Jairam Ramesh writes to UP CM Akhilesh Yadav to implement HC order on NREGA funds

LUCKNOW: Union Minister Jairam Ramesh has shot off another letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav seeking early implementation of the Allahabad High Court order on CBI inquiry into misappropriation of funds under the NREGA.

While recalling his earlier correspondence to the Chief Minister, in a fresh letter issued yesterday, Ramesh stressed on the necessity for a CBI probe into funds misappropriation in seven districts including Balrampur, Gonda, Mahoba, Sonbhadra, Sant Kabir Nagar, Mirzapur and Kushinagar besides a preliminary inquiry in other districts.

The Rural Development Minister said the high court, in its January 31 order, has stated that a writ in the nature of mandamus was issued directing the CBI to investigate the abuse and misappropriation of fund as well as the abuse of power under the scheme with regard to seven districts from 2007 to 2010 with appropriate action and prosecution in accordance with law.

The court has also directed the CBI to hold a preliminary inquiry with regard to other districts of the state for the three years relating to abuse, misuse or misappropriation of fund provided by the centre under scheme with follow-up regular enquiry, if required.

It also directed UP government to provide all necessary assistance including manpower to CBI within a month from the date of receipt of request to proceed for investigation in pursuance to the present judgement.

Besides, the court has also directed the state government to consider for establishment of multi-member state quality monitor at district and state level to supervise utilisation of fund under the scheme till the centre frame appropriate rules, regulations or issue appropriate order keeping in view the observation made in the body of judgement, Ramesh said in the letter.