SMKS submits memorandum requesting inquiry into block level corruption

From a correspondent

Silchar July 27: A memorandum urging for a magistrate level enquiry against the alleged fincial irregularities committed by A Z Laskar, Block Development Officer (BDO) at Borkhola development block was submitted to S Vishwathan, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Cachar, by Sarbangin Mab Kalyan Sangha (SMKS), an NGO recently.

 The memorandum stated that houses of many beneficiaries of under Indira Awaas Yoja (IAY) scheme in the fincial years 2013-2014 and 2014-2015 respectively have not been constructed till date. Besides the 2nd and 3rd fincial installment of IAY beneficiaries have not been released. It also alleged that A Z Laskar, BDO, has committed massive fincial misappropriation of IAY funds to the tune of Rs. 62 Lakh. Shockingly, there are no records of utilization certificate for 27 IAY schemes allotted to the minority community.

 Under the Chief Minister’s Dream Project, 5 schemes for the development of Borkhola was sanctioned in November, 2014, but not a single project has been completed till date. The people of the area have not yet been informed about the total funds allocated for the projects. As per the Panchayat Act one seat is reserved for women belonging to SC community for the post of the GP’s president but strangely in Masughat GP the seat has been allotted to a woman belonging to OBC community. It is a gross violation of the guidelines under the Panchayat Act, the memorandum alleged.

 It has also come to the notice of SMKS that many   projects under MNGREGA have been sanctioned for same road more than once by Laskar in complicity with other unscrupulous people with vested interests. It has also been alleged by the members that even Anchalik Parishad of the GPs concerned have not been provided with many crucial details including funds allocated for the works and project plan of the works going on in their respective GPs.

 It has also been alleged that the funds allocated under Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF) for block development in the twelfth fince commission has not been implemented by the BDO. Even, funds allocated under Kalpataru scheme have also not been released in the last few years. The memorandum further alleged that the BDO has violated the RTI Act by not replying to the applications filed under the provisions of the Act     by the aggrieved public.

 It also alleged that Laskar is not co-operating with the A P members of Borkkola block in implementing the projects sanctioned for the area. The SMKS members requested the DC to look into the matter and order a magistrate level inquiry into the issue. They also urged the DC to take necessary action against A Z Laskar. The memorandum was signed by Tanmay Purkayastha, President, SMKS central committee.