Congress leaders threatened by RD minister, says NPCC

Rs.442.32 MGNREGS funds released
‘As usual, Nagaland govt. withholding funds’
Congress demands impartial inquiry

The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has alleged that the minister for Rural Development and “his cronies” have been issuing threats to the state’s Congress leaders over the issue of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

The NPCC issued a press release, appended by it president K Therie, on Tuesday.

“We have received various threats from Minister RD and his cronies for raising the rights of Job Card holders as is provided in the MGNREGA. Whatever may be, there is some hope of reviving MGNREGA. The honorable Governor of Nagaland has taken serious view in the issue. He has directed Government for effective action –either to hand over to Lokayukta (Anti-Corruption Ombudsman) or Anti-Corruption Commission of the state,” the NPCC stated.  

The NPCC stated that Lokayukta has not been appointed in spite of demands from the Congress and because the Nagaland Vigilance Commission is helpless as they cannot proceed prosecution without sanction from state government. “Therefore, Congress continues to stand on the demand for on Impartial Inquiry commission headed by a retired High Court Judge, while we fully support constitution of the Lokayukta. Congress will continue to fight till the public gets its guaranteed wages. Congress is a party for the welfare of the public and we will do our job,” the NPCC stated.  

According to the NPCC, a sum of Rs.442.32 Crore was release released to Nagaland state government for MGNREGA payments during April 2016.

“This is June 2016 but government has held up the funds. We learn that few crores have been released and that also in the name of ‘mobilisation’ money was taken back from village on demand. The Congress wants that this money should go to the people and not to the pockets of ministers, MLAs and few officers,” the NPCC stated.

“If Minister RD has not directed, he should make a statement in clear terms to the public that he is not demanding any mobilization funds from VCCs/VDBs and officers; that VCCs/VDBs should not sign blank cheques and that the money collected should be returned to VCCs/VDBs for payment to the Job Card holders.”

Stating that the Congress was not ‘witch hunting,’ the NPCC said “we want people to get their rightful wages. They should be awarded the right of 100 days work as is provided by the MGNREGA through the bill passed by Parliament.”

“It is one of the strongest Bills along with RTI. We want people not to repeat the same mistakes. We want people and leaders to change for the better. The funds belong to the people and not to any minister or department.”

In the words of the Congress: “We know that the village council or VDBs and the officers would not like to misuse, they are all good Christians but they are dictated by Minister RD. We appeal to all not to protect corruption. It only leads you to the corruption party. We know you are directed and intimidated. Congress is here to defend VCCs/VDBs and MGNREGA employees. Join in the demand for the rights of the public. Together surely, we can achieve what is achieved in other states.”

Further, the Congress stated that the ‘people have decided to change the government in the next election.’ There is no more reason to vote for a corrupt government that has failed to deliver; even strong NPF men and women are fed up with the corruption and anti-incumbency, the NPCC explained.

“Further, with bitter division in the NPF, people are only waiting for time. The anti-incumbency is much stronger than in Assam. Even though Tarun Gogoi changed the face of Assam benefiting all other northeastern states at least in the roads, yet his government was voted out,” the NPCC statement said.  

“Congress has ruled Nagaland in the past. People have witnessed that Congress did not approve corruption. Actions were taken without prejudice or fear. Congress served the people with maturity, ability and responsibility. Our founding fathers have taken decisions that have turned Nagaland.”

On the other hand, the NPCC explained, the NPF government is “guided by NGOs and NPGs” and  do not have own ideologies or principles or objectives for the people.

“Their only objective is corruption. During election they also issued election manifesto but after election no NPF speaks of their election manifesto. It is a bluff paper. NPF has only one way out and that is to buy votes in the next election with money which is not even their own. They have been looting public funds and buying land and constructing buildings and hotels,” the NPCC added.

(Al Ngullie, June 14, 2016; Eastern Mirror)

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