BDOs told to clear bills after verifying MGNREGA work

SHILLONG, April 22: The Community and Rural Development (C&RD) department has directed Block Development Officers (BDOs) to clear bills only after verifying that work under MGNREGA and other schemes has been fully completed.
It may be noted that complaints of corruption involving various Village Employment Councils (VECs) are frequently reported, particularly from the plain belt of Garo Hills, regarding the execution of works by job card holders.
Recently, the Headman of Bhangarpar and other villages under Demdema C&RD Block raised concerns on behalf of job card holders in the plain belt of West Garo Hills (WGH).
They questioned the silence of the authorities despite complaints submitted to the BDO about alleged unauthorized collection of money by miscreants, who promised houses under the PMAY – Awas Plus scheme.
Responding to the recurring complaints, C&RD Minister AT Mondal stated that BDOs have been instructed to investigate allegations of corruption and misappropriation.
The C&RD Minister added that BDOs and field officers must ensure that bills are cleared only after thorough inquiries confirm that the work has been properly executed.
“Even if complaints persist, we instruct BDOs to conduct inquiries and submit their reports to the Deputy Commissioner,” Mondal added.