SHILLONG, NOV 13: The Khasi Students Union (KSU) Sanshnong Area Unit today demanded instituting of an inquiry into the alleged misappropriation of funds sanctioned for the implementation of the Umiit-Umsohphlang Watershed Scheme.
“We demand immediate inquiry into the implementation of the scheme after an RTI reply revealed that has been misappropriation of funds,” Unit president Pauldeep Tongwah told reporters here on Tuesday.
He said the Union also demand the South West Khasi Hills Divisional Soil & Water Conservation officer to clarify on the matter within a month’s time failing which stern decision will be taken.
Asked, Tongwah, while quoting the RTI reply said that only Rs 800 were given to each of the 332 beneficiaries, who are mostly farmers, instead of Rs 5,000 as financial assistance under the scheme.
“For this purpose Rs 18.12 lakh was sanctioned but since each beneficiary was getting only Rs 800, only Rs 2 lakh was spent by the department. The big question here is what has happened to the remaining amount Rs 15.47 lakh,” he said.
Moreover, Tongwah alleged that out of Rs 30 lakh sanctioned for the scheme during the year 2014-2016, only Rs 8 lakh was shown as utilized. “However, when you look at the work implemented it does not commensurate with the amount that has been spent,” he said.
According to him, the nature of works under the scheme also include water harvesting structure, CC dam, half moon terraces, afforestation, loose boulder bund, tailoring, hollow block making, betel nut soaking tank, cattle shed and carpentry.
By Our Reporter
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