- DIMAPUR — The
resurfacing of corruption allegations against the Rural Development (RD)
Department has prompted calls for immediate action from Against Corruption and
Unabated Taxation (ACAUT) Nagaland.
- The anti-graft body issued a press release on Friday
following accusations made by the Kacharigaon (Phevima) Village Council (KVC)
regarding alleged deductions made from MGNREGA funds by RD department.
- It reminded that the alleged malpractice is part of a
long-running and widely known issue within the department. “Earlier in the year
2017, the ACAUT Nagaland had filed an FIR against the RD Department/BDO
Chümoukedima for alleged deduction of MGNREGA funds; sadly, the matter could
not proceed because the villages refused to testify,” it stated.
- The organisation expressed surprise that only one village
out of Nagaland’s 1285 villages has had the courage to publicly expose the
long-standing issue.
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- “While ACAUT Nagaland applauds the KVC for its stand, and
not succumbing to any pressure to back down, it also appeals to all the
villages in Nagaland to come forth in exposing this blatant corruption by the
RD department,” it added.
- ACAUT Nagaland demanded the immediate suspension of all
officials implicated in the alleged “extortion racket/corruption scam.”
Furthermore, it urged the government to launch a thorough and transparent
inquiry, hold the perpetrators accountable, and “clear up the mess.”
- The organisation warned that if the government and the RD
department fail to take the demanded corrective measures, ACAUT Nagaland will
pursue all available legal options, including escalating the matter to relevant
central agencies and the central government.
- “Further, ACAUT Nagaland appeals to all churches, civil
society organisations—especially the youth organisations—to come out strongly
against this evil practice,” it stated.
