TURA, Dec 12: BJP general secretary for West Garo Hills (WGH), Peterjob A Sangma, has written to the Union Minister for Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, seeking an investigation into what he described as an unprecedented and unnatural rise in the number of job card holders in certain VECs under the Demdema C&RD Block.
The matter had earlier been raised by the Coalition of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO), after which an inquiry was reportedly conducted by the district administration. However, no information on the findings has been made public.
“I would like to seek your kind intervention in this matter, as the State Government appears to be neglecting the issue and keeping it pending for an extended period. The situation has raised multiple concerns that require immediate investigation,” said Sangma in his complaint.
He stated that the sudden and disproportionate increase in VEC job card registrations suggested possible manipulation in the issuance and verification process. Such inflated figures, he added, could lead to the diversion or misuse of government funds meant for genuine beneficiaries under rural employment schemes.
“The monitoring and reporting mechanisms appear compromised, raising doubts about the integrity of officials overseeing the programme. The irregularities could deprive deserving rural citizens of the employment opportunities they are entitled to. The issue has drawn serious attention from both civil society organisations and local political representatives, underscoring its widespread implications for public trust and governance,” felt the BJP leader.
Through his complaint, Peterjob has sought a comprehensive inquiry by an independent investigating agency.
“The concerned authorities should conduct thorough verification of all job card holders registered during FY 2024-2025. There is also a need to examine the complaints by both CoMSO and me to identify lapses and responsible officials, and take appropriate disciplinary action against those found involved in the malpractice,” said Sangma, while calling for a stronger and more effective mechanism to prevent such irregularities in the future.
