Dimapur, July 17 (MExN): The shameful Transport Subsidy scam in Nagaland remains as fresh and dubious as ever: Information garnered through the Right to Information Act (RTI) has thrown up startling facts: Out of several thousands, about 3,000 entrepreneurs/firms apparently selected by the Nagaland government, only several were found genuine.
The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) issued a press release today adding more insights into a scam which had then-minister of Commerce & Industry Khekiho Zhimomi’s name constantly in the news. The NPCC press release was appended by NPCC vice presidents Ao Sashi and Tingyeih Konyak.
The Congress furnished RTI-applied information given by the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the department of Commerce & Industries of Nagaland is reproduced herewith for general awareness on the pathetic situation prevailing under Democratic Alliance of Nagaland Government.
The Congress explained – “Total lists of about 3,000 entrepreneurs/firms were apparently selected by the state department for availing the scheme during the period 2008-2011. However, on closer examination of the RTI documents and details of the listed firms it was detected that most of these are bogus and fictitious. Except few, out of several thousands detail particulars about the unit, father’s name and signature of the proprietor are not submitted/appended in the format of the license and their actual existence has become doubtful. And without ascertaining or obtaining authentic proof, which is mandatory the department has casually forwarded every list with the foolish hope to fool the ministry.”
Under no circumstance shall the Congress allow bogus entrepreneurs/firms to rob the people and exploit genuine entrepreneurs and employment-seeking youths from livelihood and benefits, the NPCC said. “Therefore, any aggrieved group/party should first sort-out the genuine from the bogus firms and places their claim before appropriate authority.”
The Transport Subsidy Scheme was announced on February 23, 1971 by the Government of India to develop and industrialize remote, hilly and inaccessible areas especially in the North East Region. The scheme was envisaged to provide subsidy in transportation costs incurred by industrial units and enable them to compete with other similar industries.
The NPCC lamented: “In the context of rural based State of Nagaland this scheme can serve both the purpose of molding upcoming small scale industries as well as generate employment to the exodus of rural unemployed youth to urban areas. Ironically, the splendid scheme is being glaringly misused by vested interest and people in power by listing over and over again fictitious and bogus firms for availing huge amount from the central ministry; thereby depriving the genuine entrepreneurs and firms and demoralizing the otherwise enthusiastic youth from such venture.”
The NPCC has urged citizens to “become more sensitive and critical” about the aggravating situation from large scale misuse of public funds by the DAN Government. The citizens are urged to extend full support to the Congress in fighting against corruption and corrupt establishments.
