Probe into scam gets bogged down

BAMBOO MISSION IN ASSAM

BY OUR STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, June 2: Yet another allegation of a scam during the previous Congress regime in Assam has surfaced, this time in the implementation of tiol Bamboo Mission (NBM), a Central scheme. Despite spending crores of rupees, the outcome of the mission has been found very poor, forcing the present BJP-led government to order a probe.

The NBM envisages promoting holistic growth of bamboo sector by adopting area-based, regiolly differentiated strategy and to increase the area under bamboo cultivation and marketing. Under the mission, steps have been taken to increase the availability of quality planting material by supporting the setting up of new bamboo nurseries and strengthening of existing ones. To address forward integration, the mission has also been strengthening the marketing of bamboo products, especially those of handicraft items. But mostly on paper, as it seems in Assam.

According to government records, from 2007-2008 to 2013-14, a total of 17,599 hectares of forest land and 2,800 hectares of government and cultivable lands in the State were brought under NBM. But it is alleged that the outcome of the mission during this period was highly disappointing. There are persistent allegations that a section of corrupt government officials in cahoots with unscrupulous traders siphoned off huge funds sanctioned for implementing NBM in the State.

Allegations of large-scale irregularities in implementation of this Central scheme were also raised during the previous Congress regime in the State, but it then swept all those allegations under the carpet. After the new dispensation took over in Dispur, the issue came to its notice and an enquiry has been ordered.

A one man enquiry committee headed by Rajib Kumar Bora, IAS, Additiol Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam, has been constituted. The committee will enquire into the matter of NBM as per the following terms of reference: 1. Functioning of NBM in Assam, 2. Receipt of funds from Government of India and Government of Assam for NBM, 3. Implementation of the schemes, 4. Utilization of funds with physical and fincial progress, 5. Status of audit and observations of audit, 6. Achievement of desired impact of the Mission, and 7. Net increase in the availability of bamboo as result of the Mission, if any.

The enquiry committee has been asked by the State government to submit its enquiry report within 30 days from the date of issue of notification.

Sources informed that relevant papers have been collected by the enquiry committee from the Forest Department for the purpose. Sources further alleged that progress of the probe into the case by the enquiry committee is very slow and no report has been filed by the committee till date. It may be mentioned that the 30 days period given to the enquiry committee by the government is already over.