GSU allege MDC siphoned Rs 87.66 lakhs

SHILLONG, SEPT 4: A sitting MDC Fredarson N Sangma of Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) has been accused of misappropriating Rs 87.66 lakh for implementing projects in the names of his own relatives, an RTI finding revealed.

Garo Students’ Union (GSU) Mindikgre regional unit, filed an RTI to find out the implementation of schemes by Fredarson N Sangma who represents Wagesik constituency in Baghmara.

“As per the RTI report provided by the PIO of the GHADC, Sangma had misused and withdrew Rs 85, 66, 592 without any works or projects done, mostly in the names of his relatives,” GSU-MRU president Greneth M Sangma alleged in a statement on Friday.

He said the RTI revealed that the money was withdrawn in the name of contract works like construction of community hall, water supply, footpath, footbridge, ring-well, spring tapped chamber, twin bathroom (for male/female) with RCC ring-well.

According to him, the RTI report provided by the PIO on July 31 had also alleged misusing of several funds that were meant for the development of the rural areas and the people by the sitting MDC.

“Sangma represents the GHADC as a member for the Wagesik constituency and is suppose to serve, develop and protect the rights of the indigenous people under the constituency,” he said adding “But the corruption perpetrated by him have clearly shown that he is there only for personal gain and dubious intention to siphoned off funds meant for public interest.”

He also said that there have been several enquiries into scams and cases of corruption in the past and because of the presence of such corrupt leaders Garo hills faces a bleak future.

Greneth further alleged that from this viewpoint, it can also be conclude that Garo Hills Autonomous District Council is not able to pay the salaries to their employees for or seven months. He said it is necessary to make the people awareness of such leaders and such act must be condemned and such leaders must be removed from their position as soon as possible for the good of all. – By Our Reporter