From Our Correspondent
TURA, April 1: The headman of Bhangarpar village and other villages under Demdema C&RD Block, on behalf of job card holders in the plain belt of West Garo Hills (WGH), has questioned the silence of authorities after complaints were lodged with the Block Development Officer (BDO) regarding alleged unauthorised money collection by miscreants promising houses under the PMAY – Awas Plus scheme.
The villagers had initially complained to the BDO on March 18, but no inquiry has been initiated against those who allegedly took money from unsuspecting villagers under false pretenses.
According to the complaint, Taher Ali and Mojibor Ali (headman of Pabomari village) were tasked with surveying households under the PMAY scheme. However, under the guise of assisting villagers in securing their inclusion in the scheme, they allegedly collected money illegally.
Taher Ali is reportedly the husband of the VEC secretary of Bhangarpar.
“These individuals are taking geo-tags and falsely claiming to have authority in the process, misleading the villagers into paying for their inclusion in the scheme,” said the complaint.
The villagers raised three key concerns they believe require immediate attention.
Firstly, they questioned under what authority Taher Ali was collecting money, as he is neither a VEC functionary nor holds any official position in the scheme.
“Under what authority is he collecting money? If his wife, Samina Khatun, has given him the authority to do so, she is clearly misusing her position and undermining the dignity of the post. Mojibor Ali has no jurisdiction over Milpara which is under the Bhangarpar village and other villages. Under what legal authority is he collecting money from villagers outside his domain,” they asked.
Secondly, the villagers asserted that fraud and exploitation were taking place in a scheme meant to benefit poor households.
“These individuals are extorting money from vulnerable villagers under false pretenses. This is a blatant case of fraud and corruption,” they added.
The headman, after waiting weeks for an official inquiry, has expressed disappointment over the inaction.
“This is wrong and the DC himself needs to ensure the officers under him actually work to help those being exploited and not ignoring their complaints. We just pray the authorities take cognizance of the matter and ensure justice,” added the headman.
It may be mentioned that the complaint was signed by hundreds of villagers from Bhangarpar and other affected villages.