Don't politicise MGNREGS: Ibohalbi
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 06 2011: Oinam AC MLA Dr I Ibohalbi has called upon all not to politicise MGNREGS and also to give up the intention of taking wages without working.

Speaking to media persons at his Babupara office today, Ibohalbi clarified he was not involved in execution of two MGNREGS works under the line departments.

However, for the third work executed in Ngaikhong Khullen Gram Panchayat, a committee was constituted acting on the people's nagging over possible misappropriation of MGNREGS.

The committee was then was allowed to join execution of the particular work.

District Programme Co-ordinator released Rs 31,09,932 as 14 days' wage for 1763 job-card holders through BDO Bishnupur.

The same amount was deposited in the account of the local Pradhan.

The Pradhan after deducting Rs 13994 at the rate of Rs 9 from each of the job-card holders, the Pradhan handed over Rs 30,95,930 to the MLA's committee.

However, on being investigated it was found that many among the 1763 job-card holders were not working at all.

Moreover, many job-cards did not have the official numbers nor signature of the relevant officials.

Further, some people holding genuine job-cards never came out for work though they regularly took wages like others.

This was objected by some people contending that no one was entitled to any wage if they were not working.

"This led to a serious debate between the two sides.

Taking advantage of the situation, some people dragged in my name in their bid to ruin my political career", Ibohalbi said.

He said that job-card holders were given 14 days' wage while they worked for only 11 days in Nakchoupokpi.

Likewise, 14 days' wage was given to job-card holders of Ngaikhong Siphai and Ngaikhong when they actually worked for only six days and three days respectively.

Following strong objection that 25 people who did work should not be given any wage, a sum of Rs 43,875 has been returned to the BDO's account at UCO bank.

Oinam AC MLA Dr I Ibohalbi appealed to all concerned not to make false propaganda and create unnecessary tension among the people.

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