From Our Correspondent
PHULBARI, Jan 16: Another shocking incident has come to light from the plain belt, where a video has surfaced showing a VEC functionary in the Gomaijhora area under the Rajabala constituency in West Garo Hills (WGH) demanding cash to fast-track the names of beneficiaries under the PMAY scheme. Gomaijhora falls under the Demdema C&RD Block in WGH. A magisterial inquiry has been ordered into the incident, according to an official.
The video, apparently taken in one of the houses of a beneficiary from the Gomaijhora area, shows the family pleading for their names to be included. The VEC functionary then claims that the money is being collected for the Gram Sevak and the officer (no names mentioned). The money is allegedly being taken for a geo-tagging survey of houses under the scheme. He further claims that houses are guaranteed, and everyone will be provided PMAY benefits, but at a price.
“Houses are a surety, but the money is being taken to give to the GS and officers. Here, we are not asking for much. In some places, they are demanding Rs 5,000, while in the Bhaitbari area, Rs 10,000 is being demanded. Those who did not get will definitely get, and no one will be left behind. There are a huge number of houses sanctioned this time,” he claimed.
He is later seen taking an amount of money from the beneficiary (the amount could not be easily discerned) before making the claims. According to sources, the same system of give-and-take seems to have become the norm in all parts of the Block. While earlier, the surveys for those requiring PMAY benefits, including surveys, were undertaken by C&RD Block officials, this time the onus has been given to the VEC functionaries (secretary and president) for some reason.
Speaking on the matter, the local MLA of Rajabala, AITC’s Dr. Mizanur Kazi stated that he was informed about the incident and had escalated it to the WGH DC for a preliminary inquiry.
“I have been receiving feedback from local residents that this is taking place across the board in the plain belt. I have asked the DC to conduct an initial inquiry into the matter so that the money taken is returned. If this does not happen, I will hold a public meeting with residents of my constituency in the presence of the BDOs to seek answers from those involved,” informed Dr. Kazi, who is currently in New Delhi for a program. Dr. Kazi has also sent out an appeal to residents of his constituency not to pay a single paisa for geo-tagging, as it is the duty of the government to ensure it is done free of cost.