DC urged to take action
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 22 2014: Several lakhs of rupees sanctioned for 16 different work programmes which should be implemented within Wangoi Municipal Council (WMC) have been withdrawn fraudulently even as only six work programmes were executed.

Taking strong exception to the fraudulence and swindling of public money, the Under Secretary (MAHUD) had written to the Imphal West DC on September 20 asking the DC to initiate punitive action against the officers and Councillors identified for swindling public money as per an enquiry report.

According to information received by the press, the WMC Chairperson and his associates have been exerting strong pressure on the Executive Engineer to sign utilization certificate of a work programme of Rs 10 lakh even though execution of the particular work is yet to begin.

This has resulted in a tense stand-off and the Executive Officer is unable sit and work at the WMC office.

It is said that the particular worked was sanctioned when Wangoi Nagar Panchayat was yet to be upgraded to Wangoi Municipal Council.

The Executive Officer submitted a report to the Government saying that funds have been withdrawn without executing the listed works and the Council's equipment have disappeared.

Acting on the Executive Officer's report, the Mayang Imphal SDC was directed to verify the report.

The SDC verified the report and found it true.

The SDC then submitted another report with details of funds withdrawn without executing or completing sanctioned works.

Incidentally, Wangoi Nagar Panchayat was upgraded to Wangoi Municipal Council on February 28 this year.

On learning that the Under Secretary (MAHUD) has urged the Imphal West DC to initiate punitive action, construction of drain at Wangoi Bazar has started even though the sanctioned amount of Rs 2.35 lakh was withdrawn a long time back.

Fixation of shutters to a culvert at Khongnang Hanubi along Ngakhong canal for irrigation of surrounding paddy fields started only today.

But local people have prohibited the construction work on the ground that fixation of shutters when the canal is full of water would compromise work quality.

They also welcomed the Government's initiative to streamline the activities and functions of Wangoi Municipal Council.

The WMC Vice-Chairman's assertion, as reported on August 7, that the amount sanctioned to the Council was not compatible with the works being executed by the Council was baseless, they asserted.

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