TURA, July 7: While development exists only on paper in several remote corners of the Garo Hills, the Niksamso Garo Community Organization (NGCO) has exposed a suspected Rs 9-crore ‘ghost project’ scam, alleging that GHADC officials siphoned off 15th Finance Commission funds for works that were either never started or left as skeletal remains.
The organisation has demanded a transparent and independent inquiry into the implementation of various schemes under the GHADC Civil Development Department for the 2021-22 period. The NGCO claims that field inspections and RTI data reveal a pattern of misappropriation where funds were marked as “utilised” for villages that never received the promised infrastructure.
“RTI reports revealed cases where funds were cleared under the names of villages that either did not receive the works or whose names were not properly recorded,” the NGCO stated. The group noted that while these concerns were initially raised in 2023, the Council authorities failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for the missing funds.
The alleged irregularities span several blocks across South, West, and North Garo Hills. The NGCO asserted that these funds, sanctioned by the Central Government to empower grassroots communities under the Sixth Schedule, were diverted instead of being used for public welfare.
“Such actions not only destroy vital development schemes but also undermine the trust and constitutional responsibilities entrusted to the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council,” the organisation added.
The NGCO confirmed it will formally petition the Central Government to conduct an independent inquiry and a comprehensive audit of every project funded by the 15th Finance Commission. The group has called for strict legal action against any official, contractor, or agency found guilty, demanding that all misappropriated funds be recovered and returned to the public exchequer.
