Shillong, Jan 19: A local social activist has urged the Block Development Officer of Demdema C&RD Block to withhold the release of MGNREGA material bills for Village Employment Councils (VECs) under investigation for alleged misappropriation of funds.
In a letter addressed to Dr Rikrak Marak, Block Development Officer, activist Cherian G. Momin cited a state-level enquiry into allegations of misappropriation of MGNREGA funds in 15 VECs under Demdema C&RD Block, as per an order issued by the Mission Director, State Rural Employment Society (SRES), Meghalaya on November 24, 2025.
Momin expressed concern that processing and releasing material bills for the VECs under investigation could prejudice the inquiry and expose public funds to the risk of irrecoverable loss.
“Maintaining a financial status quo during the enquiry will safeguard transparency, accountability, and the integrity of the investigation,” Momin stated in the letter.
Momin has requested that the release of MGNREGA material bills be withheld until the state-level committee completes its enquiry, submits its report, and further directions are issued by the competent authority.
