Former Minister alleges foul play in RGGVY

FROM OUR CORRESPONDENT

Itagar, Dec 29: In a shocking revelation, former minister Medi Ram Dodum has alleged that the information relating to the implementation of the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yoja (RGGVY) in East Kameng district, furnished by the Seppa Electrical Division EE is totally baseless, misleading and conceals the important facts. Armed with documents obtained through Right to Information Act (RTI), Medi in a press release stated that though as per reports submitted by the EE, a total of 236 villages in district have been electrified under RGGVY in the state from 2008 to 2015 but in ground reality the picture was completely different.

“With a budget of Rs 132 crores, the scheme was supposed to bring light to a district that has been immersed in darkness for ages. In Bameng circle alone, 62 villages were identified for implementation of the scheme. As per the documents procured through the RTI, it appears that the entire circle now has electricity as completion certificates have also been issued and funds disbursed to the various contracting firms. But the reality is that none of the rural areas have any electricity,” a statement from the former minister said.

Asserting that during recent field visits, it came to light that in some places, no physical connections have been established, Medi added that such acts are a clear indication of laxity of attitude on part of the concerned department and contractors, both those from the state and from outside.

“The huge amount of fund that was sanctioned and disbursed hints at foul play. It is fuelled by the fact that completion certificates were issued when not even an inch of the soil was dug up to erect the electrical poles. As a former minister from the district and a leader from the area, I feel it is important to set an example that such attitude and actions will not fly anymore,” the statement read.

Further in a representation submitted to Western Zone Power (Electrical) Chief Engineer, Medi apprising the former about the case has sought photographic evidence of how many villages in the district were electrified in reality within the budget of Rs 132 crores.

He further cautioned that if the department fails to produce physical evidence or work completed, he would be compelled to seek legal option against the department.

“I have sought proof of the work that was allegedly completed under the scheme from the department failing which legal opinion will be sought, including filing a PIL seeking a CBI inquiry into the matter. If the department produces evidence beyond doubt that the villages for which completion certificates have been issued have indeed been electrified, I will tender an unconditiol apology on behalf of the people of Bameng,” the statement added.

Medi also informed that a team of public leaders from the district will also meet Prime Minister rendra Modi, Union Home Minister Rajth Singh and Minister of State (Independent Charge) Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy Piyush Goyal to apprise the Centre of the gross misuse of funds and dereliction of duty of the department and contracting firms.