Assam: AJYCP flags massive irregularities in drain construction under NLCPR scheme in Margherita

Allegations of large-scale irregularities have surfaced over the ongoing drain construction projects in Margherita town, with the Asom Jatiyotabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP) accusing the implementing contractor of using substandard materials under a centrally funded scheme.

According to AJYCP's Tinsukia District Committee, the construction of drains across ten municipal wards of Margherita—carried out since 2016–17 under the Central Government’s Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) scheme—has come under scrutiny for alleged corruption and negligence. The project, reportedly worth around Rs 20 crore, was awarded to contractor B.N. Shah through a formal tender process.

In a strong statement to the media, Kanchan Bora, Vice President of AJYCP’s Tinsukia unit, alleged that the contractor has been using poor-quality construction materials, which will likely lead to premature damage or complete collapse of the drainage system within a year of completion.

“The government collects taxes from the struggling masses with the promise of development. But if just a few contractors compromise on quality and the infrastructure collapses in days, who is held accountable?” Bora questioned.

Further lambasting the administration, Bora expressed disappointment that no serious oversight or intervention has come from the local MLA, the Margherita Co-District Administration, or the Margherita Municipal Board despite the glaring issues being raised.

AJYCP has now demanded immediate action from both the local legislator and the district administration, urging them to initiate a thorough investigation and take strict legal steps against the contractor. The organization warned that if their concerns are ignored, they will be compelled to launch a vigorous protest movement to demand justice and accountability