Chumukedima Area GBs’ Association (CAGBA) has expressed dismay over the alleged deduction of 80% fund from the MGNREGA by the rural development department, Chumukedima block under “convergence fund.”
In a press release, CAGBA president, Tokishe Achumi, vice president, L.P.Theirie, and vice president, Yashimeren Lkr, said MGNREGA was a centrally sponsored scheme to provide employment for the village job card holders.
They said that deduction of such a huge amount (80%) by the department and giving the remaining 20% to the village was beyond any reasoning and cannot be justified in any manner.
According to the signatories, on enquiry from several sources, it was learned that only Chumukedima block has made the deduction. “If it is so, why only Chumukedima Block and why not other blocks as well?” they questioned.
CAGBA alleged that the modus operandi of the department was to first put money (in terms of several lakhs of rupees in case of small villages and up to Rs.5-6 crore for bigger villages) into the account of each village VDB under several work programmes. The association said the VDB secretaries were then asked to draw the money after signing the receipt of the money and hand over the 80% of the amount to the BDO’s office. And with the remaining meager 20% the VDBs were expected to execute the works, CAGBA said.
The association reminded that MGNREGA fund did not belong to the department, but every single rupee belonged to the people and it should reach people. It also said that MGNREGA was an Act of Parliament and the job car holders had every right to demand for employment under the Act in case no employment opportunity was given to them. “Therefore this kind of looting the public money can never be condoned in any manner, and the association will go to any extent to see that the public money looted by the department is reimbursed to the villages,” the signatories cautioned.
CAGBA demanded that the responsible officer make a public clarification as to what was “convergence fund” and why such a huge amount meant for village developments were diverted.
The association has affirmed to even go to the extent of filing applications under RTI to unearth the exact amount sanctioned by the central government.
In this regard, the CAGBA has asked the RD department to be prepared to give a clear account of every single rupee sanctioned under the MGNREGA scheme.
Meanwhile, the association has warned it would not remain silent till every amount due to the villagers was reimbursed to the rightful beneficiaries.