Cong MLA alleges ADC fund misuse, CM vows action
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 29 2022: Congress MLA K Meghachandra has questioned the state government why it has not taken up any action on the numerous complaints filed since 2020 regarding misappropriation of development funds by ADC in the hill districts.

In response, CM N Biren assured the House that an investigation will be launched into the matter so as to apprehend the person(s) responsible and award befitting punishments.

During Friday's sitting of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, Congress MLA K Meghachandra moved policy cut motion during discussion on demand for grants of Tribal Affairs and Hills Development, questioning the reason for the delay in holding the ADC elections in the hill districts and the absence of development works worth crores of rupees meant to be taken up by ADC officials in Tamenglong, Senapati and Ukhrul districts under the 3rd, 13th, 14th and 15th Finance Commission.

Meghachandra further questioned whether the delay in holding the ADC polls is due to lack of fund and when the poll would be scheduled.

The government's Go to Hills' mission is an effective approach but the funds sanctioned for the hill districts have failed to reach the people.

While the government is taking up various anti-corruption steps, money is being looted openly with the Go to Hills' mission and Lokayukta being rendered useless.

The Lokayukta 2020-21 booklets clearly highlight the corrupt activities, namely complaint case no 3 of 2020 regarding the ADC not taking up the necessary development works and misappropriating funds.

The government continues to ignore the Lokayukta's recommendation for taking up the case, wherein around Rs 18.05 crore was embezzled in Tamenglong alone.

The officers involved in the case are yet to be sent to the Enforcement Directorate and a CBI investigation has not been carried out.

Instead, the cases have been pending since 2020, and the government is yet to give protection to the petitioners who are facing threats.

Thus, the MLA urged the government to take a cabinet decision for handing over the case to CBI and quell the anger of the hill citizens.

If any of the officers involved do not have properties in their names disproportionate with their known sources of income, he (Meghachandra) is ready to change his name.

The ruling government, which calls itself corruption-free, should stand by its words, he said, while adding that he is merely questioning lack of action on the recommended anti-corruption cases and should not be considered as opening the Pandora's Box.

Meghachandra also said that cases of fund anomalies have been seen in the ADCs of Ukhrul and Senapati, wherein the ADCs are only fighting for power instead of serving the people.

As such, he urged the government to investigate into misconduct of ADC staff, adding that the petitioners have been living in fear after filing petitions.

Responding to the motion, TA&H minister Letpao Haokip informed the House that preparations are underway for holding the ADC polls which were delayed due to the pandemic.

The polls would most likely be held in October this year.

Meanwhile, cases regarding the development works to be taken up in the hill districts under the 3rd, 13th, 14th and 15th Finance Commission are pending with Lokayukta.

In 2017, the financial allocation was Rs 32.11 crore, in 2018-19 Rs 41.13 crore, in 19-20 Rs 46.36 crore and in 2020-21 was Rs 55.93 crore, while for 2022-23 it is yet to be allocated.

If the funds have been misappropriated, punishment would be given as per the law of the land, he asserted, while informing that the department is closely monitoring the matter and appropriate action will be taken up.

Supplementing the response of the TA&H minister with regard to the policy cut motion, CM N Biren said that the government set up the Lokayukta with the aim of uprooting corruption and fully support the need to investigate, keeping aside one's personal connections.

He then assured of consulting with the cabinet so as to hand over the investigation to an appropriate agency, while adding that all members have been advised repeatedly to maintain transparency whether it may be with regard to corruption or 'War on Drugs' .

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