Rs 30 lakhs case in Sadar Hills ADC serves explanation call, 'money in safe-hands'
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 31 2011:
Based on the report published in The Sangai Express dealing with the whereabouts of Rs 30 lakhs which were released as advance payment for MGNREGS works of Kangpokpi, Additional Deputy Commissioner Kangpokpi has served an explanation call to the Sadar Hills ADC Executive Officer Paominthang Doungel who replied that the money is in safe-hands.
The explanation call served on July 29 stated that the amount of Rs 30 lakhs released as advance payment for labour and material component was meant for giving employment to unskilled labourers of BPL families residing in 15 wards of Kangpokpi town area.
It also pointed out that misuse or swindling of MGNREGS funds entails appropriate punishment.
Responding to the explanation call, Executive Officer Paominthang Doungel stated that the released amount was in safe hands.
In his written response submitted to the ADC Kangpokpi yesterday, Paominthang explained that the released amount has not been utilised as chairman and secretary of Kangpokpi Town Committee have not been elected.
Once the chairman and secretary are elected, the money would be handed over to the town committee for implementing work orders.
Paominthang rejected the report on swindling the MGNREGS fund as baseless and unfounded.
Meanwhile a press release issued by Kangpokpi Town Committee interim body chairman Nehkholam Chongloi and secretary Paominthang Doungel conveyed that the released MGNREGS funds was in safe-hands.
They further maintained that it was being strictly monitored whether or not members of Kangpoki town wards were acting in line with the specifications issued by BDOs.
On the other hand the Members of District Council of Sadar Hills in a statement issued to the press today said that the news report of the financial allegations has discredited their reputation.
The MDCs explained since the election to the ADCs, no administrative of financial powers and functions have been entrusted to them.
The Finance Committee has also never been made to function till date, said the MDCs and added that the Chairman appointed a member of the Council as the chairman of MGNREGS and another member as the account holder, though the latter was never a part of the MGNREGS Committee.
All power and function of the Council are concentrated and vested in the hands of the Chairman and his cohorts, said the statement and added that the MDCs of Sadar Hills Autonomous District Council do not have any say in its functioning.
Therefore the Chairman should be held responsible in the event of any maladministration or financial mismanagement.
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