TURA, Feb 9: President of the Mindikgre regional unit of the Garo Students’ Union (GSU) in South Garo Hills, Greneth M Sangma, has submitted a complaint to the district’s Deputy Commissioner alleging misappropriation of funds in connection with Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) projects under the Meghalaya Rural Development Society (MRDS).
According to complainant, an FIR was also filed in this regard against the MRDS and Soil department of the district. Sangma alleged that while a huge amount of money meant for various projects had already been drawn, there was nothing to show for it on the ground except on paper.
“An amount of Rs 1,51,50,000 meant for projects and schemes under South Garo Hills has been withdrawn from the DRDA. However, there is no physical evidence of the projects, in the locations mentioned by the department, except on paper,” Sangma alleged.
Sangma claimed that as per records, the amounts were withdrawn under Tourism Sector Annual Action Plan 2011-12, Agriculture/Allied Sector for Action Plan 2011-12 and Industries Sector for Annual Action Plan 2011-12. Sangma added that during a spot inquiry conducted at the location, it was found that property and materials mentioned in the paper records like caving instruments at Siju Cave and Rafting boats at the Simsang River were nowhere to be found.
Meanwhile, a separate FIR was filed on the same day by FR Marak, the vice president of the GSU, Karukol regional unit, against the poor construction of the approach road from NH-62 to Karukol Higher Secondary School.