From Our Correspondent
TURA, Aug 31: The A.chik Dedicated Integrity Leaders (ADIL), based in Williamnagar, has raised concern over the incomplete implementation of a sanctioned MGNREGA project in Chokpotgre village, under Chokpot C&RD Block, South Garo Hills district, and warned of action if the concerned authorities fail to look into the matter.
According to the organisation, the project in question pertains to the construction of a one-kilometre CC (cement concrete) road under the MGNREGA Job Card scheme, sanctioned during the financial year 2022-2023. However, as per a complaint submitted by the Village Employment Council (VEC) members of Chokpotgre, only 344 metres of the road have been completed, leaving a substantial stretch of 656 metres abandoned and unfinished.
“Despite repeated efforts by the VEC members—including filing of a Right to Information (RTI) application and submitting multiple written complaints to the Block Development Officer (BDO) and Assistant Programme Officer (APO)—no remedial action has been taken. The authorities have failed to respond or initiate any steps to resume or complete the project, leaving the community in a state of neglect and frustration,” it said.
Following the formal complaint filed by villagers, the Central Executive Body conducted an on-the-ground inspection of the site, where findings confirmed the veracity of the VEC’s claims.
“The road remains incomplete, and the sanctioned work has been left in a state of abandonment, raising serious questions about accountability and transparency in the execution of rural development schemes. We, the ADIL leadership, hereby urge the concerned department and responsible officers to take immediate corrective measures and ensure the completion of the remaining portion of the road within one month from the date of this notice,” it warned.
The organisation, while pointing out that the project was not merely an infrastructural necessity but also a matter of public welfare, rural connectivity, and rightful utilisation of sanctioned funds, threatened to initiate legal proceedings against the concerned officials and departments, in accordance with the law, should its appeal be ignored.