Tura: The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (COMSO) has called for an urgent magisterial or judicial inquiry into alleged embezzlement of funds under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in the Demdema C&RD Block of West Garo Hills.
The organisation raised concerns over the fraudulent issuance of job cards, particularly in Muslim-dominated villages within the block, and the misappropriation of public funds intended for rural employment.
In a formal petition addressed to the Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills, COMSO outlined its concerns over widespread irregularities, including the creation of fake and illegal job cards between 2020 and 2025.
Reports from local sources suggest that numerous job cards were issued to ineligible individuals, and in some cases, to non-residents.
These job cards, COMSO claims, were used to channel public funds into the accounts of non-existent or ineligible recipients, undermining the integrity of the MGNREGA scheme.
The group also pointed to a disturbing pattern within Non-Tribal Village Employment Councils (VECs), particularly in Muslim-majority villages such as Bhangarpar and Bangalkhata, where the number of job cards issued vastly exceeded the actual population.
According to COMSO, this reflects a larger systemic problem of corruption involving officials, including a Data Entry Operator, whose involvement needs immediate investigation.
The report further highlighted instances of minor children being listed as job card holders and wages being transferred to ineligible individuals through manipulated Aadhaar-linked accounts.
COMSO’s general secretary emphasised that these activities are a serious breach of public trust and a violation of the principles behind MGNREGA, which is designed to provide employment and dignity to rural families.
In its petition, COMSO urged the Deputy Commissioner to initiate a high-level inquiry into the matter and take immediate action against the officials involved.
The organisation called for the suspension of officials, including the Data Entry Operator, to prevent interference with ongoing investigations.
Additionally, COMSO has asked for a comprehensive audit of all job cards and wage disbursements in the Demdema Block over the past five years.
The organisation also recommended legal action against all individuals found guilty of financial fraud and misrepresentation, and called for reforms to prevent such abuses in the future.
COMSO suggested enhanced verification systems, regular third-party social audits, and the establishment of transparent grievance redressal mechanisms to safeguard the interests of the rural population.
ALSO READ: SMART Bazaar announces major sale event, promising unbeatable deals nationwide
The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations emphasised that this petition is driven by a commitment to justice and public accountability, and not by political motives.
They appealed to the authorities to act swiftly in ensuring that the rights of genuine MGNREGA beneficiaries are protected and that the programme’s integrity is restored.
The petition has been forwarded to several key government officials, including the Chief Minister of Meghalaya and the Director of the State Rural Employment Society, as well as local media outlets for further dissemination.
