IMPHAl, July 22: Charges have been alleged of misappropriation of funds meant for development schemes for Thanga area.
Speaking to media persons in the regard at Manipur Press Club today, H Ibochouba, social worker on behalf of Karang Island Development Organization (KIDO) stated that several developmental works slated to begin since 2008 have not been carried out whereas the sanctioned funds have been withdrawn. The allegations pertains to at least 25 developmental works inclusive of construction of community halls, public toilets, drainage systems, construction of crematorium , black topping of roads around the area, etc.
The amount for the said works which have allegedly been finished amounts to more than Rs 1 crore. It was mentioned that zilla parishad of Thanga Salam, M Bedamani Devi and pradhan O Mangi of Thanga Chinkha are responsible for implementation of various schemes and they should be held responsible.
Ibochouba further stated that besides doing some superficial works which amounts to cosmetic make up of the area, nothing substantive has been done. Thus, the development of Thanga has been arrested by the elected representatives for their personal gain, he charged.
He further stated that a sum of Rs 10 lacs has been sanctioned for pradhan office building under the Bharat Nirmal Rajiv Gandhi Seva Kendra. The building should be located at Thanga Part 1, at least 60 % of the fund has been withdrawn and the building is nowhere to be seen.
In another charge, the pradhan has also withheld the job cards and bank document of some villagers. Seven persons have been working under the MGNREGS at the Thanga area, but the job cards were not issued. Ever under persistent complaints, the pradhan in cahoots with the district program co-ordinator and concerned ombudsman, namely one Brajamani has failed to rectify the situation and made the said individuals run from pillar to post. Whereas, they have been listed under the MGNREGS work list.
In the regard, it was alleged that the pradhan has been collecting photos from the public of the areas in the name of providing different government schemes, and as such the photos are used by him to avail schemes for his own ends.
In the regard , it was urged that the concerned officials investigate the issue and let justice be done for the Thanga public. Ibomcha said that the Governor will be urged in the regard.