The Dimapur District Congress Committee (DCC) has sought complete disclosure of financial, procurement and recruitment records relating to the implementation of the Palna Scheme under Mission Shakti, alleging that several material documents sought through the Right to Information (RTI) have either not been furnished or were provided only in consolidated form.
In a statement issued after examining the reply furnished by the Department of Social Welfare, the DCC said Government of India sanction orders for establishing and operationalising Anganwadi-cum-Crèches contain specific requirements for maintaining separate accounts, Statements of Expenditure, Utilisation Certificates and records open to audit and inspection.
The party said the Department’s response has largely provided sanction orders and consolidated expenditure statements, rather than the underlying transaction records required to independently verify the utilisation of public funds.
The DCC specifically sought complete centre-wise and month-wise financial transaction records, including bank transaction records, payment vouchers, UTR/PFMS details, cash books, ledgers and supporting documents.
On honorarium payments, the DCC said although the Department has furnished rates and periods of payment for Crèche Workers and Helpers, as well as incentives for Anganwadi Workers and Helpers, a complete worker-wise and month-wise transaction trail has not been adequately established.
The Committee also raised questions over expenditure on rent and Grant-in-Aid. It said sanction documents identify rent as a specific component of Palna funding, but complete centre-wise details on rented centres, landlords, rent or lease agreements, amounts actually paid, receipts and corresponding bank transactions has not been adequately provided.
On procurement, the DCC said lists of materials intended for various Anganwadi-cum-Crèche Centres do not by themselves establish that the materials were actually procured and delivered. It sought supplier details, quotations or tender records, supply orders, invoices, delivery challans, quantities received, stock-entry records and payment transactions for proper verification.
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The recruitment process has also come under scrutiny. According to the DCC, several communications to village and centre authorities indicate that vacancies were advertised and filled through written or oral interviews, while the prescribed procedure provided for a district-level Selection Committee. It therefore sought complete selection proceedings, candidate-wise marks and evaluation records, committee minutes and other documents establishing the recruitment process.
The DCC, however, clarified that its observations should not at this stage be construed as an allegation of misappropriation against any individual. It said the concerns were based on gaps between the information sought through the RTI and the records furnished by the Department.
“Transparency can best be ensured by placing the complete documentary trail on record,” the committee said, calling upon the Department of Social Welfare and the Minister concerned to ensure full disclosure of all relevant records.
These, it said, should include financial transactions, rent and Grant-in-Aid payments, procurement and supplier records, stock and receipt documents, recruitment proceedings, inspection reports, audit records and Utilisation Certificates.
The DCC stressed that public welfare schemes meant for children, mothers, Anganwadi beneficiaries and workers must be implemented with the highest degree of transparency and accountability.
It expressed hope that the Department and the Minister concerned would respond positively and facilitate complete disclosure, failing which it would pursue appropriate legal remedies under the RTI Act and other applicable laws, besides peaceful and democratic means, to seek transparency and accountability in the utilisation of public funds.
