SHILLONG: The implementation of the Women’s Economic Empowerment through Financial Inclusion and Entrepreneurship scheme by Chief Minister Mukul Sangma prior to the elections was seen by the Opposition as serving electoral purpose.
The general secretary of the United Democratic Party (UDP), Jemino Mawthoh, questioned the government’s hurried move ahead of the elections which, according to him, is a clear indication that the government is using the money to boost the party in the elections.
“If we are to implement schemes, we have to follow certain guidelines which are to be strictly adhered to but now all these things are being blatantly flouted to suit the candidates of the Congress. It is basically using government money for the election which is illegal,” he said.
He alleged that no proper procedures were followed in this connection and added that it is highly unbecoming because government money was used by flouting all rules.
“This is only for election purposes and we condemn it because this is not the way a government should function,” he said.
Mawthoh said aid should be given to deserving beneficiaries and that they should be identified properly.
In his response, BJP state president Shibun Lyngdoh said, “This is done to woo voters. Why do they have to release it at the last moment?”
National People’s Party (NPP) state president WR Kharlukhi said he did not know much about the MLA scheme, but asserted that the aim of launching the scheme is for election purpose.
“But since the model code of conduct has not been imposed, nothing can be done,” he added.
Favouritism alleged
Meanwhile, CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing said that the mother of a nine-year-old boy, who is disabled and staying with his parents in 3rd Mile under Mylliem Constituency, received no financial assistance under the women empowerment scheme.
According to Kharshiing, many deserving women did not get Rs 5000 and in some cases, the members of the same were given the benefits.
“On January 12, we met many women who are MGNREGS workers or daily wage earners who were denied the assistance of the scheme though their names and EPICs were provided,” she said.
Kharshiing alleged that supporters of MLAs who were also contractors were the distributors of the cheques and not BDOs and in some areas, the headmen were also kept in the dark about the scheme.
Stating that there is selective distribution of the cheques, Kharshiing said a woman, Doria Shabong of Umlyngka under Mylliem constituency, who used to help many disabled families get social assistance, was also denied any of the assistance. Shabong has an eight-year-old disabled child.
“Such is the misuse of this scheme to get votes before elections,” Kharshiing alleged.
