Guwahati: The A·chik State Peoples’ Front (ASPF) has backed a joint complaint by Village Employment Councils (VECs) of Songsak Community and Rural Development (C&RD) Block in East Garo Hills, seeking the immediate posting of a regular Block Development Officer (BDO) and an inquiry into alleged administrative and financial irregularities.
In a representation to the Commissioner of the Community and Rural Development Department, Meghalaya, ASPF general secretary Bernita Marak said the organisation had independently verified the concerns raised by VEC presidents and secretaries over the block office’s functioning.
The complaints include the officer’s alleged unavailability to the public, difficulties faced by VEC functionaries in discharging their duties, delays in official work and disruption of developmental activities.
ASPF said its interactions with VEC representatives had confirmed the concerns and urged the department to intervene without delay.
According to the representation, the incumbent BDO, who is a veterinary doctor by profession, has been holding additional charge of Songsak Block for more than two years.
Citing Fundamental Rule 49 and a Meghalaya Personnel Department office memorandum bearing reference No. PER.31/2008/14, ASPF contended that such arrangements beyond 90 days require the department’s approval and ordinarily should not exceed six months.
It sought a review of the prolonged arrangement, alleging that it ran contrary to established service norms.
The organisation also alleged that proposals submitted by VECs and resolutions adopted at Gram Sabhas were not being followed in the execution of development works.
As an example, it cited cases where concrete cement (CC) pavement roads had reportedly been proposed, but paver blocks were directed instead, allegedly resulting in incomplete works.
Invoking Section 16 of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, and Para 7.1 of its Operational Guidelines, ASPF argued that local development priorities and the prescribed process for recommending works must be respected.
The representation further flagged a potential financial concern arising from changes in work specifications. Citing rates under the Public Works Department’s Schedule of Rates, ASPF put the estimated cost of CC pavement at around Rs 850 per square metre, compared with Rs 1,500–1,600 for paver blocks.
It said changes in specifications under the same administrative approval could contribute to incomplete works and warrant scrutiny under Meghalaya’s financial rules and C&RD Department instructions.
ASPF called for verification of the relevant Measurement Books (MBs), work orders and other records to establish whether the changes complied with the applicable norms.
The organisation also flagged allegations that VEC secretaries were verbally threatened when they approached the BDO at his office to oppose changes in work specifications. According to the representation, they were warned that their material component funds would be reduced if they raised complaints.
ASPF said the allegation, if substantiated, could amount to misconduct under Rule 3 of the Meghalaya Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1991, and sought an impartial inquiry.
It further claimed that the officer’s dual responsibilities and irregular availability had adversely affected document processing, MGNREGA wage payments, material bills and the monitoring of development works in Songsak Block.
Seeking urgent intervention, the organisation urged the department to relieve the incumbent of the additional charge of BDO, Songsak, and return him to his parent department. It called for the appointment of a regular, full-time BDO to ensure uninterrupted administration and timely disposal of official matters.
ASPF also sought a fact-finding inquiry into the alleged changes in work specifications and intimidation of VEC functionaries. It urged the department to ensure that no VEC faced retaliatory cuts in material funds and that pending bills were cleared within 15 days of the regular BDO taking charge.
Clarifying the organisation’s position, Marak said ASPF had no personal grievance against the incumbent and respected his services as a veterinary doctor.
“Our concern is purely administrative and rooted in public interest. We are supporting the genuine difficulties raised by the VECs of Songsak Block,” she said.
Marak urged the department to examine the representations and take appropriate action at the earliest in the larger interest of the people of Songsak Block.