Former Meghalaya energy officials issued notices over Saubhagya Scheme irregularities
- In Reports
- 04:56 PM, Jun 29, 2024
- Myind Staff
The Meghalaya Lokayukta has issued notifications to the former chief secretary and other former officials of the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) over alleged irregularities in implementing the Saubhagya scheme in the state.
These actions were prompted by findings from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India’s (CAG) report on Social and Economic Sectors for the fiscal year 2021-22. The notices followed a complaint lodged by Adelbert Nongrum, North Shillong legislator from the Voice of the People Party (VPP), identifying these individuals.
Meghalaya Lokayukta Chairperson Bhalang Dhar has acknowledged the receipt of a complaint dated June 12 under Section 13 (1) (a) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. The complaint, lodged by North Shillong legislator Adelbert Nongrum of the Voice of the People Party (VPP), alleges irregularities in the implementation of the Saubhagya scheme in the state. Dhar noted that the allegations were based solely on the Comptroller and Auditor General of India’s (CAG) report for the fiscal year 2021-22, submitted to the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly.
In response, Dhar directed that a notice, along with a copy of the complaint, be sent to the commissioner and secretary of the Assembly. The Lokayukta has scheduled a hearing for July 23 to determine the admissibility of the complaint petition.
Nongrum's complaint implicates several former officials, including a former additional chief secretary responsible for power and a former chairman-cum-managing director of the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL), for their alleged involvement in corruption.
Nongrum’s complaint also named other former officials from the Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Limited (MePDCL), including the director (distribution), chief engineers, company secretary, and chief accounts officer. These officials face corruption allegations related to the Saubhagya scheme.
Nongrum stressed the need to address corruption in Meghalaya, stating that his complaint was filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act due to the alleged misappropriation of public funds by these former public servants.
He highlighted that the CAG report, tabled in the state Assembly on September 22 of the previous year, is now in the public domain. The report revealed significant audit findings, including Rs. 156.14 crore in avoidable expenditure at MePDCL.
This finding, documented in paragraph 3.3 of the report, raised concerns about the accountability of public funds, particularly regarding MePDCL's decisions on awarding contracts under the Saubhagya scheme.
Nongrum expressed his expectation that the Lokayukta would treat his complaint with due diligence, acknowledging the critical issues of corruption and drug addiction currently affecting the state.
Image source: Indian Express
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