Fund misappropriation in installation of solar street lights alleged under Rani development block

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: An RTI activist has alleged misappropriation of funds in the name of installing solar street lights in five gaon panchayats under Rani development block.

RTI activist Diganta Kalita has sought information regarding installation of solar street lights in five gaon panchayats under Rani development block. These five gaon panchayats are Mazirgaon GP, Kahikuchi GP, Azara GP, Dharapur GP and Garal GP. Based on the reply he got to his RTI application, Kalita alleged gross misappropriation of fund in the name of installing solar street lights in these gaon panchayats. In this regard, he has lodged an FIR with the Chief Minister's Special Vigilance Cell (SVC).

In the FIR, Kalita alleged that government fund was misused by using one invoice number to withdraw money many times in one year in one gaon panchayat. This, he said, was against rules. He also alleged that although the suppliers had not paid the GST, it was shown that the GST had been paid. Moreover, in the bills submitted by the suppliers, signature of the construction committee president is mandatory in the letterhead. However, Kalita mentioned in the FIR that most letterheads did not have the signature of the constuction committee president. Kalita also alleged that the solar street lights were purchased at a much higher price than the actual market price.

The CM's Special Vigilance Cell on Tuesday recorded Kalita's statement.

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