Shillong, May 28: Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) and the Garoland State Movement Committee (GSMC), Central Executive Committee, Head Quartered in Tura, expressed concern over irregularities observed in issuing job cards under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) within the jurisdiction of Demdema Block, West Garo Hills.
On April 28, a formal complaint was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner of West Garo Hills following an alarming discovery related to unauthorized issuance of job cards.
Tony Tojrang B. Marak, Publicity Secretary, CoMSO has said a meeting was held on May 28 convened by the Civil Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) of Dadenggre, at Demdema Block. The meeting was attended by Block Development Officer (BDO) of Demdema, Assistant Programme Officer (APO), Assistant APO, and other administrative personnel.
Representing CoMSO were General Secretary Balkarin Ch. Marak, Publicity Secretary Tony Tojrang B. Marak, along with members of the GSMC including the Organizing Secretary, Jason Tekrang M.Sangma and Finance Secretary , Nikcheng Ch Marak, of the Central Executive Committee. Their presence was in response to mounting concerns from the local populace regarding potential malfeasance in government employment schemes.
Upon detailed investigation, it was uncovered that four Data Entry Operators (DEOs) had illicitly entered hundreds of job cards into the MGNREGA database, predominantly favouring individuals from a particular community, without the knowledge or approval of the Block Development Officer. In one particular village alone, nearly 200 individuals were found to have been registered as job card holders without any due process or verification.
The actions of the implicated DEOs constitute a serious breach of administrative protocol and an abuse of authority, undermining the integrity of the MGNREGA scheme and depriving rightful beneficiaries of their entitlements.
During the meeting, CoMSO and GSMC leaders urged the SDO of Dadenggre and the BDO of Demdema Block to initiate strict disciplinary action, including immediate suspension of the four DEOs involved. The SDO has since given an assurance that appropriate action will be taken, including the suspension of the DEOs and the initiation of a door-to-door inquiry to identify and verify the legitimacy of job card holders across affected villages.
“We reiterate our commitment to upholding transparency and accountability in public service delivery. Let this serve as a call for greater vigilance in all administrative operations to ensure justice and equity for all communities”, CoMSO said.
