ACAUT Nagaland demands immediate action against corruption in RD department

• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.
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• 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.”
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• 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.
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• “Further, ACAUT Nagaland appeals to all churches, civil society organisations—especially the youth organisations—to come out strongly against this evil practice,” it stated.