600 villagers demand JHADC to institute inquiry into alleged financial irregularities

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaOctober 8, 2019

SHILLONG: Over 600 residents of Khliehtryshi village in West Jaintia Hills District have demanded the Jaintia Hills Autonomous District Council (JHADC) to institute an independent inquiry into the alleged misappropriation of funds by the headman and his executive committee.

The residents have also rejected the decision announced recently by the Dolloi of Jowai Elaka, Puramon Kynjing for holding election of the new village headman (Waheh Shnong).

This also came after the headman of Khliehtyrshi Kitbok Rymbai has refused to make public the audit report pertaining to the revenue collection and implementation of various government schemes in the village for the past three years.

The tenure of the Rymbai-led village dorbar came to an end on August 15.

Talking to media persons here on Tuesday, one of the residents Wanbun Dkhar said on the complaint filed by over 600 people from the village, the JHADC has accordingly directed the Dolloi to conduct an inquiry and submit a report to the Council.

However, the Dolloi who came to the village on September 13, instead of placing the financial audit report as demanded by the residents, had announced that the election of the new headman will be held on September 29, he said.

Wanbun also alleged that the action of the Dolloi was in violation of The JHAD (Establishment of Elaka and Village and Election, Appointment, Powers, Function and Jurisdiction of Dolloi/Sirdar and Waheh Shnong) Act, 2015.

According to him, as per the Act passed by the JHADC, the audit report should be submitted by the village dorbar once in a year.

“Therefore, we have decided to oppose holding of election for the new headman till such time that the audit report is placed before the dorbar meeting,” Wanbun said.

Another resident, Arlin Dkhar informed that they have also demanded in their petition to the JHADC chief to institute an independent inquiry into the failure of the village headman to submit the audit report, which raises a lot of doubts that there is huge financial irregularities.

“We also urge the Council to consider appointing an acting Waheh Shnong pending inquiry into the matter,” she said.

On the other hand, Dita Phawa said that it is the right of every resident to know about the financial affairs of their village as she requested the JHADC to take necessary action into the matter.