Citizen Action Party Accuses Sikkim Government of Misusing GLOF Relief Funds, To File PIL
First Published: 13th November, 2024 12:19 IST
Rai said that as per information obtained through RTI, Rs. 57 crore was used to clear debris from affected areas.
In a fresh controversy over the handling of disaster relief funds, Citizen Action Party (CAP) president Ganesh Rai has accused the Sikkim State Government of misusing central funds intended for Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Rai stated that, in April 2024, the central government sanctioned Rs. 205 crore for disaster relief in the aftermath of GLOF incidents that severely affected the state.
Rai said that as per information obtained through RTI, Rs. 57 crore was used to clear debris from affected areas. However, Rai questioned the allocation of the remaining funds, which he claims lacks transparency.
According to him, the Urban Development Department and the Land Revenue and Disaster Management Department spent Rs. 32 crore in Rangpo, Rs. 12 crore in Singtam, and Rs. 5.69 crore in Bardang a region under army jurisdiction.
Rai raised concerns over the allocation of funds to Bardang, asserting that disaster management in this army-controlled area should be financed through military funds, not state-managed disaster relief allocations. Highlighting the importance of accountability, he stressed that every rupee of the relief funds should benefit the people and aid in genuine disaster recovery efforts.
To seek clarity and accountability, Rai announced that CAP plans to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to investigate the utilization of these funds and demand greater transparency from the government. He reiterated CAP’s commitment to ensuring that disaster relief funds are used responsibly and for the welfare of the affected communities.
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