By Parmod Bharti-
NAWANSHAHR: The allegations of misappropriation of Rs.4.88 lakh sanctioned under MGNREGA scheme on the pretext of undertaking the work of desilting and earth filing of a pond measuring 4 kanal 4 marlas situated at village panchayat of Talwandi Fattu in the district during the past few years may not be a big scam but a classic example of how the funds meant for providing employment opportunities as well as accelerating the pace of development at the grass root level have virtually been going into drain, consequently negating the objective as well as the spirit of the MGNREGA scheme.
Ravi Dutt Sharma, vice president of the district congress and Nimisha Mehta, state vice president, Punjab Mahila Congress who is also Member of the District Vigilance Monitoring Committee, while talking to media persons here today, disclosed that during the tenure of the previous panchayat, a sum of Rs. 2.65 lakh sanctioned under MGNREGA had been 'spent' on desilting and then earth filling of the pond. The present panchayat had also 'spent a sum of Rs. 2.23 lakh on desilting the pond.
”In August 2011, a complaint was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner to conduct an inquiry into the misappropriation of the MGNREGA funds but in vain. A fresh complaint has also been submitted to the Deputy Commissioner in September this year, but till now nothing concrete has been done", said Ravi Dutt adding.
"The issue of alleged misappropriation of MGNREGA funds as well as dilly dallying approach of the concerned authorities in conducting proper inquiry would be raised at the meeting of the District Vigilance Monitoring Committee", said Nimisha while threatening to launch a stir if the probe into the alleged misappropriation of MGNREGA funds was not conducted and the stern action was not taken against the persons found guilty immediately.
The facts and figures under RTI Act has already been procured and if the concerned authorities continue to adopt dilly dallying approach to shield the guilty, they will also knock the doors of the court to curb the misappropriation of the funds sanctioned under various centre sponsored schemes.
