By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Nov 18: Voice of the People Party (VPP) president Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit has urged Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma to back his words with action by ordering an independent inquiry into the utilisation of the funds.
In a November 15 letter to the CM, Basaiawmoit referred to Sangma’s recent show of concern over the implementation of the MLA schemes, especially in the constituencies held by the opposition parties. “I would like to appreciate your concern and apprehensions when you decide to question whether the MLA schemes have been properly utilised or not,” he wrote.
“I fully endorsed your sentiment that the MLA schemes should be properly utilised and implemented transparently,” he added.
The VPP leader noted that his party has already taken internal steps. “As the party believes in transparency and accountability, it has already written a letter to all its MLAs to ensure that the MLA schemes are implemented transparently,” he stated, enclosing a copy of the correspondence.
Taking what he termed “a cue” from Sangma’s remarks, Basaiawmoit pressed for the immediate formation of an independent inquiry committee. He proposed that the investigation should begin from 2008 onwards, starting with the Nongkrem constituency.
He concluded by urging the government to act in the interest of public accountability. “I hope you will seriously consider this matter so that the people of the state will be more informed about the entire issue,” he said.
The Chief Minister’s Office acknowledged the letter on November 15.
Sangma had recently launched a veiled attack on the VPP and Basaiawmoit over the alleged lack of development in the constituencies represented by the party’s MLAs.
Wondering if the development funds were being properly utilised in these constituencies, he said: “Sometimes, I doubt whether or not the MLA scheme is being used properly in the constituencies. People of these areas should file RTIs and find out how the MLAs and MPs are utilising their schemes.”
He also said that all over the world, MLAs from the opposition parties work together with the government for the sake of development, but certain individuals and parties in Meghalaya refuse to meet and talk to the Chief Minister.
“In the process, they are neglecting the responsibilities for which they are elected,” Sangma said. He asserted that the government wants every constituency to develop, but finds itself handicapped by the lack of a medium to implement it.
