Village Authority appeals for action
Source: The Sangai Express
Noney, May 12 2018:
The Chairman of Taosang Village Authority of Khoupum Sub Division, Noney (Longmai) district, has appealed to the State Government to look into the alleged misappropriation of fund which was sanctioned for the construction of a PHSC building (amounting to Rs 24.163 lakh).
A press release signed by Chairman of the VA, G Tamjanlung, alleged that the work agency of Manipur Tribal Development Corporation (MTDC) and contractor concerned failed to take up the said work and a memorandum regarding the issue was also submitted to the authorities concerned by Taosang Downstream Development Association (comprised of villages in and around Taosang village), on July 17 last year.
It further alleged that the fund was misused by MTDC and the contractor concerned in two instalments which the VA learned from the report of State Mission Director, State Health Society, Manipur.
The Chairman' further claimed that on July 17, 2017, the CM's Secretary had written to the Secretary (Health) for information and necessary action regarding the issue while, on August 1, 2017, Under Secretary (Health & FM) directed the Mission Director, SHS, NHM Manipur to examine the matter and submit a report of the examination immediately.
A letter from the Mission Director, SHS, Manipur to Under Secretary on August 19, 2017 showed the release of the funds in two installments to MTDC, the press statement further claimed.
Later, on October 23, 2017, Under Secretary (Health & FM) directed the Mission Director, SHS, NHM to constitute a spot enquiry team to conduct spot enquiry and establish the present status of the construction of PHSC at Taosang Khunou.
It said that the Deputy Secretary advised the State Mission Director, on March 13, to direct MTDC to immediately refund Rs 22.167 lakh of NRHM fund after receiving inspection reports of the proposed construction site and claimed that the authority further directed registration of an FIR over submission of false physical and financial progress report by MTDC and the contractor concerned.
It claimed that the State Mission Director SHS Manipur directed the MTDC to refund the entire amount.
The Chairman appealed to the authorities concerned to ascertain the facts and take up suitable actions to recover the fund and punish the culprits.
He further urged to direct the officer concerned to cancel the contract work order of 2013-14 and to assign the work to G Gaikhangai Kabui, special contractor, PWD for new construction of PHSC at Tosang Khunou.