Source: The Sangai Express / Addie Chiphang
Ukhrul, October 05 2009:
Strongly reacting to the alleged embezzlement of lakhs of rupees meant for village electrification and toilet construction under the National Rural Health Mission, Sirarakhong village in Ukhrul district has lodged a First Information Report against a Government contractor.
Talking to The Sangai Express, Sirarakhong village headman, Luinam Zimik said that the fund amounting to Rs 1,93,140 meant for village electrification and toilet construction under the NRHM for the year 2007-08 was found siphoned off by the contractor.
Information about the fund being withdrawn, without any work being done, came to light when the villagers inquired at the DRDA office, Ukhrul, about the works taken up in the village under NHRM.
The whole amount has practically been withdrawn, alleged the headman and added that on inquiry it was found that only Rs 8000/ was found in the balance.
A village representative and social worker, Sowung Woleng said that the villagers were taken aback when told that the money had already been withdrawn as not a scratch of work had been executed.
Following the detection of the fund embezzlement, the villagers have submitted a written application to the Deputy Commissioner as well as lodged an FIR on July 9 this year.
A written submission was also submitted to the Vigilance Commission on July 13 under reference number CE RR No 317 to take up fitting action against the contractor, who is from Shangshak village, said Woleng.
However till date there has been no positive response from the side of the Government, said Woleng.
Urging the Government to take up fitting action, Woleng said that villagers should get what is rightfully theirs.