Misappropriation of development funds alleged in Sonai block of Cachar

Silchar: Sarbananda Sonowal government has yet to walk miles before it can reverse the Congress trend and ensure transparency and accountability in the utilization of funds for development. In recent cases of alleged embezzlement of development funds meant for two different schemes in public interest in Sonai block of Cachar, the residents of Sonabarighat gaon panchayat area have drawn the attention of the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar for proper inquiry and investigation. Two separate memoranda submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar on Tuesday highlights how development funds of Rs.1.83 lakh and Rs.2.20 lakh respectively earmarked for different welfare schemes have made vanishing tricks.

In the first instance, the representation says that instead of the construction of bund-cum-road from NH 54 point to Boalijur, the people’s representative in collusion with State employees have together made a mince matter of the entire fund of Rs.1.83 lakh. The fund was allotted for improvement of rural areas through MGNREGA. But, shockingly as alleged the scheme was simply implemented on paper by keeping a fake record of engaging 129 workers for 1005 days to complete the said scheme. The entire fund was misappropriated in tandem with the bank as well as all those concerned with the implementation of the scheme. In view of the seriousness of the case, the representation calls for presenting the actual job card holders whose signatures have been faked and initiating high level inquiry and accordingly mete out exemplary punishment to all those involved in this shady deal.

The second instance highlighted in the other representation speaks of how Rs.2.20 lakh for construction of a drain from PWD road to paddy field also under Sonabarighat gaon panchayat has simply been misappropriated. But the very purpose of reaching the benefits of welfare schemes to common people is being frustrated by the people’s representatives and the coterie or caucus patronized by them. In this embezzlement of development funds, allege the inhabitants of the area in question, are actively involved a section of state government employees and the banks. The allegation makes shocking revelation of withdrawal of the entire fund of Rs.2.20 lakh from a nationalized bank of Sonai.

The actual job card holders are totally in dark about the whole modus operandi of the use of their passbook, opening of account and withdrawal. This is a reflection on how the strong caucus is active to siphon off funds. In fact, in this whole murky business is involved the mastermind of some dishonest people of the development blocks. It is also surprising how entire operation to misuse and misappropriate development funds can take place so daringly when the state government has made loud announcement of maintaining probity in public life. The allegation goes to the extent of stating that neither any foundation stone for the two schemes has been laid nor any sign board put up. Only a thorough inquiry would bring out the scams. The representation was signed by Hassan Jaman Laskar, Nurul Islam Laskar and Samsul Islam Barbhuiya.