Manipur CM Orders Enquiry in Public Works and Power Depts over Withdrawal of Huge Amount of Cash

Guwahati, June 13, 2019:

Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh has ordered an enquiry after it came to light that a large amount of cash was withdrawn by Public Works and Power Department during the period of March to May 2019 while the Model Code of Conduct was in force. Both the departments are held by Minister Th. Bishwajit Singh.

Moreover, following an emergency Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Chief Minister Biren Singh has vested the charge of the Department of Finance, Public Works and Power Departments with himself.

According to official sources, a committee has been set up which will also examine if large amounts of cash were withdrawn by other departments during that same period of time. The committee comprised of V. Vumlunmang, Principal Secretary as Chairman, Ms. Nidhi Kesarwani, Commissioner cum Secretary and W. Ajit Singh, Deputy Secretary as Members.

The Manipur administration through a notification informed that all Administrative Secretaries and Head of Department shall provide the required documents and information called by the said committee on time.

On Wednesday, in the wake of the financial crisis prevailing in the state, an urgent Cabinet meeting was convened which authorized the Chief Minister to take all necessary disciplinary actions to imbibe a culture of financial prudence and propriety in key government departments.

Consequently, as an interim measure, CM Biren has been vested with charge of the Department of Finance (including Taxation and Excise), Public Works and Power Departments.

As per a press release from the Chief Minister’s Secretariat, a thorough investigation of the sanction procedures and financial managements would be conducted for all key departments. The Government is committed to bringing a new phase wherein financial discipline will be a hallmark of governance, it stated.

Through the press release, the government also assures its employees that timely disbursement of salaries and benefits will not be impacted.

Keep following Inside Northeast on Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, and Instagram. Do download our app from the Google Playstore for the latest news updates, views, and entertainment on the go. We deliver the Northeast.