One more GRS in suspension soup
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 10 2020: One more Gram Rozgar Sahayak (GRS) has been placed under suspension whereas the Pradhan and the Ward Member concerned have been served show cause notice in connection with gross irregularities committed in implementing MGNREGS.

The suspended GRS has been identified as one Sapam Ranadev Singh of Keishamthong Top Leirak and he was in charge of Phumlou Gram Panchayat under Haorang Sabal CD Block, Imphal West.

Sources informed that a substantial amount of money was withdrawn as MGN-REGS wages after enlisting Sapam Iboyaima, elder brother of Sapam Ranadev among the job card holders of Phumlou GP even though Iboyaima is also a resident of Keishamthong Top Leirak.

Following reports that names of some residents of Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC) were enlisted in the muster roll of Phumlou GP and MGNREGS wages were withdraw in their names, an investigation was carried out.

In the course of the investigation, it was found that Rs 13,392 was transferred to Sapam Iboyaima's account opened in the Manipur Rural Bank, Kwakeithel Bazar branch.

A report was also found which said that Sapam Iboyaima worked for 89 days under MGNREGS during 2019-20.As there are also suspicions that other non-residents of Phumlou GP might have been enlisted in the muster roll of the Gram Panchayat, GRS Sapam Ranadev was placed under suspension, said the sources.

The RD&PR Director issued an order to this effect today.

As there are suspicions that the Pradhan and the ward Member concerned might have been involved in swindling public money, a show cause notice has been served asking them to give reasons, if there are any, within four days as to why no action should be taken up against them, conveyed the sources.

The State Government has also directed the MGNREGS Imphal West District Programme Officer/CEO to lodge an FIR at the nearest police station against the Pradhan and the ward Member concerned, if necessary.

Notably, GRS of Konthoujam Gram Panchayat Loitam Erani Devi was suspended a few days back after a job card holder of Konthoujam GP Ward No 5 was found working all alone at the insistence of the ward Member concerned.

The Pradhan and the ward Member concerned were also served show cause notice in connection with the case.

On the other hand, job card holders of Phumlou GP ward no 3 held a meeting today and condemned all the individuals who have been keeping them away from MGNREGS works.

The meeting decided to start MGNREGS works from tomorrow and urged the officials concerned to give consent for the same.

The job card holders further decided to launch democratic protest agitation in case they are not given permission to start MGNREGS works.

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