In a shocking revelation, youths from the Mawsynram area, led by Mr. Rochester Thongni, on Monday, November 18, 2024, uncovered alleged misappropriation of ₹1.25 crore from the Special Rural Works Programme (SRWP) for 2022-23 by the former MLA of Mawsynram. The information was obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Addressing the media at the Shillong Press Club, Mr. Rochester Thongni stated that the group had found unutilized funds amounting to ₹1.25 crore within the C&RD Block. Despite the former MLA losing his seat over a year and four months ago, he reportedly exercised undue influence to authorize the withdrawal of these funds. This was allegedly facilitated through instructions to the Block Development Officer (BDO) and routed via the Treasurer of the All Mawsynram Development Council, Mr. Shanborlang Kharbani.
Mr. Thongni highlighted that as per a directive from the Community and Rural Development Department dated August 14, 2024, defeated MLAs are no longer authorized to withdraw such funds. However, the RTI findings revealed that the entire amount was withdrawn as part of the second installment under three work orders. These included ₹10,000 each for 500 beneficiaries, ₹12,500 each for 200 women’s groups, and ₹10,000 each for 500 individuals meant for entrepreneurship initiatives. Strikingly, no specific names of beneficiaries were recorded.
The RTI activists have demanded a thorough investigation by the concerned department to recover the misused funds and ensure accountability. The incident has sparked outrage among local residents, who are calling for stringent action against the misuse of public resources.
