Chandel ADC member alleges, Chairman clarifies
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 29 2014:
Chandel Autonomous District Council (ADC), Chairman Lhukhosei Zou has been accused of fraudulently withdrawing Council's fund of Rs 58.14 lakh.
Talking to reporters yesterday evening, Chandel ADC member Beradin Shilshi said the Chairman had withdrawn the amount on May 12 through an account number from SBI Chandel Branch.
The withdrawn amount was from the 13th Finance Commission Award General Performance Grant of Rs 46,40,407 and Special Areas Performance Grant of Rs 18,59,669 .
Shilshi said such withdrawal without any work order is against the instruction of the Finance Dept and in total disrespect of an order issued by the Tribal Affairs and Hills Dept.
The ADC Chairman withdrawn the fund allegedly for reconstruction of a Community Hall at Aimol Chingnunghut and reconstruction of Galngam Lentol Gallery at Moreh which were already constructed under BRGF, he alleged while adding that the two mentioned works are actually not included in the 13th Finance Commission Action Plan.
Shilshi also alleged that the fund was withdrawn on May 12 before the Treasury Dept issued a sanction order.
When the ADC members raised the matter with the Chairman during a meeting on May 19, he justified his act by saying that he had the approval of the Joint Secretary (TA&Hills), the ADC member pointed out.
A memorandum was submitted to the Governor in this regard demanding fitting action, he added.
Our Thoubal correspondent adds: Reacting to the allegation levelled by BJP Chandel, ADC Chandel Chairman Lhukhosei Zou has clarified that Rs 58,1400 was withdrawn from the bank for various developmental works such as infrastructure development for schools, organising awareness programmes/workshops, purchasing computers for schools, construction of community halls, gallery and retaining walls, which are being departmentally implemented wherein the concerned Departments are the work agencies.
In a press statement, the Chairman said that the works under Bonus fund of the 13th Finance Commission Award have been duly approved by the Government and no diverted work is being executed as alleged.
The allegation of one time release of fund was also baseless, he said and added that it was released as advance payment in order to enable immediate start of works and early completion of the same so as to meet the deadline set by the Government.
The first work progress report is to be submitted by May 25 and the 2nd report by June 20 and completion report by July 15, 2014 and inauguration by the end of July, 2014, stated the statement.
It also said that works are being executed in full swing right now as per the Government guidelines and those undertaken works once completed would certainly remain as praiseworthy achieve- ments of ADC, Chandel and assets of the district.
The statement further stated that if the BJP, Chandel Unit needs factual details/information on the matter, they are free to personally approach the Chairman or CEO of ADC, Chandel.
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