Four data entry operators (DEOs) had surreptitiously registered hundreds of job card holders under the MGNREGA scheme database favouring a community, without formal verification or approval from the Block Development Officer.
This was revealed by the Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (COMSO) and the Garoland State Movement Committee (GSMC), who had called for an investigation into alleged large-scale embezzlement of public funds under the MGNREGA scheme in Demdema block, including “all non-tribal Village Employment Councils (VECs), particularly in Muslim-dominated villages”.
COMSO Publicity Secretary Tony Tojrang B. Marak said following a formal complaint with the Deputy Commissioner, a meeting was convened by the Civil Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Dadenggre at Demdema Block on Wednesday, which was attended by key administrative officials, including the Block Development Officer (BDO) of Demdema, Assistant Programme Officer (APO), Assistant APO, and supporting staff as well as COMSO and GSMC.
He said a detailed assessment revealed that the DEOs were responsible for making illegal entry of job card holders. “Alarmingly, in one village alone, close to 200 individuals were registered in a single year without due process, pointing to systemic manipulation of records and gross violation of administrative procedures,” he said.
The actions of the implicated DEOs constitute a serious breach of administrative protocol and an abuse of authority, undermining the integrity of the MGNREGA scheme and depriving rightful beneficiaries of their entitlements.
During the meeting, COMSO and GSMC leaders urged the SDO of Dadenggre and the BDO of Demdema Block to initiate strict disciplinary action, including immediate suspension of the four DEOs involved.
The SDO has since given an assurance that appropriate action will be taken, including the suspension of the DEOs and the initiation of a door-to-door inquiry to identify and verify the legitimacy of job card holders across affected villages.
“We reiterate our commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in public service delivery. Let this serve as a call for greater vigilance in all administrative operations to ensure justice and equity for all communities”, COMSO said.
