3 bodies demand CBI inquiry into NEHU feeder pillar scam

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 20, 2021

The MeCAW, MeTTA and NEHUTA have demanded the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) to grant permission for investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged feeder pillar scam.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the three bodies have expressed shock to learn that the CBI sought permission to investigate ‘replacement of feeder pillar in hostel and residential areas’ that involves officials who allegedly violated norms of tendering and especially resolutions of Building Committee of the University.

The three associations also demanded that the CBI be granted permission, if it has sought such a permission, without any further delay to investigate into the illegalities committed in the said case so that the guilty is brought to justice.

“The amount of taxpayers’ money that is wasted by such corrupt practice of violation of rules and norms is a grave and serious mischief which cannot be played around,” they said.

“…it is learnt that the Registrar, being the secretary of the important committee did not brief all the facts and place them on record before the work order was issued to a party of choice by the Engineer concerned.

We demand that the matter needs to be fully investigated. Any delay in investigating the matter on the part of NEHU shall amount to hiding the corrupt officials and conniving with them,” they further added.

According to them, in the larger public interest, NEHU being a Central University should not sidetrack such a serious revelation. The taxpayers’ money that is wasted does not belong to individuals, but to the Government and the people.

The three associations also sought to know who granted the approval to issue the work order to the party as normally, the vice-chancellor remains absent.

“If it was the Pro-VC who was acting as VC on that day of issuing the approval for work order and who later became the Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO), the matter becomes even graver.

We demand that if such permission has been sought, the NEHU should immediately grant the permission. If the permission is not granted, it raises strong and reasonable suspicion that officials are involved whom NEHU is shielding,” they stated.