Shillong, May 20: The Meghalaya Basin Development Agency (MBDA) and Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) have categorically denied the allegations made by an RTI applicant citing that all prescribed norms and procedures are being adhered to while implementing the Cluster Development Program (CDP) in the state.
A statement issued by the MBDA and MBMA said, “RTI applicant is misinterpreting the information provided in response to the RTI application. All information related to CDP is in the public domain as is the case for all programs being implemented by MBMA and MBDA.”
It also mentioned that the RTI application was extremely voluminous and had 340 questions and said, “Many of the information that were sought was analytical in nature and is not maintained in the record of the organization and hence cannot be provided.”
“Compilation of the same would disproportionately divert the resources available with this office from the efficient discharge of its normal functions thereby attracting the provisions of Section 7(9) of the RTI Act, 2005, which states “An information shall ordinarily be provided in the form in which it is sought unless it would disproportionately divert the resources of the public authority or would be detrimental to the safety or preservation of the record in question.” The same was clarified to the applicant in the response to the application,” the statement said.
It said that the Cluster Development Program (CDP) on Lakadong Turmeric is a flagship Government of India (GoI) initiative being implemented in Meghalaya to create a transformative impact in the lives of the Lakadong turmeric farmers.
The CDP is designed to leverage the geographical specialisation of horticulture clusters and promote integrated and market-led development through interventions in pre-production & production, post-harvest & value addition, and logistics, branding and marketing.
Through the State Government’s efforts West Jaintia Hills was selected as one of the 12 pilot clusters under the CDP from the whole country. CDP is a centrally sponsored program implemented by the National Horticulture Board (NHB) and therefore mandates the strict adherence to the detailed guidelines of the scheme as issued by NHB.
“All prescribed norms and procedures are being adhered to, and due approvals are taken before undertaking any project related activity. All the information pertaining to the project, including the annual report and third-party audit report, is available on the website (www.mbma.org.in) for free perusal of all concerned individual(s),” the statement said.
The Meghalaya State Agriculture Marketing Board (MSAMB) is the appointed Cluster Development Agency (CDA) and Meghalaya Basin Management Agency (MBMA) is the Implementing Agency (IA).
Highlighting the achievements under the program, the statement said over 2004 farmers were benefitted, 15 packhouses of 30 metric tons and 12 custom hiring centres were established besides 7 transport vehicles were procured for logistics support.
It informed that establishing a quality control lab is ongoing and the MoU signed with National Institute of Plant Health Management (NIPHM), Hyderabad for support in capacity building, and establishing biocontrol labs, plant health clinics etc.
Meanwhile, the MBDA and MBMA said that they are committed to work for the well-being of the state’s farmers and is today recognised as an important development agency working with world-renowned international agencies like the World Bank, IFAD, JICA, ADB etc. Their association with these agencies mandates adherence to the highest implementation standards, procurement policies and documentation.
