CSWO alleges misuse of power by Pynter Village headman

FROM OUR REPORTER

SHILLONG, Oct 25: The CSWO alleged that Pyrdan Khongthaw Headman of Pynter village under the Pynursla Block in East Khasi Hills District has misused his position in the village by proposing his own me for the TSC (Total Sanitation Campaign) beneficiaries instead of the people who truly deserved the scheme.

“It has come to light from the RTI document that Khongthaw, (Headman) proposed the mes of the TSC beneficiaries who have applied for the benefits of the scheme but totally ignored the me of Melbi Suting, Rita Dkhar, Lovsita Dkhar, Branla Khongtieng and many others who are being deprived  by the village head,” Agnes Kharshiing, President of CSWO said.

She alleged that Khongthaw being a Chairman of the Village Water & Sanitation Committee has instead proposed mes of himself and his wife and his mother besides others and forwarded the list to the office of the BDO Pynursla.

She informed that Melbi Suting, Rita Dkhar, Lovsita Dkhar, Branla Khongtieng, have paid Rs 300 each to the Asha, Delhi Nongkrot, which was advance for all those who were to get the benefit of the TSC.

“They were told way back in 2011, that those who wanted to get the benefit of the TSC were to give their mes and Rs 300 each as minimum beneficiary share, so that they can avail of the scheme,” she said.

According to her, Melbi has even written to the Headman requesting him to return the money but he flatly refused to accept even the letter.

Expressing concern she said, dual benefits of Central schemes are being openly usurped and no punishment seems to be meted out to these village heads.

“It was also earlier reported that Melbi Suting was also deprived of benefits of the PDS,” she said.

Kharshiing stated that the CSWO has noticed that in many villages such abuse of power is meted out by the village heads.

“This seems to be the reason many wants to be headmen and take up all schemes and use it to put pressure on the villagers, especially for gaining support in the elections,” she said.

Condemning such actions, she said, “It is strange that in spite of various reports these influential traditiol heads are still allowed to function.”