Dimapur, February 23 (MExN): Beneficiaries of the CM Corpus Fund for year 2007 from Kohima are confused that the funds have still yet to be paid. A letter addressed to the Deputy Commissioner of Kohima by the beneficiaries has demanded clarification over the non-payment of the said funds.
According to the letter, the beneficiaries’ work order was issued and they were told to open accounts in their respective banks to start the projects. This the beneficiaries did and “most of us borrowed to start our project since we were told by the department that our fund will be released at the earliest.” During trainings on January 4 this year, the beneficiaries were told by the chairman (deputy commissioner) that the fund was ready to be released and stated that the Bank Ability certificate is needed. This, the beneficiaries filled out and completed and submitted to the department.
“After completing all the formalities, the department told us that fund will be released which we are supposed to get it in the month of November and December, mentioned clearly by the Government in the guide book. But till date, the department did not release our fund” the letter lamented. Then, when it was not released the DPO department told the beneficiaries to ‘go down to the Planning department (secretariat) to enquire about it.’ There, a “certain officer” told them that no funds have been allotted to this purpose by the Center. The beneficiaries were asked to give proof and were even told to ‘go to Delhi for this.’ “We came back to DPO office and were told clearly that if there is no fund, no work order will be issued and this a state plan and not a Central plan fund. They have issued work order accordingly to their direction (Planning department, Secretariat)” it stated.
Stating to be in total dilemma, the beneficiaries have sought clarifications on a number of points. They queried if the fund, supposed to be received last year (November, December as mentioned by the government) been diverted or misused by officials. Further, the department I concern queried if the said matter is a state or a Central plan and whether or not it was “stopped” because of the elections. “Can the department clearly point out why our fund has been delayed? Can the government give a fixed date for release of our fund?” the beneficiaries queried and demanded that clarifications be made before February 25.
The beneficiaries are grateful for being promised the fund, but “in this situation we are totally confused, frustrate and in debt.”
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