Dimapur, July 20 (MExN): People for Democratic Rights (PDR) has accused the Budget & Monitoring Cell (B&MC), Finance department of issuing double Drawal Authority (DA) in favour of Planning and Coordination department.
The two DAs dated November 3, 2017 and December 20, 2017 issued under Demand No. 27 amounts to Rs 4 crore (Rs 2 crore each), alleged a press release from Media & Publicity Affairs, PDR.
“The break-up of the two DAs are an exact facsimile of each other wherein the gross, deductions and net amounts are the same for each project. The DAs were classified under ‘Development’ head and pertained to six works as shown in the DA (see table),” it added.
Moreover, PDR stated, in both the DAs, no mention was made whether it was first, second or third installment and so on. “This is another point where PDR strongly concludes that it was not a case of installments but a clear case of double DA.”
DA released to Planning dept for works under Evaluation dept
Further, PDR claimed that the B&MC, Finance department released Rs 1 crore dated March 30, 2018 in favour of Planning & Coordination department for works carried out under Evaluation department.
“When the Evaluation Department has its own Demand No 44, under what norms did the FD release the DA in favour of Planning Machinery under Demand no 27 for works clearly mentioned as under Evaluation Department?” it questioned. “This amounts to total undermining of the Evaluation Department which is no less important than any other departments.” The PDR statement urged the Finance department to clarify as to why and how DA was issued “arbitrarily” to Planning department when the works were under Evaluation department. “Which Department executed the works? Planning Department or Evaluation Department?” it asked, also urging the departments concerned to clarify on this. The Finance department was also asked to clarify why no deductions were made for the said projects.
The break-up of works for which Rs 1 crore was released: 1. Construction of security fencing with gate and site development for flat type staff quarter at DEO office, Dimapur – Rs 20 lakh. 2. Construction of retaining wall/site development/security fencing at DEO office, Longleng – Rs 30 lakh. 3. Construction of retaining wall/security fencing/bore well for flat type staff quarter, Kohima – Rs 50 lakh.
Rs 1 crore for 10 beneficiaries
It was further alleged that the B&MC, Finance department also released an amount of Rs 1 crore in favour of Planning Machinery under Demand no 27 dated March 20, 2017 for financial assistance to 10 beneficiaries @ Rs 10 lakh each. “The concerned Department is asked to furnish in public domain complete details of the beneficiaries and against what projects and locations the amounts were released,” the statement asserted. PDR also appealed to the Planning department to inform the public whether it publicly notifies regarding availing such financial assistance and the requirements/eligibilities thereof. “Many such beneficiaries under the Planning Department are clandestinely selected without making open invitation through the local dailies where many deserving citizens may also want to apply to avail such benefits,” it alleged. PDR also wondered whether “such financial assistance are meant for deserving persons after making open advertisements or only for selected few having connections.”
