Sonowal orders probe into Rs 2000 cr irregularities in Assam Social Welfare department

During a review meeting of the department revealed that over 9 lakh fake entries of “ghost children” were detected which has brought to light an exaggerated figure of Rs 150 crores per year for 9 lakh non-existent children that have been drained out of the system.

The total figure of 44 lakhs children is reduced to 35 lakhs after these detection.

Similarly 390 fake Anganwadi centers also have been identified which have been fraudulently entered for siphoning off the money.

A top official of the state Social Welfare department said that, over Rs 2000 crore of nutrition funds for children had siphoned during the 15-year Congress tenure.

Expressing anguish at the revelation of massive irregularities of over 150 crores per year for last 15 years, Sonowal said that government would take up drastic actions to reform the social welfare department.

Chairing an important review meeting of the department at Chief Minister’s Secretariat, Sonowal vowed to punish those guilty of siphoning off humongous sums of fund meant for the nutrition of poor children of the state. 

Following a directive of the Chief Minister two months ago, Social Welfare department had undertaken streamlining activities about the functioning of the department and as a result huge irregularities have been identified which have stalled the societal progress of the state.

As a result of these detection, monthly expenditure required for Supplementary Nutrition Programme meant for mothers and children has been brought down drastically.

Taking strong exception to the revelations, Sonowal asserted that the government would come down heavily on the perpetrators of these irregularities who have taken the people for a ride and pocketed public fund meant for the nutrition of the mothers and children, predominantly from the underprivileged section.

Terming them criminals of highest order, the Assam CM said that those functionaries of Social Welfare Department involved in these nefarious activities along with the contractors who have cooperated them in the illegal deals, would be put behind bars and examples would be set so that no one in the future dares to cheat the common people of the state.

Noting that rampant corruption has completely stalled the service delivery of the department, Sonowal said that highest prevalence rates of maternal mortality and infant mortality in the state are the result of these irregularities.

The Assam CM vowed to eliminate corruption completely from the system so that faith of the people on the government remains intact.

(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)