Kohima, June 13 (MExN): The Against Corruption and Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland has called for accountability in the state’s Rural Development (RD) Department following fresh allegations of corruption linked to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
In a statement, ACAUT backed recent accusations by the Kacharigaon (Phevima) Village Council, which alleged that RD officials were extorting funds meant for rural beneficiaries. ACAUT described the alleged malpractice as a long-standing issue and criticized the silence of most villages in the state.
“What is surprising is not the corruption itself, but that only one village out of 1,285 has found the courage to speak out,” the ACAUT said.
ACAUT called on the government to immediately suspend the officials involved and initiate a thorough and transparent inquiry. It also warned that failure to act would compel the group to pursue legal avenues, including involving central agencies and the Government of India.
It further appealed to churches, civil society organizations, and especially youth bodies to speak out against what it called a “blatant extortion racket.”
“Turning a blind eye to such corruption while proclaiming ‘Nagaland for Christ’ is one of the great ironies,” the statement said.
In 2017, ACAUT had filed a police complaint against the RD Department and the Block Development Officer of Chümoukedima over similar allegations. However, the case stalled when local villagers declined to testify.
