Greneth M Sangma, a member of a pressure group, has written to the South Garo Hills’ Superintendent of Police alleging forgery, misappropriation of funds, incomplete and poor quality work in the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission projects in the district.
Corruption in the JJM scheme, meant to bring piped, potable water to every rural home in the country, is not a new allegation in Meghalaya, with many claims of illegalities in Garo Hills.
Sangma wrote to the SP on behalf of the people of Rompa Asim, Darit Asim and Balkal Asim. He claimed that the project at Rompa Asim, undertaken by the Public Health Engineering Department, has not followed guidelines of the JJM, which is a central government scheme.
Insufficient pipeline points have been provided, resulting in inadequate water supply to many households, he said. The project has also not been extended to every household, which is the objective of JJM. Two signboards have been erected, indicating two separate projects, although only one has been implemented, Sangma added.
Villagers of Darit Asim and Balkal Asim reportedly know nothing of the project’s implementation in their villages even though they are meant to be covered under the project.
“The villagers have complained that funds have been withdrawn without any work being done,” Sangma alleged. “The Nokma has not signed the compilation reports and a committee has been formed without the consent of the villagers.” He added that forgery has been committed by fabricating signatures and documents.
