Nokma moves Lokayukta, alleges road scam in SGH
TURA, Dec 18: A Nokma from South Garo Hills has filed a complaint with the Meghalaya Lokayukta alleging misappropriation of government funds in connection with the implementation of a road project in the district. The project in question is the improvement including metalling and blacktopping of the road from Dapgre to Dana Adugre via Wagegitok bazaar for a total amount of Rs 6 crore. According to the complaint filed by Nokma of Dana Adugre, John Ch Marak, work on the said road project was to have been completed in 2019; 24 months from the date of issue of the final work order. However, a visit to the project site revealed no signs of the work being done on the project. “A sum of Rs 4 crore has been withdrawn by the contractor without doing any work. It has already been 5 years since work was to have been completed but nothing of the project is visible on the ground,” the complainant, John Ch Marak, said in his complaint to Lokayukta Chairman, Bhalang Dhar. Marak, in his complaint, has sought that the court direct the concerned investigation agency to conduct a preliminary inquiry as per section 20 of the Meghalaya Lokayukta Act, 2014, and submit the report to the court.
JNC seeks answers on management of forest check gates by pvt agency
JOWAI, Dec 18: The Jaiñtia National Council (JNC), led by its president Sambormi Lyngdoh, has demanded a clear explanation from the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) regarding its decision to allow a private agency to manage one of its forest check gates. Under its recently launched Save Jaiñtia Mission, the JNC revealed on Wednesday that it had learned from its own sources that the JHADC had handed over the check gate to a private agency on a trial basis. Seeking clarification, the organisation contacted the Forest Executive Member (EM) of the JHADC, Lasky Rymbai, who explained that the move was prompted by significant revenue leakages at the gate. According to Lyngdoh, Rymbai had stated that the trial was intended to compare revenue collection between private management and the Council’s oversight. In response, the JNC, in a statement, strongly opposed the decision, questioning the JHADC’s trust in a private agency to handle the check gate’s operations. Lyngdoh argued that if revenue leakages were occurring, the Council should have first initiated an inquiry and replaced officers in charge, rather than outsourcing management. He expressed suspicion about the timing of the decision, hinting that it might be linked to the upcoming elections. “The JHADC must clarify this issue immediately. We will not remain silent but will investigate the operations of these gates and the revenue generated from them,” Lyngdoh said.
Ranikor Week: MLA takes part in marathon, swimming competition
MAWKYRWAT, Dec 18: Local MLA Pius Marwein led by example as he participated in the activities held as part of the Ranikor Constituency Week 2024, organised by the Southern Border Sports Association (SBSA). The event, which kicked off on Wednesday, saw hundreds of youths — both boys and girls — from Ranikor constituency participating in a variety of events. These included swimming, cycling, volleyball, basketball, dancing, singing, arm-wrestling, marathon, and archery competitions. The event was inaugurated by the local MLA Marwein, who also serves as the president of the Southern Border Sports Association. The inauguration ceremony was attended by other association leaders and local dignitaries. In an effort to inspire the youth of Ranikor to explore their talents and pursue sports, Marwein actively participated in both the marathon and swimming competitions. The 6-km marathon began at Borbarsing Syiem Bridge and concluded at Khatphra village, while the 50-metre freestyle swimming event took place in the Umngi river at Umpung village. Certificates and prizes were awarded to the winners of the marathon, volleyball, and swimming competitions.