The Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) has expressed strong outrage and deep concern over alarming reports of unauthorized and illegal deductions from MGNREGA funds meant for beneficiaries across the state, allegedly by the Rural Development (RD) Department.
The NPCC, in a statement issued by its Communications Department, referred in particular to the recent expose by the Kacharigaon Phevima Village Council on June 7, 2025, as yet another disturbing confirmation of what it described as a deeply entrenched and long-standing practice of corruption within the department.
Read: https://nagalandtribune.in/kvc-alleges-corruption-in-mgnrega-implementation-by-rd-department/
According to the NPCC, large portions of funds under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) – which are meant to provide livelihood and social security to the rural poor – are being siphoned off by officials from the Rural Development Department through illegal deductions.
“This insidious practice of extortion, reportedly demanded as mandatory ‘commissions’ or ‘cuts’, has become an entrenched part of the department throughout Nagaland. It is but a natural extension of the deep-rooted culture of corruption perpetuated by the government in the state,” it stated.
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“These funds represent the lifeblood of rural aspirations, driving grassroots infrastructure and providing security to the most marginalized communities,” the NPCC stated, adding that the illegal diversion of these funds amounts to criminal exploitation of the rural populace.
The NPCC demanded immediate and decisive intervention from the State Government and the Minister in-charge of the RD Department to bring those responsible to justice. It also called for a transparent and thorough investigation into the alleged malpractice, and stern action against officials found guilty.
Condemning the department for presiding over such a “deplorable abuse of power,” the NPCC said, “We demand accountability and justice for the rural people of Nagaland, who are being robbed of their rightful entitlements.”
