Dimapur, Oct. 16 (EMN): The Rising People's Party (RPP) has alleged misappropriation of funds under the Underdeveloped Area Programme (UDAP) and Border Area Development Programme (BADP) meant for the development of eastern part of the state and the border areas.
The party claimed that it had obtained all the details of work orders issued by the Department of Underdeveloped Areas (DUDA), pertaining to projects in the eastern region and border areas of the state.
According to the department, the number of work orders allocated under the two schemes during 2011-12 was 270, amounting to INR 49. 65 crore, stated the party, adding that it was spent on “constructing endless retaining walls, footsteps, culverts, helipads, etc.” instead of hospitals, schools, sporting facilities and roads.
“For instance, it’s unbelievable that DUDA contractors should be able to construct so many guest houses in remote areas with the modest amount of INR 4,75,000/- only. Also, as per the work-orders, eastern Nagaland should be the highest exporter of ginger and cardamom in the entire Northeast by now,” stated RPP.
Citing a single firm getting multiple work orders year after year, the party stated that it smells a possible “syndicate involving ministers and power-brokers in the government”.
It alleged that the state government does not have a blue-print for the development of eastern Nagaland and the border areas. It dubbed DUDA as “pocket-money department” of the government, claiming that it “simply exists to inflate the bank balance of individuals”.
Funding/work pattern during 2011-12:
Sl. No.
Name of firm
Number of work orders allocated to the firm
Amount sanctioned to firm under UDAP and BADP in INR
