IMPHAL, July 27: Sanjenbam Apunba Meira Paibi Lup today convened a press conference at its Nongchup Sanjenbam office charging the Lairenkabi Kadangband Gram Panchayat Pradhan Th Ranjit of siphoning off of MGNREGS funds instead of distributing the same to the local beneficiaries.
Speaking to media persons, Elangbam Premkumar said that on May 16, one Sorokhaibam Ibomcha had filed a RTI regarding the MGNREGS programme of the GP.
From the reply of the RTI, it is learnt that there has been several false reports during the years 2008-9.
It is also learnt that in 2008-9 there were 133 job card holders in the Gram Panchayat, whereas for the present year there are 161 job card holders including 19 such individuals who were unaware of their inclusion in the job card holders list.
Through the RTI reply it is also learnt that there are three bogus names in the list.
Further charging of irregularities, he said that the name of an 85 year old was also found in the list without his knowledge, in fact it also came to light that money had been withdrawn in his name without his knowledge.
He continued that after the job card holders complained about the irregularities to the concerned authority, on July 11, Ward member, Thounaojam Heimo distributed the job cards and passbooks to the respective job card holders.
Elaborating on his charges, Premkumar said the pradhan has already withdrawn funds by issuing non-existing projects, which include expansion of IVR Heibongpokpi thongkhong to Sanjembam Chaprou Sabal for Rs 547401; expansion and improvement of IVR Sanjenbam Maning to Phayeng Mamang for Rs 287205; improvement and levelling of playground at Sanjembam for Rs 287022 amongst several others.