Dimapur, August 28 (MExN): A serious allegation of fund diversion under the centrally sponsored scheme, the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), has been charged against the Power Minister of Nagaland by Toluvi Aye, President of the Area Congress Committee 32 AC Atoizu.
In a press note, the ACCC President of 32-Atoizu AC has alleged that despite several other cases where the minister has been “robbing this constituency for the last 12 years”, the latest instance of fund diversion under the NREGA meant for rural people “cannot be ignored anymore”.
The president in the note claimed that out of a total allotment of Rs 1,58,01,000/- allotted to 15 villages under 32 AC Atoizu, the Minister has pocketed Rs 92,01,000/- and only Rs 66,00000/- was given to the Village Development Boards (VDBs).
The president of ACCC while making the allegation has attached a copy of the “NREGA Allotment 4th Phase (2008-09) Atoizu Constituency under Akuluto Block”. The attached document has provided the name of the 15 villages, total amount, VDB allotment and another column showing the amount deducted by the Power Minister.
Further, it has claimed that the Minister produced a chit to the GBs from the Chief Minister and Minister Rural Development “to divert the fund for some other developmental works” pointing out that this was against the guidelines of NREGA.
“Even the Chief Minister does not have the right to divert funds which is meant for the people and the people alone,” the note stated, while hoping that “good sense prevail on him and cleanse corruption instead of swindling public money”.
It went on saying that the Minister of Power has been representing Atoizu constituency from 1998 till date and that he “is a chosen one with divine providence”.
Moreover, it further alleged: “Not a single penny has gone to the public under LADP since 1998 till date. CGI sheets for the homeless and downtrodden through VDBs are seen only during elections for votes. There are volumes of cases where he has been robbing this constituency for the last 12 years but the latest programme for the rural people under NREGA cannot be ignored anymore.”
The ACCC President has also lamented that Atoizu has now become one of the most underdeveloped area in the district and that its people are left out, neglected and humiliated by its own leaders. It goes on to state that all the promises made during election has “gone with the wind” and that the leaders will be seen once again in the next general elections.
The press note questioned the leaders of Atoizu as to why they come and show concern only during election time.
“Our roads, health care, water supply, education and all public welfare schemes have come to a standstill and Local Area Development Programme funds are in paper only,” it added
It has urged the concerned Minister: “Come out of your slumber, speak for your people and fight for their rights.”
It also recounted that once upon a time Atoizu was a very prestigious constituency in Nagaland with personalities like Late K. Shikhu (former Speaker NLA), K L Chishi (Ex-Chief Minister), Late Shikiho Sema (former Minister), Khetoho Sema (Rtd Judge Supreme Court) and N Yeshito Chishi (Ex MLA). While pointing out that these leaders were held with respect and high esteem by the state, Atoizu constituency produced the highest number of officers from amongst the Sumi community till late 1980s.
