The Fakim Village Students’ Union (FVSU) has called for immediate action into alleged large-scale corruption in the construction of the Pungren-Mimi to Fakim road under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Phase VIII, expressing solidarity with whistleblower Tsumongthong Yim of Fakim village.
According to the FVSU, adjoining villages such as Penkim, Thrüntsuvong, Tsundang, Sangtsong and Vongtsuvong also rely on the road, which was sanctioned in 2012. Citing documents obtained by Yim through the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the union revealed that the 20 km project was estimated at Rs 727.12 lakh for construction and Rs 36.46 lakh for maintenance and awarded to Hexad Syndicate in March 2012.
“Despite the project being deemed complete and a total bill amount of Rs 727.06 lakh being released to the contractor, on-ground verification reveals that hardly any substantive work was carried out,” the union said in a statement on Wednesday.
Calling it “a blatant example of corruption,” the FVSU demanded that the Nagaland government “take immediate and stringent action against those responsible.” It further urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, prosecute guilty parties under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, recover misappropriated funds, and ensure that the road project is completed as per the original plan.
ALSO READ | Rs 7.27 Cr Fakim Road: 18-month project took 12 years to get completion certificate ‘on paper’
Referring to the Supreme Court’s judgment in Vineet Narain vs. Union of India (1998), the union reminded that “corruption is a serious threat to the rule of law and democracy.” It argued that the alleged malpractice was a clear violation of the principles of transparency and accountability enshrined in law.
Commending Yim for his “courage and determination in pursuing justice despite facing all the challenges,” the FVSU reiterated its support for his stand and appealed to the government to take his allegations seriously.
“The FVSU reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advocating for transparency, responsible governance, and public welfare. By taking these steps, the authorities can restore public trust and ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future,” the union added.
