Setback for NPP candidate Conrad K. Sangma
‘Release of Rs.300 crore not a violation of model code of conduct’
SHILLONG: The Election Commission of India after putting on hold the release of Rs.300 crore under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in the poll bound Garo Hills region, following a complaint from NPP, has now given its clearance to the release of the money.
Informing this here on Thursday, State Chief Electoral Officer F.R. Kharkongor said the Election Commission has communicated to the State Election department that release of Rs.300 crore under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme is not a violation of the model code of conduct.
The Election Commission cleared the release of funds after comparing the funds last year and this year.
Earlier, NPP candidate Conrad K. Sangma had complained that the State government was about to release Rs.300 crore for the entire State of which Rs.100 crore will be earmarked for districts covered under Tura Parliamentary constituency.
The same was verbally conveyed to the General Observer of Election Commission of India who is camping in Garo Hills. Subsequently, the matter was brought to the notice of the Returning Officer.
The General Observer had referred the matter to the Returning Officer who in turn took up the matter with the State Chief Electoral Officer.
Subsequently, the State Rural Employment Society was informed by the Chief Electoral Officer to examine whether the money can be released.
The State Rural Employment Society after due consultations, however, had given clearance to release of the funds with a view that the money sanctioned was for the works completed in the last three years.