Probe into PMGSY project blot on graft-free rhetoric
- The People's Chronicle Editorial :: November 12, 2022 -
IT is indeed commendable that the government has initiated investigation into the allegations of misuse of fund allocated to the Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (RD & PR) Department for implementation of road development projects in rural regions of the state.
As resource-starved Manipur has been perennially depending on periodical sops extended by the Union government for various developmental projects and welfare schemes, there is no reason why investigations should not be launched whenever there are accusations of fund embezzlement and sub-standard execution of public utility infrastructure.
Though there is possibility of individuals and organisations, who/which are allergic to smooth governance and levelling false charges with malicious intent, the government authorities need to examine the case in hand.
Through launch of impartial investigation, the government can turn the table on the detractors in case the allegations levelled could be proved as unfounded as well as expose insincere officials and work agencies if the charges were found to be authentic.
As such, by ordering investigation into claims by Congress party's state president regarding siphoning off of Rs 8.29 crore in the construction of the Galkapkot-Gamhui road under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the RD & PR Department has demonstrated that it wouldn't tolerate misuse of fund by either the official entrusted to oversee implementation of centrally-sponsored projects or the work agencies.
Based on the contention by Manipur. Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K Meghachandra, who is also an MLA known for his vocal criticism of the government over varied issues during assembly sessions, the RD&PR joint director is learnt to have sought a report on November 4.
Subsequent to the joint director's instruction, Rural Engineering Department (RED)/Manipur State Rural Roads Development Agency (MSRRDA) chief engineer/EO Pantishing Thaimei conveyed that a committee headed by self has been constituted to enquire/inspect the work taken up on Galkapkot-Gamhui road in Churachandpur district followed by serving notice to the contractor concerned in this regard on November 7.
With the CE/EO also conveying to the RD & PR joint director to allow the Committee submit its detailed report on or before December 11, it could be safely stated that the department is determined to leave no stone unturned in nailing the culprits.
For the record, K Meghachandra claimed that Rs 8.29 crore had been withdrawn without executing the PMCSY project of Galkapot to Gamhui road after physical examination of the project route and demanded the government to take up appropriate actions against those involved in the scam.
In view of the charge levelled after spot assessment with representatives of civil societies and locals, there is reason to suspect that the road project has not been implemented as per the specified guidelines.
Interestingly, the investigation has been initiated days after RD & PR minister Yumnam Khemchand brushed off another fund misuse allegation levelled by Meghachandra.
The development thereby deepens the suspicion that in-spite of the present government's frequent assertions that the Manipur would be made corruption-free state there are still some elements within the government set-up as well as agencies that do not subscribe to the ideas of judicious utilisation of funds provided for improving the living condition of the general population.
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