IMPHAL, Sept 12(NNN): In a snowballing charges of misuse of fund for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), the Pradhan and the Ward Member of Changangei Panchayat Gram Panchayat Ward No.3 have been embroiled in a controversy over misappropriation of the same fund , with the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal West issuing warrant of arrest against them on Wednesday.
Also yesterday, the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal East issued warrant of arrest against two Pradhans and 11 Ward Members of Kyamgei and Keirao Gram Panchayat on charges of certain irregularities in implementing MGNREGS fund.
Former Panchayat Secretary of thge Changangei Gram Panchayat has also been charged with misuse of MGNREGS fund and the Imphal West Chief Migistrate has issued warrant of arrest against him.
In a formal complaint lodged with Human Rights Law Network by an MGNREGS job card holder, three individuals, namely Phuritsabam Ongbi Loidang, 43, wife of late Ph Ingocha, Pradhan of Changangei Gram Panchayat, resident of Chagangangei Maning Leikai; Abujam Ranjit Singh,48 years, son fo A Bira Singh, a resident of Changangei Mayai LeikaI, Ward Member of Ward No.3 and Hijam Ratanabir, 45, son of lte h Yaima, a resident of Sagolband Tera Yengkhom Leirak, a former Panchayat Secretary are accused of misusing MGNREGS fund.
The matter regarding the issuance of arrest warrants against the trio by Imphal West Chief Magistrate was revealed by advocate Rakesh Meihoubam, a member of Human Rights Law Network during a press conference held at the latter`s office.
The complainant is a poor person and as such, she has no capacity to bear the legal expenses while filing the present criminal complaint hence she had approached the Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MSLSA), advocate Rakesh informed.
Prior to approaching for legal aid, the complainant along with other job card holders of Changangei Gram Panchayat had approached to the Legal Aid Clinic and Cheirap Court Complex, Imphal, he added.
He added the Legal Aid Clinic then issued notices to thge Pradhan and the elected Member of Changangei Gram Panchayat for settling the disputes and had several rounds of counselling sessions.
Ultimately, on September 3 last, the accused had categorically refused to settle the matter amicably, he further added.
He added as there was no settlement between the two parties, the matter was placed before the member Secreatry, MSLSA, Imphal.
Finally, the complainant preferred the present criminal complaint with the assistance from the Manipur State Legal Services Authgority Act, 1987 for punishing of the complainant, Rakesh added.