Bernard alleges VEC scam

TURA, July 28: BJP leader and Tura MDC Bernard Marak on Sunday alleged that there was a huge scam in the implementation of central schemes in villages of Garo Hills and pointed the finger at block officials, banks and other authorities under the NPP led government.
“Who is stealing from villagers in NREGA? Village Employment Councils (VECs) in Garo Hills are getting only 50% materials from the suppliers because the suppliers are deducting 50% of the total amount sanctioned for supply of materials to the VECs. This has left many project in the villages incomplete and the blame is put on the villagers saying that the villagers did not complete the work but the truth is otherwise. The villagers receive only 50% supply from the suppliers and the work is done accordingly which left the roads, tanks, dams, constructions etc half done,” he said.
According to the MDC, wages which are shown deposited in an online app were not physically present in the bank accounts of the villagers. He claimed that some amounts were deposited to different accounts while some deducted without prior permission of the villagers. Bernard also alleged that some banks were claiming certain amounts from beneficiaries when they withdraw their money from the banks.
Alleging that corruption had made life miserable in the villages, Bernard warned that necessary action would be taken by the party on the matter.
“BJP will call upon the secretaries and will inquire into the matter and accordingly will file FIRs and send reports to the Centre Government. It is very unfortunate that Meghalaya though governed by BJP’s coalition partner NPP, such corrupt practices are prevelant. Many complaints have been received and more are expected to flow in after action is taken against those involved in VEC scam,” he said.