SHILLONG, JAN 9: Dismissing the allegation of misappropriation of fund amounting to Rs 2 crore under the Special Rural Works Programme (SRWP) leveled by the Pynthorumkhrah People’s Association (PPA) as “political gimmick” by his political rival, Meghalaya water resources minister and Congress candidate AL Hek said this is nothing but an attempt to malign him just before election by his political opponent Process Sawkmie.
While terming the misappropriation allegation as totally “false” and “baseless,” Hek took a dig at the PPA saying it should rename itself as Process Propaganda Association. He told reporters Wednesday none of the dorbars under Pynthorumkhrah constituency knows the existence of the PPA and it is not a registered organization.
Hek said, “I am shocked in the manner in which the allegations were leveled against me, which holds no water.” He instead said this was the handiwork of the political opponent who was going to contest against him Process Sawkmie who had been overwhelming rejected by the people of Mawlai for his failure as a legislator.
Using the RTI findings, the PPA had alleged that Hek had misappropriated public money the SRWP scheme worth to more than Rs 2 crore.
The RTI finding had revealed that from 1998 to 2012 there is anomaly in the utilization of the funds while distributing the Corrugated Galvanised Iron (CGI) sheets to the people in the Pynthorumkhrah constituency.
To this allegation Hek refuted saying during the year 2012-2013 the CGI were sanctioned to 600 beneficiaries at the cost of Rs 5000 each but were distributed to more than 1617 beneficiaries which, he said, benefitted more beneficiaries than the sanctioned number.”
Again, Hek clarified, in 2008-2009 bundles of CGI were sanctioned to 1000 but were distributed to more than 1119 beneficiaries. However he said, “Some of the beneficiaries were given cash of Rs 2000 on their personal request.”
Hek said by paying Rs 2000 to a beneficiary, he was able to provide assistance to 1617 instead of 600 beneficiaries in 2012. He informed that the list and photos of all the beneficiaries are available in his office.
Similarly Hek said about 700 women beneficiaries benefitted from the Rs 5 lakhs sanctioned for the upliftment of women under BPL families. Hek displayed the names of the women beneficiaries and said that the reason for not disclosing their names was out of respect for the sentiments of the women beneficiaries.
Speaking about alleged misuse of funds for the Golflink college, Hek said, “The amount of Rs 5 lakhs meant for the college affiliation could not be utilized as the college is yet to fulfill certain basic criteria.” But, he added, on recommendation of the local headman who is the secretary of the college the amount was spent on the construction of a new building after demolishing a portion of the Assam type house at Basic School Golflink. The balance amount was also spent on the construction of a second building adjacent to the Golflinks Secondary School at Polo Parking lot which will be inaugurated shortly,” he informed.
Hek also claim that the salaries of the teachers are being paid from his own personal account since the inception of the college in August 2006. –By Our Reporter
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