NPCC demands accountability on illegal MGNREGA deductions

Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has expressed outrage at what it termed as “a damning expose” on the allegations by Kacharigaon (Phevima)Village Council on “unauthorised and illegal deductions” from MGNREGA funds by the Rural Development (RD) department.
According to NPCC communication department, KVC has “once again highlighted a disturbing, long-standing pattern in the state” where significant portions of MGNREGA funds meant for the welfare of the rural populace were being allegedly “extorted by officials from the RD department.”
NPCC said “this insidious practice of extortion” reportedly demanded as mandatory “commission or cuts” has become entrenched in the department throughout the state. It described the phenomenon as an “natural extension of the deep-rooted culture of corruption perpetrated by the government in the state.”
It said the MGNREGA funds represent the lifeblood of rural aspirations of not only that drive critical grassroot-level infrastructure but also serve as a vital instrument for providing social security to the most marginalised communities.
While unequivocally condemning RD department for heading the “deplorable abuse of power” NPCC demanded accountability and justice to the rural people of Nagaland, who were being robbed of their rightful entitlement due to “this criminal exploitation”. NPCC, therefore, called upon the minister in-charge of RD and the state government, take “immediate and decisive action to put an end to this rampant corruption” and ensure that those involved are identified and penalised in accordance with the law of the land.