Court directs BDO to release scheme to beneficiaries

The court has also ruled out the involvement of the sitting legislator of Jowai constituency RC Laloo, who is also the deputy chief minister, in the delay of releasing the scheme to the beneficiaries.

“The BDO concerned is directed to make payment to the petitionners as per rule,” Justice SR Sen said in his order issued on February 19, while disposing of a writ petition filed by four aggrieved beneficiaries from Mihmyntdu village falling under the Jowai constituency.

In December 3, 2012, the sitting MLA had proposed and submitted the list of 300 beneficiaries at Rs 10,000 each for renovation of house/agricultural field and providing additional funds for different economic activities for the poorer section of the constituency.

The names of the 300 beneficiaries were also approved by the approving authority.

However, the BDO of Thadlaskein Block had till date did not pay the said amount to the beneficiaries despite repeated requests made.

In their petition filed in 2016, Martha Phawa, Angela Phawa, Tam Khyllaw and Kwill Phawa alleged that the action by the BDO was illegal and unconstitutional and moreover leads to violation of their fundamental rights.

During the hearing, the state council for the respondents stated that the payment could not be made to the petitioners because they did not turn up to collect the money and as a result it was recasted.

However, the Court said that the fact remains that the petitioners has applied for the welfare scheme and they were selected ad their names even appeared in the beneficiaries list.

“In my view, I do not see why they should not be given that benefit even if they do not collect the money on time,” Justice Sen stated in his order.

Earlier, senior counsel for the sitting MLA had fairly and straightforwardly submits that Laloo has nothing to do with this case and was unnecessarily made a party.

“I agree that the respondent no 5 (Laloo) has nothing to do with the issue involved in this case,” Justice Sen said.

Hailing the order passed by the Court, Meghalaya People’s United Front (MPUF) president D Wanmi Laloo said that they would immediately take up the matter with the BDO to ensure that the welfare scheme is released to all the beneficiaries.

“If the BDO fails to comply with the court’s direction, we would be compelled to file a contempt petition against the official,” Wanmi told reporters at a press conference held here on Tuesday.

By Our Reporter