Meghalaya: ‘100 percent complete’ MLA project missing on land in Kharkota

Kharkota

Resubelpara Para: Residents of Kharkutta have alleged that many MLA schemes that were to be distributed by the constituency have not been completed even though they are reportedly ‘100 per cent complete’ on paper, according to Right to Information. It is known from the documents obtained under the Act. (RTI).

Responses received through RTI revealed that distribution of many projects and MLA schemes under MP Rupert Momin’s Kharkutta constituency has been declared 100% complete. The only problem? They are actually absent on earth.

“We verified the information regarding the distribution of schemes and found that two garbage vans and two water tankers purchased for Rs 20 lakh were not provided by the MLA. These were under the Special Rural Works Program (SRWP). There are only a few schemes that we have been able to confirm. I am sure we will find many more,” alleged Pranton Marak, a resident.

The said project was distributed in the first year 2017-18 of the present MDA government.

When contacted, MLA Rupert Momin, however, denied the allegations. He said that he had to change the project from a garbage dumper and a water tanker to another heavy vehicle which was necessary for the people of the constituency.

Residents also mentioned other schemes that are yet to be worked on while the progress report says that the project is 100 percent complete.

“Land has not been worked for a playground at Rangga village at Rs 1.5 lakh. Additionally, for jeepable roads in Chimadare, Chichra, Wapil A and Agropathar (costing Rs 1.5 lakh each). The ground work is not done even though it is shown as complete,” added Marak.

Even as it is the government’s record that gives a clear picture to the residents, MLA Momin insists that there is no wrongdoing on his part.

“None of our projects are wrong and I am working to ensure the convenience of the people. All the schemes are being worked on, sometimes we put in money from our own pockets,” Momin said.

Another project – the construction of a waiting shed at a cost of Rs 1.5 lakh in Megam Akong village – has also not been taken up. The purchase and installation of solar lights in Kharkutta and Adogre villages, for which Rs 5 lakh was sanctioned, is also reportedly missing.

On the issue of solar lights, MLA Momin said that the concerned departments are waiting for the road widening and the lights will be installed after completion. He added that there is still time to complete the projects and he will ensure that they are completed before the expiry of his MLA tenure.

Meanwhile, another resident of Adokgre alleged that a market shed, which would cost Rs 5 lakh, has also not been completed even though it is shown as complete in official records.

Not even a brick or a bag of cement was used. There are no market sheds provided by the MLA scheme in Rongbang, despite these being shown in the list of completed projects.