TMC leader Richard Marak has raised concerns about what he said is the government’s lack of transparency and fairness in fulfilling its promises.
He criticised the tendency to consolidate small projects into larger ones, sidelining local contractors, and awarding contracts to non-local companies.
Marak demanded an independent investigation to uncover corruption, hold the responsible parties accountable, ensure transparent and fair contract awarding processes and restore public trust in the governance of Meghalaya.
“We are alarmed by a series of events and ongoing issues suggesting widespread corruption, mismanagement and favouritism within the state’s governance. How long can we turn a blind eye to such blatant disregard for transparency and fairness?” he asked.
“The Union Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) had previously allocated Rs 126.94 crore specifically for the construction of Tura’s IT Park. This funding is part of a broader plan to address issues such as inadequate connectivity, gaps in the social sector, and to stimulate growth in the North East’s eight states,” he said.
Stating that the Tura IT Park project has reportedly been awarded to the same company, Badri Rai and Company, responsible for the collapsed Meghalaya Assembly dome, PA Sangma Stadium wall and many other projects, he said, “This company was also allegedly involved in a financial misconduct incident involving Chief Minister Conrad Sangma’s convoy, where a BRC vehicle containing Rs 1 crore was confiscated in Arunachal Pradesh before the election. This incident raises significant concerns about potential corruption and illicit financial activities, casting a shadow over the transparency and integrity of the state’s administration.”
It was claimed by the National People’s Party that the money was for paying workers of the BRC and had nothing to do with the election.
Marak said awarding another major contract to this company, despite its questionable track record, highlights a serious lapse in judgment and oversight.
“Given the gravity of these concerns, we demand a comprehensive and independent investigation by a central agency. This inquiry should aim to Uncover the truth behind these incidents and patterns of favoritism and corruption, Ensure accountability for those responsible for mismanagement and financial misconduct, Assess the processes and criteria used in the awarding of contracts, ensure they are transparent and fair, Review all major contracts awarded in recent years to identify systemic issues and conflicts of interest, Recommend reforms to prevent future occurrences of corruption and mismanagement, Restore public trust in the governance of Meghalaya through transparent and fair practices,” he said.
