NPCC flags irregularities between records and realities of projects

DIMAPUR — The public grievances department (PGD) of the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has demanded an investigation into the alleged mismanagement and misappropriation of development funds for several projects.

According to a press statement issued by the PGD, developmental works worth crores of rupees meant for improving road infrastructure and healthcare facilities have not materialised despite funds being approved. The statement highlighted four cases of discrepancies.

Upgradation of roads and construction of bridge

It stated that the work order for road upgradation and bridge construction for the Longchem-Saring road, Mokokchung, was issued to M/S Win Enterprise on December 22, 2022, with a tender amount of INR 1,45,66,329.

According to an RTI report, 30% of the amount has been withdrawn, amounting to INR 43,69,898, but no work has been initiated thus far, and the road condition is deplorable and almost non-pliable, the PGD alleged.

It claimed that there was a death in 2022 when a patient died on the way to the hospital due to poor road conditions, and it added that the vehicle was stuck for hours and the patient was unable to reach the hospital in time.

It also said that on November 1, 2023, a concerned citizen of Longchem provided his JCB along with INR 20,000 to patch up certain locations where it was non-pliable.

No new ambulances

It said that an amount of INR 25 lakh was approved by SDPDB for the purchase of two ambulances under the LADP (COVID-19) Scheme 2020-2021 for 30 Alongtaki A/C.

While an RTI report showed that the project/work was completed, the statement alleged that no new ambulances have been found and only one gipsy is being used as an ambulance.

Construction of multi-purpose hall

Furthermore, an RTI report showed that the construction of a multi-purpose hall phase-I was completed, which was funded under the LADP 2019-2020 Iconic Scheme for 30 Alongtaki A/C and the amount approved by SDPDB was INR 50 lakh.

However, the building does not exist as of yet, according to the party.

Construction of GHS building

For the construction of a GHS building at Lakhuni under the Alongtaki A/C, an amount of INR 1 crore was approved by SDPDB in two phases: INR 50 lakh in 2019-2020 and another INR 50 lakh in 2020-2021 under the LADP Iconic Scheme.

It claimed that while an RTI report showed that verification committee members had already issued completion certificates, the school building is in deplorable condition, there are no proper classrooms, and students cannot attend classes during the rainy season because most of the classrooms lack a roof.

“Till date, the school building is still under construction,” the statement read.

Demands actions

The PGD has asked the contractor to deliver the good road facility that the citizens rightfully deserve without further delay, and the concerned authority to take the citizens’ health seriously and do the necessary at the earliest.

It questioned where the fund amount for phase I was spent and called on all right-thinking citizens and CSOs to put a stop to such ‘fraudulent activities’.

It asked the verification committee how a completion certificate was issued when the work was still in its early stages and demanded that the concerned authority prioritise this issue and complete the work as soon as possible.

It also requested that the verification committee refrain from issuing completion certificates without proper verification and investigation, and it demanded that the elected member of Alongtaki A/C, administration, and verification team provide a clear justification for the developmental funds at the earliest.

Also read: Celebrate Nagaland’s ancient tribal cultures & traditions, the Great Hornbill Festival