HYC demands CBI probe into implementation of Saubhagya scheme in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaJuly 7, 2021

The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has demanded for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged scam in the implementation of the Saubhagya scheme in the state.

At the same time, the Council has also demanded the immediate removal of the incumbent power minister James K Sangma citing that he may influence the investigation into the matter.

In a letter to the Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Wednesday, HYC general secretary Roy Kupar Synrem said, “The state government should take necessary steps to initiate an investigation by the CBI into the implementation of Saubhagya scheme in the state and to initiate legal proceedings as per law against anyone involved of illegality.”

The demand came after an “interim audit report” of the Comptroller General of India (CAG) has allegedly observed various irregularities in the award of the contract for the scheme to the contractor thereby causing a loss of Rs 149.12 crore to the state besides providing undue favour to a particular company.

It was also alleged that the contracts were awarded at a price which is above 50% over and above the estimated cost of the project as the contactors have quoted the price of materials way above the estimated or existing market prices.

Asked that the state government had already constituted an independent inquiry to probe into the several scams in the MeECL, Synrem however said, “We strongly feel given the fact that there are serious allegations of corruptions and malpractices pertaining to the Saubhagya scheme, the terms of reference of the Inquiry Committee should not include inquiring into the implementation of Saubhagya Scheme.”  

“…the observations made by the office of the CAG is very serious and cast a doubt on the proper and clean implementation of the Saubhagya Scheme in the state and hence requires an investigation by the premiere investigative agency…the CBI exclusively for the Saubhaya Scheme and to initiate appropriate actions as per law against anyone found guilty of an offence,” he added.

The HYC further demanded the chief minister to relieve the present minister in-charge of power James K Sangma to ensure a free and fair investigation into the matter.

“James K. Sangma, being the Minister I/c Power Department and given the fact that the Power Department is also an interested party in the ‘alleged’ scam and multiple irregularities it is but fair that the incumbent Power Minister should be relieved of his portfolio,” Synrem said.

He said the former CMD of MeECL Arunkumar Kembhavi should also be removed from the post of Director (Finance), MeECL and not to be appointed in any capacity in the MeECL or its subsidiaries or in the power department for a free and fair inquiry into the alleged irregularities in the department.

The Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana-Saubhagya Scheme was launched by the Government of India on October in 2017 with an aim to provide household electrification in the country by providing last mile connectivity and electricity connections to all households in rural and urban areas.

The state government agreed to join the scheme and the same was launched in April 2018 with an aim to provide 100 % electrifications of all households in the state.