1 Year 4 Months After Defeat, Funds Still Released: Mawsynram MLA Alleges Irregularities

Mawsynram MLA Ollan Singh Suin has raised serious concerns over alleged misuse of funds from the Special Rural Works Programme (SRWP) for 2022-23 by former MLA HM Shangpliang. Suin criticized the apparent irregularities in allowing the release of ₹1.25 crore, out of the total ₹2.50 crore allocated, through new work orders, despite Shangpliang losing the election over a year ago.
Citing an Office Memorandum (OM) dated August 14, 2023, Suin pointed out that once an MLA’s term ends, they are no longer authorized to issue new work orders. Funds left unutilized are supposed to be returned to the government. However, Suin alleged that Shangpliang had issued 1,000 new work orders of ₹10,000 each and 200 orders of ₹12,500 each, totaling ₹1.25 crore.
He questioned how Shangpliang, as a former MLA, could authorize the Block Development Officer (BDO) to release funds a year and four months after losing the election. Suin further alleged that the funds were released in a single day, July 5, 2024, suggesting potential collusion between the BDO and the former MLA.
Calling it a blatant misuse of public funds, Suin said he has written to the concerned department, urging them to take strict action against the officials involved and to recover the funds. He also expressed his willingness to escalate the matter to the state government if necessary, emphasizing his responsibility as a public leader to ensure accountability.
Suin demanded that the funds be returned so they can be properly utilized under his tenure for the benefit of the people of Mawsynram.