social audit should be conducted by an Independent agency.The report also said that the department of food, civil supplies and consumer affairs should put in a system in place for receiving applications for ration cards online and a time limit should be prescribed for issue of ration cards.
According to the report, the inspecting staff of the department needs to be augmented so that fair price shops are inspected at least once per quarter.
ICDS programme
As far as Integrated Child Services programme is concerned, the commission said that besides the two districts, the department of social welfare should take steps to cover the remaining districts for maternal benefits of Rs 6,000 per pregnant mother.
“All Anganwadi centers should have barrier free access and arrangement for children with disabilities and funds may be arranged for this” , the report said.
Midday meal scheme
The commission said that food samples need to be tested by some authorized agency and a system may be put in place for this. “Regular inspection of schools should be carried out to monitor the schemes and toll free numbers should be set up for receiving complaints and attending to them”, the report said.
According to the commission, the department may contact NEHU for evaluation of the mid day meal scheme, especially with regard to the impact parameters like improving nutritional status, regularity of attendance and retention of students under primary education.
Late leaders remembered
SHILLONG: The late leaders of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and elsewhere in the country were remembered on the first day of the winter session on Friday.
The House recalled the contribution of late legislators P K Raswai, Manirul Islam Sarkar, Elstone Roy Kharkongor and Herbert Suchiang.
Those who took part in the obituary reference include Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, Opposition Leader Donkupar Roy, Cabinet Ministers M M Danggo, Zentih Sangma and legislator James Sangma and others.