Corruption case filed against Social Welfare Department trio
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, September 12 2022: In connection with a case taken up by Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Police Station against three officers of Social Welfare Department including former director, a written submission has been made to the relevant authority for granting prosecution sanction.

A reliable source informed that based on a report submitted by deputy SP (vigilance & anti-corruption Manipur) to OC (vigilance & anti-corruption) on November 26, 2019, an enquiry relating to vigilance case No 35/PE/SP-V & AC/2018 was conducted.

The enquiry found out that the finance department had on December 24, 2011 granted approval for releasing Rs 1.20 crore meant for four months' pension (Rs 200 each per month) for 15,000 beneficiaries of Manipur State Old Age Pension Scheme under SDF.

Chief secretary (planning) too on March 7, 2012 earmarked the amount (Rs 1.20 crore) for distribution of the Old Age Pension.

Accordingly, director (social welfare) made expenditure sanction of Rs 1.2 crore by issuing an order on March 21, 2012 for distribution of the pension amount to 15,000 beneficiaries of the Scheme in nine districts of the state for four months (Rs 200 per month from November, 2011 to January, 2012) .

It was found in the department's record that the sanctioned amount (Rs 1.2 crore) was distributed to DSWOs of the nine districts for further distribution to the beneficiaries.

However, the amount was found misused instead of distributing to beneficiaries and all three officers named in the case were holding their respective positions in the department at that time.

Findings of the enquiry confirmed that all the three officers indulged in treachery, criminal misconduct and criminal conspiracy.

The source further informed that the department withdrew Rs 1,21,46,600 including Rs 1.2 crore on March 20, 2012 .

The department's casebook (page No 183) clearly mentions that pension amount (Rs 200) for four months for 15,000 additional beneficiaries of Manipur State Old Age Pension Scheme was handed over to respective DSWOs of nine districts.

However, exact record statement on whether the amount was handed over to DSWOs was not found.

As per account statement of department's DDO opened at United Bank of India, a total of Rs 6,41,63,992 including Rs 1.2 crore was deposited on March 30, 2012 and the same was reaffirmed in the case book entry of the department dated March 30, 2012 .

As per case book entry of the department dated June 1, 2012, Rs 1,21,46,600 was handed over to DSWOs of nine districts and both the then director and superintendent cum cashier appended their signatures.

On further investigation, it came to light that issuance of expenditure sanction amounting Rs 1.20 crore by the then director even before selection of beneficiaries was in violation of Rule No 290 of Central Treasury Rules.

Though case book entries mentioned distribution of the amount to DSWOs of nine districts, statements of DSWOs contradicted the case book entries and denied receiving the amount.

Based on findings of the investigation, the enquiry committee ruled that all the three officers named in the case misused their positions and indulged in criminal conspiracy to misuse huge fund of Manipur Old Age Pension Scheme for their personal gains.

Accordingly, a written submission was made to the relevant authority for granting prosecution sanction so that trial against three officers named in the case could be initiated.

The written submission also mentions that there are enough evidences to take up case under Section 420/120 BIPC and Section 13 (1) (C) (D) read with 13(2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 against the three former officers of the department.

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