Nongrum files FIR over alleged misappropriation of Covid funds

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaFebruary 9, 2023

Former legislator from North Shillong Adelbert Nongrum on Thursday lodged a first information report (FIR) into alleged misappropriation of central funds meant for tackling the Covid-19 pandemic in the state.

The candidate of the Voice of the People Party (VPP) in his complaint submitted at the Sadar police station requested the police to conduct a prompt investigation into the matter.

He said there is a difference between the amount provided on the floor of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly and the amount revealed through an RTI finding with regard to the funds released by the central government for Covid-19 activities.

“I gravely fear that the aforesaid differences in amount declared on spending from central government funds on Covid-19 activities in Meghalaya may be a case of theft or misappropriation of public money, which are offences under IPC…,” the former MLA said.

He informed that the reply of the health minister during the Assembly’s autumn session to his starred question raised on September 12, 2022 with regard to the amount spent on Covid-19 till date from the Centre was Rs 76.56 crore.

However, the information received through RTI by one Disparsing Rani from CPO, NHM Finance Division, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare revealed that Central release of grants-in-aid through NHM under India Covid-19 Emergency Response and Health Systems Preparedness Package for state of Meghalaya was Rs 15.61 crore under phase I and Rs 104.12 crore under the phase II.

“I am not aware of Covid-19 activities continuing in the state after September 12, 2022. Therefore, being a responsible citizen it is in my regular principle to question how the amount of money spent from Central government on Covid-19 activities in Meghalaya can be officially declared in the state legislative assembly for an amount different from what is declared by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India, New Delhi,” Nongrum said in the FIR.