PEREN, JUNE 25 (MExN): The Samziuram Civil Rights Forum (SCRF) has raised serious concerns over alleged financial mismanagement and lack of transparency in the implementation of key government schemes in Samziuram village, Peren district. The Forum has particularly pointed to irregularities under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), Public Distribution System (PDS), MGNREGA, and the 15th Finance Commission.
In a statement issued by SCRF President Swangwibo Pamai, the Forum alleged that a certificate of completion for the Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) project under JJM was issued despite the work remaining incomplete. According to data on the eJalshakti.gov.in portal, the project was shown as 98.18% complete, though no households had been connected at the time of certification. The discrepancy was first highlighted by the media in September 2023, and though the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) promised completion by December that year, actual work reportedly commenced only in January 2024. A completion certificate was signed in May 2024 even as several households continued to lack FHTC coverage.
The Forum also alleged persistent irregularities in the Public Distribution System. Beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) are reportedly receiving only 16 kg of rice per month instead of the mandated 35 kg, while Priority Household (PHH) recipients are receiving about 3 kg, short of even the previously agreed 4 kg. The SCRF suspects the discrepancies may stem from higher administrative levels and has called for greater accountability.
Under the MGNREGA scheme for FY 2022–23, official figures show allocations of Rs176.13 lakh for unskilled wages and Rs 139.78 lakh for materials. However, village audit reports account for only Rs 45.39 lakh in wages and Rs 2.20 lakh for materials, with no pending dues recorded—raising suspicions of mismanagement. The Forum noted that under MGNREGA guidelines, wage delays exceeding 15 days qualify for compensation at 0.05% per day, to be recovered from erring officials.
The Forum also accused the Village Council of suppressing public accountability. A resident was reportedly served a notice on July 29, 2024, for seeking proof of shared allegations. Despite submitting documentation, SCRF Working President Namduarang Zeliang was asked to resubmit due to a missing signature. On August 23, 2024, another resident was barred from holding leadership positions for 15 years for planning a public meeting on governance issues. On September 15, the Village Council also prohibited a public signature campaign launched by SCRF.
Following repeated appeals, the Additional Deputy Commissioner convened a joint meeting on September 25, 2024, with officials from the Rural Development, PHED, and PDS departments, under the supervision of the Head Dobashi. However, the verdict issued on October 24 was deemed inadequate by the Forum.
According to SCRF, major issues remained unresolved. Several households still lacked FHTC connections and 15mm diameter pipes were used instead of the mandated 25mm. Officials assured corrections only after completion of an unrelated NLCPR project. The Forum also claimed that funds for banana farming, water conservation, and a ring well were received in cash but not reflected in audit records, with the VDB Secretary allegedly admitting to signing blank cheques. In the PDS sector, 60 bags of PHH rice and 20 bags of AAY rice were reportedly unaccounted for. Though the verdict recommended reconciliation, it lacked provisions for enforcement or accountability.
Dissatisfied with the outcome, the SCRF filed complaints with the Nagaland Lokayukta on December 2, 2024. However, the cases—A.NLP-11/2024, A.NLP-10/2024, and A.NLP-9/2024—were dismissed on March 13, 2025, citing jurisdictional limitations and advising the Forum to approach an alternative forum.
The Samziuram Civil Rights Forum has appealed to state authorities, oversight bodies, and the public to take cognisance of these issues. It has urged timely intervention to ensure justice, transparency, and responsible governance for the welfare of the village community.
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