Assam Rural Livelihood Mission faces Rs 52.76 lakh embezzlement allegation in Bongaigaon

An alleged embezzlement of Rs 52.76 lakh under the Start-Up Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP) of the Assam State Rural Livelihoods Mission (ASRLM) has surfaced in Assam's Bongaigaon district, prompting demands for a thorough investigation and swift administrative action.

According to allegations, the suspected financial irregularities took place under the SVEP in the Srijangram Development Block. The BRC President, Morzina Khatun, and Secretary, Laili Begum, have been accused of misappropriating funds meant for the implementation of the government-backed rural entrepreneurship scheme.

The alleged irregularities reportedly came to light during a financial audit. However, questions have been raised over the handling of the matter by the department, with local stakeholders alleging that the authorities granted additional time to the two accused even after the audit detected discrepancies. They have further alleged that the delay was intended to shield those responsible, though these claims have not been independently verified.

A formal complaint has been lodged at Abhayapuri Police Station regarding the alleged misappropriation. However, allegations have also been made that no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered in connection with the complaint so far.

Local organisations have expressed concern that the alleged embezzlement may not have been limited to the two accused office-bearers. They have claimed that other individuals could also have been involved and have called for a comprehensive probe to identify all those responsible.

The Koch Rajbongshi Sangram Samiti and the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad have demanded an impartial investigation into the alleged misuse of public funds. The organisations warned that if the district administration fails to initiate prompt action against those responsible, they will launch their own course of action.