DIMAPUR, JANUARY 9 (MExN): Two legislators representing Dimapur III A/C and Dimapur II A/C on Wednesday issued a rejoinder in response to the clarification made by the Rural Development department over allegation made by the Leader of the Opposition, TR Zeliang that Rs 96 crore meant for Village Development Boards (VDBs) had been ‘looted.’
Azheto Zhimomi, MLA Dimapur III and Moatoshi Longkumer, MLA Dimapur II in a joint press release sought to point out that as far as Dimapur District is concerned the DRDA Dimapur has not received Grant-in-Aid for 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2017-18, which, it added has been confirmed by Project Director, DRDA and Deputy Commissioner, who is also the chairman of the District VDB.
Grant-in-Aid (2016-2017) for the 6 Blocks of Dimapur District namely Aghunakha Block, Chumukedima Block, Dhansiripar Block, Kuhuboto Block, Medziphema Block and Niuland Block was released by the previous DAN Government within the State own resources. However, the claims of RD Assistant Director, Hisinle Kent and RD Director, Imlimeren Jamir that GIA Fund for 2014-15, 2015-16 and 2017-18 have been released to Dimapur District along with Peren and Mon before Christmas is “false and misleading,” it stated.
The two legislators also expressed consternation that instead of throwing light on how the sanctioned Grant-in-Aid of Rs 96 crore would be implemented in the 74 RD Blocks of the State as per guidelines, the two officers from the Directorate of Rural Development cited ‘lack of documents’ and shifted the blame to the VDBs accusing it ‘of not submitting proposals.’ It also took umbrage on labeling the standpoint of the Leader of Opposition, TR Zeliang as ‘wild and false’ and what he stated was ‘only his imagination and holds no truth.’
As responsible officers of the State, such unsubstantiated claims and accusations must be avoided at all cost, the two legislators stated.
On DRDA official, however, has negated the claim. The PD DRDA Dimapur, H. Atokhe Aye maintained that the DRDA Dimapur has received the demand draft for the “Grant in Aid meant for VDBs for three years.”
