Morung File Photo
Kohima, June 8 (MExN): The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has expressed outrage and deep concern over reports alleging “unauthorised and illegal deductions” from Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) funds allocated to beneficiaries across Nagaland by the State’s Rural Development (RD) Department.
Citing recent public revelations, particularly the ‘exposé’ by the Kacharigaon Phevima Village Council on June 7, the NPCC stated that the incident once again highlighted a “disturbing, long-standing pattern” in the state, wherein significant portions of MGNREGA funds meant for the welfare of rural communities are allegedly being extorted by officials from the RD Department.
“This insidious practice of extortion, reportedly demanded as mandatory ‘commissions’ or ‘cuts,’ has become an entrenched feature of the department across Nagaland,” the NPCC alleged.
According to the party, the situation is a natural extension of a “deep-rooted culture of corruption perpetuated by the government in the state.”
The NPCC further emphasised that these funds represent the lifeblood of rural aspirations by not only facilitating critical grassroots-level infrastructure development but also serving as a vital mechanism for providing social security to the most marginalised communities.
Accordingly, the NPCC strongly condemned the RD Department, accusing it of overseeing and enabling “deplorable misuse of power.”
It also called upon the Minister of Rural Development and the State Government to take immediate and decisive action to end the “rampant corruption” and to ensure that those responsible are identified and penalised in accordance with the law.
“We demand accountability and justice for the rural people of Nagaland, who are being robbed of their rightful entitlements due to this criminal exploitation,” the NPCC added.
