M’laya BJP seeks independent probe into ‘misuse’ of funds in GHADC

Lone Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) member in Meghalaya’s Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC), Bernard Marak on Sunday wrote to Chief Minister Conrad Sangma, seeking an independent probe into the “misuse” Central Developmental Funds given by the 15th Finance Commission to the GHADC.
Marak said his demand for an independent inquiry came after the Executive Member in-charge Finance of Garo Hills Autonomous District Council Linekar Sangma had publicly admitted in a broadcast media interview that Central Developmental Funds were partly diverted to pay salaries and meet other expenses of the Garo Hills Autonomous District Council . “This statement (of the Executive Member in-charge Finance of GHADC) constitutes prima facie evidence of financial misappropriation and a violation of the guidelines laid down by the 15th Finance Commission,” Marak. who is also the Meghalaya State BJP Vice President, wrote.
He said other Executive Members, in a separate broadcast media interview denied the receipt of Rs 161 crore as shown in an RTI reply. “This contradiction raises a grave concern: either the NPP-led State Government or the NPP led Executive Committee in Garo Hills Autonomous District Council is misrepresenting facts,” Marak said.
He said the denial marks, casts doubt on the authenticity of the RTI response and the actual disbursement of funds.
Additionally, the absence of Motor Vehicle tax records for the two years in the RTI further underscores the need for a thorough financial audit, Marak said.
Urging the Chief Minister for immediate intervention and request that the matter be referred to an independent inquiry committee, the BJP leader said, the committee should examine the claims made by the Executive Members, verify the RTI disclosures, and audit the relevant departments to determine the extent of fund misuse.
Marak warned the Chief Minister that if his request not be acted upon, he would escalate the matter to appropriate authorities to safeguard the integrity of Garo Hills Autonomous District Council and uphold the constitutional provisions under the Sixth Schedule.
Under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, Meghalaya has three district councils – for the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills – having powers on myriad issues such as forests, tax collection, and so on.