ES Reporter 

ITANAGAR, Oct 17: A group of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna (PMKSY) contractors on Saturday alleged that the Joint Director of Rural Development (RD) Department-cum-Nodal Officer SLNA, has been demanding and taking a ‘charge’ of 20% of the total fund released on projects under the Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP).
In a press conference, Project Secretary PMKSY of Project No.8 Batch III (2011-12) Ato Sonam said: “Funds were released selectively for thirteen projects of Batch III (2011-12) rejecting many other projects of the batch including Project No.8 under Bameng Block, despite the guidelines that all projects of Batches III and IV are to be selected in the current financial year as per the order issued by the Central government.” He also accused the concerned department officials for violating the guidelines of IWMI projects issued by the Ministry of RD and Department of Land and Resources, GoI. “Without completion of projects and payment clearance of Batch III, the department had released funds for ten projects of Batch IV (2012-13) which is a violation of the guidelines,” he added. He further alleged that the said Joint Director has also refused to release work order of his project when he refused to agree on a 20% ‘charge’.
“A corrupt officer of this sort should be prosecuted under the anti-corruption law, service rules and other penal laws of India,” Sonam said, while appealing the state government to investigate into the matter, failure of which will compel the PMKSY contractors to go for a democratic agitation. He also disclosed that a representation on the issue was submitted to the Chief Secretary and a reply is being awaited.
Meanwhile, when contacted, the officer in question claimed the allegation as “baseless” and said he has no role in the project selection process which is done by the department on basis of the projects’ performance. “Regarding funds released for Batch IV, the Central government itself had issued an order to work on the projects of both Batches III and IV simultaneously,” he clarified.

---

Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

<< Back to News List