Allegations of anomalies in MGNREGS surface from WGH
TURA, June 8: Job card holders of VECs in Asikandi village under Demdema Block in West Garo hills have submitted separate complaints to West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner and the Project Director-cum-Additional Programme Coordinator of MGNREGS, alleging misappropriation of funds as well as irregularities being committed by the VEC secretaries and presidents. A complaint in this regard was also earlier filed with the Block Development Officer of Demdema on June 6. Asikandi village consists of four VECs, viz. Asikandi I, Asikandi II, Asikandi III and Asikandi IV, all the heads of which have been accused of indirectly running the VECs under different caretakers’ names. According to the job card holders, the already completed works in various places under Asikandi village like earth filling, ring well, retaining wall, etc. are not as per the estimated and sanctioned budget of MGNREGS, which indicate that a huge misappropriation might have occurred. The villagers added that while some job card holders are not getting their wages in their own bank accounts, some of the female caretakers are not even aware of the fact that their names as caretakers are selected in the Gram Sabha and in the order of the BDO. They further alleged that Gram Sabha meetings are not held at the village level and that closed-door meetings only took place between the corrupted VEC functionaries/secretary and presidents whose names were mentioned in the Meghalaya Lokayukta Case No. 4 of 2020. The villagers also claimed that payments are being withdrawn in the names of persons who have crossed 60 years of age, and that VEC functionaries are demanding a share of the payment credited to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.
Experts share insights into progress in field of renewable energy
SHILLONG, June 8: Experts from the Meghalaya Non-Conventional & Rural Energy Development Agency (MNREDA) came together for a series of sessions, as part of World Environment Day celebrations, shedding light on the latest advancements in the field of renewable energy and their potential applications within Meghalaya. According to a statement here, the programme was organised by the Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, in collaboration with the MNREDA at the State Convention Centre here. The programme was aimed at sharing comprehensive, data-driven progress with the communities of Meghalaya and promoting the utilisation of renewable energy sources. The event also featured an exhibition on renewable resources, led by Junior Engineer, MNREDA, Arup Chakraborty, who provided valuable insights into the various renewable energy options available. Some of the highlights of the event include cultural performance by local artists, drawing competition on ‘Renewable Energy for a Better Tomorrow’, sensitisation programme for headmen from Shillong localities, et al.
Group wants govt to bring end to load-shedding woes in Phulbari
TURA, June 8: The A’chik Youth Movement for Betterment of the Society, a Phulbari-based organisation has lamented the pitiable power scenario in the region, and urged the state government to take charge of the already completed Power Grid Corporation Limited at Chibinang to end the region’s power woes. In a statement here on Thursday, the group alleged that a visit to the project site at Chibinang revealed that the project has already been completed and is awaiting charging as well as to be connected to the Phulbari Sub Station (33KV). Informing that residents from the region have to face immense hardships and inconveniences due to the low voltage there, let alone the load-shedding, the group urged the government and the concerned department to take necessary steps to make the power grid at Chibinang functional.
RBI holds quiz competition in R-B
NONGPOH, June 8: The Reserve Bank of India, Shillong, on Thursday organised a district-level quiz on financial literacy for the school students of Ri-Bhoi district. The competition, which was held at Dorbar Hall Nongpoh, was participated by teams comprising two students each from different government schools of the district. While Mawrong RMSA Secondary School bagged the first prize, the first runner-up and second runner-up were secured by Patharkhmah Government HS School and Mynken RMSA Secondary School respectively. The winners were felicitated with cash prizes, certificates and trophies.