KSU demands inquiry into fund misuse

SHILLONG: The Khasi Students Union (KSU) Sanshnong Area Unit has demanded an inquiry into the alleged misappropriation of funds sanctioned for the implementation of the Umit-Umsohphlang Watershed Scheme.
Unit president Pauldeep Tongwah on Tuesday said that there should be an inquiry into the scheme after an RTI reply revealed that there has been misappropriation of funds
The pressure group also demanded the South West Khasi Hills Divisional Soil & Water Conservation officer to clarify on the matter within a month failing which stern decision will be taken.
When asked, Tongwah, while quoting the RTI reply said that the beneficiaries were given only Rs 800 instead of Rs 5000 as financial assistance under the scheme. Altogether there are 332 beneficiaries, who are mostly farmers.
“For this purpose Rs 18.12 lakh was sanctioned but since each beneficiary was getting only Rs 800, only Rs 2 lakh was spent by the department. The big question here is what has happened to the remaining amount Rs 15.47 lakh,” the KSU leader said.
Furthermore, Tongwah alleged that out of Rs 30 lakh sanctioned for the scheme during the year 2014-2016, only Rs 8 lakh was shown as utilised. “However, when you look at the work implemented it does not commensurate with the amount that has been spent,” he added.
He said that the nature of works under the scheme also includes water harvesting structure, CC dam, half moon terraces, afforestation, loose boulder bund, tailoring, hollow block making, betel nut soaking tank, cattle shed and carpentry.