NSVDBA responds to ACAUT

Dimapur, Oct 6 (EMN): Nagaland State VDB Association (NSVDBA) has termed the allegations of ACAUT as ‘most unfortunate and uncalled for’ in which it has accused the former of having nefarious intention and sinister design pertaining to implementation of DBT system under MGNREGA in the State. NSVDBA, in its general meeting with the representatives from all the 11 districts on September 28, deliberated thoroughly on the issues arising out of DBT system which was introduced by the central government and for which the State government has issued a notification for its implementation with immediate effect. In a clarification, NSVDBA stated it comprised of all the VDBs in the State with an objective to stand for the welfare and rights of the rural people in the State. It has taken strong exception to the allegations of ACAUT accusing the NSVDBA of having nefarious intention and sinister design and termed as most unfortunate and uncalled for. It reminded ACAUT that every bonafide resident of a village is member of VDBs general body wherein VDB secretaries are appointed from amongst the bonafide members with the decision of the village council and VDBs general body. It stated that if there is any corruption charges against the VDB secretary, the concerned village authority have every power to take action against the concerned VDB secretary. It, therefore, stated that terming the VDBs as corrupt will imply that the whole villagers are corrupt which is not at all appropriate. It advised ACAUT to desist from making such wild allegations which defame the entire rural communities. NSVDBA stated that it has not objected to State governments’ plan to implement DBT under MGNREGA in the State but requested to give some time till such time all the job card holders are able to open their respective bank accounts. It justified that implementation of DBT at this juncture will have serious impact in the successful implementation of the programme. Nagaland being a backward State with less facilities, NSVDBA explained that out of the total 74 RD blocks only 32 blocks are banked and the remaining 42 blocks are unbanked comprising 1238 villages with 4.25 lakhs MGNREGA job card holders. It stated that in spite of all efforts only 46,894 job card holders have been able to opened their bank account duly linked with aadhaar card till date and the remaining 3,78,106 are yet to open their bank account. NSVDBA, therefore, argued that if DBT is implemented at this juncture only 46,894 job card holders are going to get benefitted out of MGNREGA Schemes and the remaining 3,78,106 job card holders will be victimised. It queried who will be held responsible to the 3,78,106 job card holders of the State for the loss. NSVDBA reaffirmed to continue striving for better delivery of service to the rural people and not deter by such allegations from any organisation/individual that might try to defame and misunderstand its good intention. It appealed to all the concerned NGOs, tribal bodies and intellectual to come forward and show solidarity with the 3,78,106 job card holders of that State who have not opened their bank account. It also asked the government to give them time to make their aadhar card, open their own bank account, so that they can enjoy the benefit under MGNREGA schemes. It further requested the NGOs to pressurise the government for opening bank in the 42 unbanked RD blocks fur the delivery of service. While welcoming constructive suggestions from any quarters, NSVDBA made it clear that it will not be discouraged or disheartened to stand for what is right and justifiable. In this regard, it once again requested the government to seriously ponder on the feasibility aspect of implementation of DBT at this juncture and not to issue any guidelines which should be compulsorily imposed but rather carefully exercise its applicability in the context of prevailing local conditions of the State. The statement was jointly appended by NSVDBA president Tohoshe Awomi and general secretary Manthungo Kikon, general secretary of Kohima district VDB Association John Kath, president of Mokokchung VDB Association Dr. Imtinungba Atsongchanger, president of Tuensang VDB Association Setsachung, president of Longleng VDB Association Meyirenba Phom, president of Mon VDB Association Pangloi Konyak, president of Kiphire VDB Association Tsipithong Sangtam, president of Wokha VDB Association Bichamo Lotha, president of Phek VDB Association Khusuzo Khamo, president of Peren VDB Association Kinkeriulung Zeliang, president of Zunheboto VDB Association Vishiho Sumi, vice president of Dimapur VDB Association Vikhei Zhimo.