The All-India Anti-Corruption Organization (AIACO) Nagaland State has urged the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to conduct a comprehensive investigation following findings by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, which revealed multiple instances of misappropriation, losses, and thefts across more than 20 state government departments.
In a statement, AIACO highlighted the misuse of the National Food Security Act (NFSA) 2013, claiming that numerous ineligible families are receiving benefits intended for vulnerable households. Enacted in July 2013, the NFSA provides legal entitlements to highly subsidized food grains, allocating 5 kg per person per month for priority households and 35 kg per family per month for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families at prices of Rs 1, Rs 2, and Rs 3 per kg for millets, wheat, and rice, respectively.
AIACO further alleged that NFSA cards are being illegally obtained and used to purchase rice at subsidized rates, which is then sold in the open market, while genuine beneficiaries reportedly receive their entitlements only 2-3 times a year. “The government must take action to remove ineligible NFSA cards. Cards illegally possessed by any individual or official should be surrendered by a specified deadline, with disciplinary action taken against them under CSS (CAA) rules 1965 to ensure that government relief reaches the underprivileged Naga population,” the statement read.
The organization also noted irregularities in the distribution of tide-over rice under NFSA, calling for strict supervision of district-wise allocations. Despite significant quantities of tide-over rice being allocated to Nagaland, AIACO pointed out that its distribution is virtually non-existent, branding the situation as “an illegal act punishable under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.”
According to AIACO, the entitlements for tide-over rice are meant to be decided by the respective Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs), alongside the District Assistant Director of Supplies (ADS), considering the quantity of tide-over allocation under the NFSA for those left out of the Act. However, it claims that the Government of Nagaland has previously approved state stockists for tide-over food grains without proper tender processes or identifying the targeted beneficiaries.
Concerns have also been raised about the chief stockists, who are reportedly non-Nagas and pay a percentage to various organizations and government establishments against the tide-over allocation. The food grains are allegedly repackaged and sold at exorbitant prices in the open market, despite the government’s responsibility to provide these grains at approximately Rs 400 for a 50 kg sack.
From April 2019, the tide-over rice allocations for various districts included 400 MT for Mokokchung, 200 MT for Longleng, 180 MT for Wokha, and various other allocations, totaling 3,162.72 MT (over 30 lakh kg or 60,000 sacks of rice).
AIACO emphasized that these resources must be distributed fairly and urged that no one should be deprived of their rights under the NFSA.
The CAG report also uncovered severe financial irregularities across multiple departments, with the School Education Department leading with two cases involving Rs 82.80 crore. Other departments implicated include Disaster Management with Rs 74.04 crore, the Public Works Department with Rs 58.23 crore, and Taxes with Rs 33.23 crore, among others.
Additionally, the report highlighted significant issues in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-G) in Nagaland, with allegations of misutilization of funds. The Finance Department had sanctioned Rs 74.73 crore for the construction of PMAY-G units benefiting 21,748 households, but AIACO claims that the funds have not reached the intended beneficiaries.
AIACO has urged the Chief Minister to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) within 30 days to investigate these financial discrepancies and hold accountable the officials involved. Despite repeated requests for a thorough investigation into the PMAY-G scheme, no action has been taken by the state government.
The CAG report also indicated serious shortcomings in managing pending utilization certificates (UCs) and Abstract Contingent (AC) bills, posing risks of misappropriation. A total of 149 UCs worth Rs 316.34 crore are overdue, and 335 AC bills amounting to Rs 532.83 crore are pending adjustment.
The investigation demand follows CAG findings exposing misallocation of superior kerosene oil worth Rs 19.56 crore and fraudulent payments made by the Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) under the Swachh Bharat Mission (Gramin). The report revealed Rs 90.54 lakh in fraudulent payments for non-executed drainage works, raising questions about the validity of explanations provided by the government regarding these discrepancies.
In light of these findings, AIACO has reiterated its call for the ED to conduct a thorough investigation to ensure transparency and accountability in the utilization of public funds for the welfare of the Naga populace.
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