VPP MLA from North Shillong, Adelbert Nongrum today sought an enquiry by the Meghalaya Lokayukta on the alleged irregularities in the implementation of the Saubhagya Scheme by the Power Department.
Nongrum also lodged a formal complaint to the Meghalaya Lokayukta chairperson Bhalang Dhar. The copy of the complaint was submitted to the Lokayukta secretary, Ryntihlang Rapthap.
Speaking to media persons after submitting the complaint, Nongrum pointed out that the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India on Social and Economic Sectors for the year ended 31st March 2022 revealed that despite an advisory issued by the Cabinet Secretary, an injudicious decision by Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL) to award works under Saubhagya to contractors at their quoted rates led to avoidable expenditure of Rs156.14 crore.
“I expect the Meghalaya Lokayukta to take appropriate action on my complaint against the alleged corruption involving senior government officials in the implementation of this centrally sponsored scheme,” he said.
Nongrum also mentioned that he had attempted to raise the matter during the last budget session of the Assembly as it involved unnecessary expenditure and misuse of public funds but he was prevented from raising the matter by the Assembly Speaker under Rule 241 of the Rules of Conduct of Business.
The VPP legislator emphasised the importance of the Lokayukta’s role in eradicating corruption and stressed the need for it to function as an independent constitutional body without any interference.
Reminding about the claim of the MDA government that it was committed to transparency and accountability, Nongrum expressed hopes that the Lokayukta would deliver its true service and hold the individuals involved in corrupt activities accountable.
