Probe Ordered into Embezzlement of Funds in Arunachal Pradesh
The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh has ordered probe into allegations of embezzlement, misappropriation, corruption and siphoning of government funds to the tune of over Rs.900 crore in Arunachal Pradesh through various Centrally Sponsored Schemes related to Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) and North-Eastern Council (NEC). Dr Jitendra Singh took this decision in response to a representation submitted by 11 MLAs from Arunachal Pradesh who alleged that the State Government of Arunachal Pradesh was responsible for misuse and misappropriation of Government of India funds released against projects sanctioned during 2011-12 to 2014-15.
Dr Jitendra Singh directed Secretary, Ministry of Development of North-Eastern Region (DoNER) to immediately collect all the relevant information related to these projects and institute an inquiry into the status and progress of these projects. After compilation of the details and examination of the issues raised by the MLAs, comments may be sought from the State Government before deciding further course of action.
The MLAs who signed the complaint included Tamiyo Taga, Leader of Opposition in Arunachal Pradesh State Legislative Assembly, Japu Deru, Deputy Leader of Opposition, Er.Tage Taki, Chief Whip, BJP Legislative Party, Er.Tumke Bagra, Tamar Murtem, Dr Mohesh Chai, Laisam Simai, Tesam Pongte, Kaling Moyong, Kento Rina, and Olom Panyang. They alleged that the present State Government had grossly misused and siphoned central funds due to which majority of projects have not been completed and are behind schedule. They further alleged that the funds had been whimsically diverted and used under Non-Plan Head. This was the reason why the State Government was unable to furnish 'Utilization Certificates' against the funds released under the Scheme.
The MLAs requested for special audit and inquiry into misuse of Central Government funds in response to which Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh directed the DoNER Ministry officials to immediately take cognizance of the complaints, furnish all the details and fix accountability. He also expressed concern over the fact that the State Government had failed to release the matching State's share either in full or in part as a result of which as many as 15 projects are running behind schedule and Utilization Certificates were pending in 20 cases.
