HYC demands independent probe into ‘financial crisis’ in Meghalaya

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaNovember 21, 2021

The Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has demanded the state government to institute an independent commission to probe into financial crisis and misappropriation of public funds in the state. 

“We demand institution of an independent commission to probe into the ongoing financial crisis as well as misappropriation of public funds in the state,” HYC president Robertjune Kharjahrin said in a statement issued on Sunday. 

“We also suggest that this commission should also come up with recommendations to increase the revenue generation of the state. The state cannot always go with a begging bowl to Delhi, we should not wait for the Centre to pay salary to our teachers, construct roads, schools, hospital and others,” he said.

He said it is a fact that the state has the right to demand its entitlement from the centre but it should also have its own reserved fund in case there is delay on the part of the centre to release the state share. 

He further asserted that it is the need of the hour to strengthen the existing laws and the functioning of the Lokayukta besides the intervention of the Court into the matter. 

“We need strong and effective vigilance committee in the state (to fight corruption),” he added. 

Citing reasons for the demand of an independent probe, the HYC president said that the big question arises that where all the revenue are collected by the state government in the name of different taxes, fees and cess. 

“Is it because of wasteful expenditure to pay huge amount of salary to the chairmen, co-chairmen, vice chairmen, advisers, members of the different boards, commissions and committees? Is it because of the black bills (to the contractors without completing the works) or is it because so much of funds have been spend on festivals?” he also asked. 

He also sad the financial crisis of the state maybe also due to the state government inability to prevent revenue leakages at different levels and the failure to take action against such illegalities.