BJP raps delay in RTI replies

SHILLONG, March 17: The State BJP on Sunday decried the delay in receiving replies to various RTIs which were filed based on complaints about shoddy implementation of central schemes in all the districts of Garo Hills.
Informing that they had, on February 12, filed RTI applications with various departments but have till date not received the replies sought in electronic format, Tura MDC and BJP vice president, Bernard Marak, said, “Based on complaints from different people of different areas, RTI applications were filed last month but we are yet to receive (the replies)”.
Bernard pointed out that the delay was mostly because they cannot provide the accurate information on the queries put forward by the party. “We had taken ground report of PMAY, Swachh Bharat PMGSY, rural electrification and even the free rice scheme,” he added.
According to the inputs collected by the party from the ground in some areas of South Garo Hills, the beneficiaries of free rice scheme have to pay anything between Rs 3 and Rs 15 a kilo, while some of the beneficiaries receive only one kilogram of rice.
According to Bernard, even with regard to rural electrification, the bills are allegedly exorbitant and most of the bill collectors do not even read the meters.
Bernard also alleged that some villages, despite there being no electricity and no meters, receive high power bills. When the villagers report about it, they are made to run from pillar to post, Bernard said.
“The schemes which should benefit people are mechanised to loot from them and it is very sad such things are happening in Meghalaya where BJP is a coalition partner in the ruling,” he added.