The Dimapur District Congress Committee (DCC) has sought complete disclosure of records related to the implementation of the Palna Scheme under Mission Shakti, alleging that several documents sought through the Right to Information (RTI) have either not been furnished or have been provided only in summary form.
The DCC said it had examined the reply furnished by the Department of Social Welfare and found gaps in the records required to independently verify the utilisation of public funds.
The DCC pointed out that Government of India sanctions for establishing and operationalising Anganwadi-cum-Crèches contain requirements for maintaining separate accounts, Statements of Expenditure, Utilisation Certificates and records open to audit and inspection. However, it said the department had largely provided sanction orders and consolidated expenditure statements instead of the underlying transaction records.
On financial transactions, the DCC sought complete centre-wise and month-wise bank transaction records, payment vouchers, UTR/PFMS details, cash books, ledgers and supporting documents.
It also raised questions over the documentation of honorarium payments to Crèche Workers and Helpers and incentives to Anganwadi Workers and Helpers, stating that complete worker-wise and month-wise transaction trails had not been adequately furnished.
Regarding rent and Grant-in-Aid, the DCC sought centre-wise details of rented centres, landlords, rent or lease agreements, amounts paid, receipts and corresponding bank transactions. It also sought complete procurement records, including supplier details, quotations or tender documents, supply orders, invoices, delivery challans, stock entries and payment records.
The DCC further called for complete recruitment records, including selection proceedings, candidate-wise marks and evaluation records, Selection Committee minutes and other documents establishing the recruitment process.
The committee clarified that its observations should not at this stage be construed as allegations of misappropriation against any individual. It said the concerns arose from gaps between the information sought and the records furnished.
The DCC called upon the Department of Social Welfare and the minister concerned to ensure disclosure of all relevant financial, procurement, rent, stock, recruitment, inspection, audit and utilisation records.
It said welfare schemes intended for children, mothers, Anganwadi beneficiaries and workers must be administered with transparency and accountability.
The DCC warned that if complete disclosure was not facilitated, it would pursue appropriate legal remedies under the RTI Act and other applicable laws, besides peaceful and democratic means, to seek transparency and accountability in the utilisation of public funds.
