Misappropriation slurs hits PN Syiem

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, FEB 2: Misappropriation slur has not hit Mawsynram suspended Congress legislator and KHADC chief executive member PN Syiem with allegation that there has been misuse of Rs 8 crore meant for the implementation of six schemes.

An RTI activist Banshai Marbaniang on Thursday has demanded an inquiry to probe into the alleged ‘misappropriation.’

Marbaniang, one of Mawsynram residents, said he is surprised that a total amount of Rs 8.17 crore was shown as “utilized” for implementing the six schemes from 2008-09 till 2014-15 as per an RTI report.

He suspects there may be a “big scam” as nothing is visible on the ground since the benefits of such schemes have not reach the people with such huge amount reportedly spent in the past 7 years.

Addressing newsmen on Thursday, Marbaniang said, “I would petition to the chief minister Mukul Sangma and chief secretary KS Kropha demanding a fair inquiry into the issue.”

“If it (inquiry) finds that there is corruption in the implementation of these schemes, an FIR would accordingly be filed against anybody who is involved,” he added.

The six schemes include – Chief Minister Special Rural Development Fund (CMSRDF) – Rs 30 lakh, Construction of Rural Road Programme (CRRP) – Rs 35 lakh, Intensive Arts & Cultural Development Programme Scheme (IACDP) – Rs 17.50 lakh, Intensive Sports & Youth Development Programme (ISYDP) – Rs 17.50 lakh, Development of Traditional & Folk Musics (DTFM) – Rs 17.50 lakh and Special Rural Work Programme (SRWP) – Rs 7 crore.

When asked Marbaniang said  he suspected there is a scam as the RTI report had revealed that an ambulance was purchased at Rs 5 lakh in 2008-09 by the MLA which is not visible.

“Where is this ambulance we wonder because as per our knowledge the Mawsynram CHC till today has only one 108 ambulance catering to the public in need of emergency help,” he said.

Marbaniang, who is also a leader of the FKJGP-Mawsynram circle, said the RTI states that a total of 5,714 bundles of CGI sheets were purchased from 2008 – 2015, but wondered why people still suffer when natural calamities hit the area.

The CGI sheets were purchased at prices ranging from Rs 4000, Rs 4500 to Rs 4780.

He was also of the view that had these schemes been implemented in a transparent manner, the entire Mawsynram constituency should by now have witnessed tremendous change in terms of development.

“Unfortunately, the constituency is as it is (lack of development) and still has about 50.5 per cent people who are poor because the implementation of such schemes are not up to the mark,” he claimed.

Asserting that the allegation is not politically motivated but the issue has been raised to ensure people get access to development, he appealed to all the people whose names have figured in the list as beneficiaries to come forward and complaint if there is injustice done to them.