Body negates CM's stand on sponsored schemes
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 03 2012:
Contrary to the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh's assertion that malpractices in the implementation of development schemes under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act would not be tolerated discrepancies are rampant in the CM's own assembly constituency, claimed (Thoubal) Leishangthem Awang Leikai Youth Centre Club secretary Sapam Manao.
Speaking to media persons at Manipur Press Club here today Manao contended that residents under Ward No 3/8 and 3/9 of Leishangthem Gram Panchayat engaged for execution of MNREGA works were provided a measly sum of Rs 2000 each since implementation of the Act/scheme about five years back.
The Gram Panchayat falls under the Thoubal assembly constituency which the present CM represents.
Informing that the Gram Panchayat has a total of 16 wards, he disclosed that contrary to the prescribed norms neither are the residents/workers provided job cards nor are they issued bank pass books.
Identifying the Gram Panchayat pradhan as one Tayenjam Chaoba and Ward No 3/8 member as Th Bijoy and WN 3/9 member as N Ibemcha Devi, Manao claimed that not only were the workers engaged for less than 20 days in the five year period but the wages were paid at the residents of the members.
Further stating that about 1700 individuals were engaged for the scheme works, he demanded that the Government take appropriate measures for issuance of job cards and direct local authorities to provide details on the total amount paid to the workers.
He also claimed to have unearthed documents with regard to one Th Khomdon entrusted to oversee execution of works under MGNREGA in all the 16 wards as well as withdrawal of scheme fund by the pradhan and members for 60 work orders.
Manao further alleged that without execution of canal development works at Ningombam Maning, Ningombam Mamang Takhellambam Leirak and Asem Leirak funds were found to have been withdrawn.
Inspite of the fact that only gravels were laid at these localities till date an amount of Rs 18,29,883 was found to have been withdrawn, he said and added that another amount of Rs 42,08,332 had been withdrawn for laying gravels from Leishangthem Awang Leirak Thongra to Maning Leirak road stretch.
Similarly, Rs 19,213 had been withdrawn for shingling work at Asem Kelli Makhong, the secretary maintained.
Inviting all concerned to ascertain whether or not works sanctioned under the central-sponsored project had been carried out with due compliance to norms, he drew the attention of the Chief Minister on the need to pull up and initiate appropriate punitive action against those found guilty.
pointing out that the CM had recently declared that officials or elected members of local bodies would be punished in case any irregularities in implementing MGNREGA works are committed, Manao desired that O ibobi prove his stand against corruption.