IMPHAL, March 7: Minister of State for Independent charge Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Mahesh Sharma has assured a Bharatiya Janata Youth Mandal Manipur team that he will look into the charges of funds embezzlement in tourism projects undertaken in the State under the Centre’s funding.
A team of the BJYM Manipur led by its president Oinam Malesh met the MoS at New Delhi yesterday.
The team had submitted its report on the present status of tourism development projects undertaken in the State to the MoS, according to a reliable source.
It is learnt that the team has also submitted photographs of the projects pointing out irregularities in the constructions, and also alleged the State government of embezzling funds meant for the tourism development projects.
On his part, the MoS had expressed gratitude to the BJYM team for their efforts, and assured to visit the project sites soon, informed the source.
The report, according to the source, has detailed the actual physical progress witnessed at the construction sites of Nambol Khoriphaba, Moirang INA, etc.
It has also pointed out that the timeline for completion of construction of the projects was a maximum of three years; however, it has been extended to more than five-six years and still incomplete.
The team also appealed to the MoS to conduct a thorough enquiry regarding the projects in Manipur and fix the responsibilities, book the culprits and recover the funds for the proper completion of the projects.
The ministry of Tourism should consider releasing the balance amount to the State for development of Tourism sector, only after taking up stern actions against all irregularities, the team observed in their memorandum.
The BJYM team also included vice presidents Y Gopi, Dr Antas Khan, Ranjit, K Bikram, K Robindro.