By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 18: Former Mawsynram MLA, HM Shangpliang, has denied allegations of misusing Rs 1.25 crore under the SRWP (Special Rural Works Programme) scheme, calling the accusations baseless and politically motivated. Speaking to reporters on Monday, Shangpliang claimed that members of the United Democratic Party (UDP) in Mawsynram were behind the false allegations, alleging that they were attempting to prevent the constituency’s residents from benefiting from the MLA scheme.
Shangpliang explained that the Mawsynram Block Development Office (BDO) had issued an order in November 2022 barring him, as the then-MLA, from withdrawing the second installment of the MLA Scheme for 2022-2023. He clarified that he had only managed to withdraw Rs 1.25 crore before resigning as MLA and that the second installment remains unused at the BDO office.
“The people of Mawsynram constituency have the right to access the second installment of the MLA scheme for 2022-2023,” Shangpliang stated, emphasising that the funds are still pending due to his inability to utilise them after his resignation.
He further added that a subsequent order issued on September 6, 2023, had overturned the earlier directive, allowing him, as the former MLA, to access the pending Rs 1.25 crore. “I am now permitted to use this amount to assist eligible beneficiaries under the SRWP scheme,” he said.
Shangpliang assured that residents of the Mawsynram constituency entitled to the funds would receive the benefits from the second installment of the MLA Scheme 2022-2023 in the coming year.