STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: ANS (Amguri Nabanirman Samity) has moved the Prime Minister’, now with the demand for an inquiry into the alleged embezzlement of funds in the State Social Welfare Department from 2009-10 to 2018-19.
Recently, ANS moved the PM to seek a similar inquiry into the alleged fake farmers availing of the benefits of PM Kisan in the state.
Speaking to The Sentinel, ANS president Diganta Saikia said, “The allocated funds were embezzled in the name of various activities, including procurement of goods, by showing inflated prices, much higher than market rates. Colour pencils sold all over India at Rs 20 per set, including all taxes, were shown as procured at Rs 62 per set, including all taxes. This is 210 percent more than the market price. Likewise, the lowest approved rates of colour pencils and wax crayons were found to be abnormally higher than the prevailing and current market rates. All these anomalies were reflected in the reports of the CAG in successive years. In a PIL (68/2021) filed in the Gauhati High Court in this regard, the Court ordered that ‘we are also of the view that since the allegations of embezzlement are based primarily on the CAG report, the competent forum, i.e., the Public Accounts Committee, may have a look at the same so that, in case any illegality is found, necessary remedial actions can be taken by the competent authority’. After the directive from the High Court, the Department of Social Welfare submitted the CAG reports and the audit report to the PAC. However, we have not received any reply from the PAC as yet.”
Saikia said, “The public grievances portal has already registered our grievance (PMOPG/D/2023/0104253). We have sought a high-level investigation into the matter and legal action against the guilty government officials and suppliers, besides seizing their movable and immovable property.”
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