Imphal: The Manipur government has formed a three-member inquiry committee, headed by Special Secretary (Home) A Subhash Singh, to probe alleged financial and technical irregularities in the Directorate of Handlooms and Textiles under Elangbam Jeeten.
The inquiry committee, comprising Joint Secretary (Finance) Asem Rangina Chanu and Joint Secretary (TCI) Orjubala Haorongbam as members, has been directed to submit its comprehensive findings within two weeks of the government order issued on July 15.
According to the order, the committee will specifically examine the implementation of Central and state government schemes under the administrative control of Elangbam Jeeten.
The probe panel was constituted after weavers, artisans and several handloom and handicraft cooperative societies submitted a joint representation to the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary on July 13.
Alleging financial and procedural irregularities in the implementation of welfare schemes under Jeeten, the groups urged the government to conduct technical, financial and social audits of all major procurements.
The complainants alleged that more than 6,000 incomplete and substandard looms were distributed under a Government of India-sponsored scheme.
While an approved frame loom costs Rs 30,000, including the Centre‘s share of Rs 27,000, many beneficiaries reportedly received units worth only Rs 16,000, often supplied as bare structures without essential weaving accessories.
The artisans also sought a review of the Directorate’s administrative framework to ensure technically qualified leadership.
They urged the government to examine whether assigning the Director’s charge to Elangbam Jeeten Singh, who holds an M.Sc. in Geology and Mining, complies with applicable recruitment rules and High Court guidelines.
They argued that a technical department should ideally be headed by officers with specialised expertise in textile development.