SHGs siphoning off govt funds, alleges group

TURA, July 5: The Niksamso Garo Community Organization (NGCO) has filed a complaint against two self-help groups (SHGs) from Garo Hills for allegedly withdrawing funds for projects supposed to have been completed under the Chief Minister’s Special Development Fund (CMSDF). But according to the complainant, in reality that fund does not exist.
The complaint against the two self-help groups – the Akusa SHG of Walbakgre, Tura and the Chinasa SHG of Kebolpara, Ampati – was lodged on Wednesday with the office of the South West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner.
According to the complaint, a sum of Rs 9.98 lakh for the construction of motorable road at Durapara village and Rs 9.99 lakh for construction of another motorable road at Bakdagre village was withdrawn by the secretary of the Akusa SHG.
Similarly, a sum of Rs 9.99 lakh for the construction of motorable road at Debajani village, Rs 9.99 lakh against motorable road at Sanjengpara and Rs 9.99 lakh for construction of the same at Aruakgre was withdrawn by the Secretary of the Chinasa SHG.
Interestingly, while all the projects were listed as complete on paper, none of them are visible on the ground. All the supposedly completed projects come under the Zigzag C&RD Block in South West Garo Hills.
Meanwhile, pointing out that a total of Rs 49.96 lakh has been siphoned off by the two SHGs, the NGCO, while condemning the act, demanded that an inquiry commission be set up to probe the scam so that action can be initiated against the culprits.