Tension grips Nungba over fund embezzlement
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 20 2011:
The common issue of misappropriation of MGNREGS fund and forfeiting wages of workers entitled to the scheme as reported from different parts of the State has snowballed into a major issue in Nungba sub-divisional headquarters.
Consequent upon the alleged MGNREGS fund misappropriation to the tune of Rs 15.40 lakhs, a very volatile situation now prevails in the subdivision.
It is feared that the simmering tension may lead to violent repercussions if the authority fails to intervene in time.
The misappropriated amount of Rs 15.40 lakhs was the amount sanctioned as material component for 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 .
It is alleged that this amount was misappropriated by Nungba Village Authority secretary Dinthaorei Gangmei, now expelled.
Speaking to media persons at Nungba, Nungba Sub-Divisional Hqs Thoubai Secretary Bandai Kamei, Nungba Village Authority secretary Alung Kamei, Nungba Bazar Board chairman Janthai Kamei and Nungba Village Authority Member Ngankeilak Kamei said that Dinthaorei Gangmei, taking advantage of the absence of Village Authority chairman for some period, misappropriated Rs 15.40 lakhs sanctioned as material component.
This amount was meant for different welfare schemes such as construction of a large water tank, laying of pipe lines etc.
Without ever undertaking all these works, Dinthaorei Gangmei constructed only five culverts on Nungba circular road.
In addition to misappropriating the huge amount, Dinthaorei utilised the service of job card holders in constructing the culverts.
This infuriated the villagers and the Village Authority all the more.
With people's fury against Dinthaorei Gangmei rising day by day, a social audit cum public hearing was conducted on May 16 .
Even as Dinthaorei came at the public hearing to present the account statements of the misappropriated amount, he could not produce any documents saying that all the documents have been submitted to SDO/SDC.
At this, some people tried to assault him but he somehow managed to sneak away.
He was expelled from the Village Authority on the same day.
Though he was removed from post of secretary, he remained a member of the Village Authority as there is a provision in the Government gazette to this effect.
"The problem is many of the Village Authority members have sworn to take Dinthaorei Gangmei to task at the first available opportunity", they conveyed.
The office of the Village Authority has also been locked.
In case Dinthaorei Gangmei dares to enter the VA, there is strong possibility of violent confrontation, they informed.
Highlighting the prevailing situation, they sought immediate attention of the Government so as to remove Dinthaorei from the membership of
village authority.