Shillong, April 28: The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) has sought an inquiry into anomalies in the implementation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
(MGNREGA) scheme in the Demdema C&RD Block, including all NonTribal Village Employment Councils (VECs), particularly in Muslimdominated villages.
CoMSO representing various civil societies committed to the cause of transparency, justice, and public accountability, wrote to West Garo Hills Deputy Commissioner
for immediate action on large-scale embezzlement of public funds
under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
(MGNREGA) scheme in the Demdema C&RD Block, including all NonTribal Village Employment Councils (VECs), particularly in Muslim dominated villages.
“It has come to our collective attention, through verified data and grassroots-level reports, that an alarming and unprecedented number of fake and illegal job cards have been issued under the Block between 2020-2021 to 2024-2025.
The magnitude of irregularity coupled with subsequent transfer of public wages into the accounts of ineligible or even
non-existent individuals, constitutes a direct assault on the spirit of the MGNREGA Act, which was envisioned to uplift the rural poor with dignity and fairness, CoMSO said.
CoMSO seeks attention of DC
Ī 1. MGNREGA Guidelines state that one persono from each household can
be employed under the scheme, ensuring that public funds are directed towards those in genuine need. However, our investigation
reveals widespread violations of this rule, with multiple job cards issued to the same household and, in some instances, to non-residents, further misappropriating public funds.
2. Muslim-Dominated VECs in the Demdema Block, including but not limited to Bhangarpar, Bangalkhata (Muslim), and others, have
witnessed an abnormal escalation in the number of Job Cards issued, far exceeding the actual population in these areas.
This manipulation is indicative of serious corruption within the system. It has come to
light that these fake job cards have been used to channel public funds intended for rural employment into private hands.
3. Investigations point toward the possibility of organized fraudulent practices, allegedly spearheaded by certain officials, notably a
particular Data Entry Operator, Dildar Attaullah Reza, whose role demands urgent and thorough scrutiny.
4. Cases of minor children being listed as job card holders, and wages being credited to non-eligible individuals through manipulated
Aadhaar-linked accounts, have surfaced, indicating systemic manipulation at multiple levels.
The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations, keeping in mind the broader ideals of constitutional governance, social equity, and protection of the rights of the rural populace, has appealed to DC on following things
1. Institution of a High-Level Magisterial Inquiry, and preferably, a Judicial Inquiry, to independently and impartially investigate the
alleged embezzlement, issuance of fake job cards, and misappropriation of wages, including all Non-Tribal VECs, especially
those in Muslim-dominated villages, under Demdema Block.
2. Thorough Investigation and Inquiry into the wrongful issuance of job cards beyond the electoral rolls, including the manipulation and
embezzlement of funds under the VECs in Muslim-dominated villages.
3. Immediate suspension of officials, including the DEO, pending inquiry, to prevent tampering with digital records and to ensure a fair
investigation.
4. Comprehensive Audit of all Job Cards issued and wage disbursements
made under the Demdema C&RD Block over the last five financial years, with a focus on all Non-Tribal VECs, particularly Muslim dominated villages.
5. Legal prosecution against all individuals found guilty of financial fraud, misrepresentation, and criminal breach of trust.
6. Institutional Reforms and Safeguards, including stronger Aadhaar verification systems, regular third-party social audits, and a transparent grievance redressal mechanism to prevent future occurrences.
