Activists allege misappropriation of project funds amounting to over Rs 11 crore in three years
TURA, Jan 22: In a major development, the Meghalaya Lokayukta has ordered an inquiry against GHADC CEM Albinush Marak, former secretary of the Council Rikse Marak, the former Superintendent Engineer and as many as 21 contractors and staff of GHADC over allegations of non-completion of projects in the CEM’s constituency of Siju in South Garo Hills and fraudulent withdrawal of funds.
The Lokayukta issued the order on Tuesday after two social activists—Nilbath Marak and Flaming Marak—filed a complaint with the Lokayukta seeking an investigation.
The total amount of misappropriated funds, as per the activists, is more than Rs 11 crore over the past 3 years. A total of 123 projects have been reported to the Lokayukta by the activists.
“The Meghalaya Lokayukta, through an order yesterday (Tuesday) has directed the Director of the Prosecution Wing to conduct a preliminary inquiry against the present CEM, former Secretary, former Superintendent Engineer of GHADC and the contractors as well and further directed to submit the report to the Lokayukta on the next date,” Flaming said.
In 2020, a total of 20 projects were awarded which, the activists say, remain incomplete while in 2021, 23 projects were awarded, all facing a similar fate. In 2022 and 2023, a total of 76 more projects were awarded. The status of all these projects remains incomplete, claimed the activists.
“As per the financial rule, no advance payment can be made to the contractors without completion of works and without obtaining the completion certificate from the concerned authorities. However in the instant case, the GHADC CEM, secretary to the EC and the Civil Works Superintendent Engineer have allowed the withdrawal of 60% of the advance payment by the contractors without completion of works,” claimed the activists.
The projects, they say remain abandoned though surprisingly completion reports were issued by the SE of Civil Works department of the Council.
“There was no spot verification of these projects and prima facie the intent of the SE was malafide. We also have learned from sources that the contractors have withdrawn the entire amount. The illegal withdrawal of 60% advance bill prior to commencement of the construction work and the final withdrawal without completing the project was allowed by the CEM and former secretary and SE of GHADC,” said Nilbath.
As per records, in 2020 a total of Rs 69,19,980 was provided while in 2021 another Rs 1,60,63,200 was given. In 2022, an amount of Rs 5,69,58,400 was allocated for contractors and in 2023 a total of Rs 3,22,00,400 was sanctioned.
“We had filed a complaint seeking an inquiry into the matter so that action can be initiated against those responsible for the corruption. The Meghalaya Lokayukta has accepted our request,” said the activists.