STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The Gauhati High Court has directed the State Government to take necessary steps as per law if the allegations of anomalies in implementing fishery schemes in the State are found to be true.
The Amguri Naba Nirman Samity has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL/55/2021) in the court. The PIL sought –
"a. A Writ in the nature of Mandamus by directing the respondents to cause a high-level enquiry to find out the corrupt officials of the Fishery Department of Assam who are involved in the corruption of fund deflection in order to misappropriate/misutilize the same and to do the needful for punishment of such officials in accordance with law;
b. Direct/command the state government officials/respondents to take into account, the Audit reports of Accountant General (Audit), Assam (Annexure - 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) and do the needful to fix responsibilities upon the erring officials of the Fishery Department and to recover the misappropriated/misused funds for proper utilization of the same in its true perspective."
During a hearing on the PIL, the Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Assam, Fishery Department, submitted an affidavit in the court in which it was stated that the allegation of anomalies in implementing the scheme in the Morigaon district were being examined and enquired into by the authorities concerned. Hence, the court stated that there was no reason to go for any further enquiry.
The court, however, gave some directions before closing the PIL. "The State Government shall adhere to the enquiries that are made and if any allegations, which are levelled in this petition are found to be true, shall take appropriate steps in accordance with law," the court order stated. The court further stated, "As far as the audit objections are concerned, the same shall be placed before the Public Accounts Committee for its decision."
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