Shillong: The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organisations (CoMSO) has demanded a high-level probe into what it describes as widespread and systematic embezzlement of public funds under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in Demdema Block of West Garo Hills district. In a formal letter to the Deputy Commissioner, CoMSO has raised alarm over the issuance of fake and illegal job cards, with a particular focus on several Muslim-dominated and non-tribal Village Employment Councils (VECs).
Citing verified data and ground-level reports, the organisation alleged that from 2020-21 to 2024-25, multiple job cards were issued to single households, job cards were granted to non-residents, and in some cases, even minor children were listed as beneficiaries. According to CoMSO, villages like Bhangarpar and Bangalkhata have reported job card numbers that far exceed the actual population, suggesting large-scale fabrication.
The group has accused a Data Entry Operator, Dildar Attaullah Reza, of playing a key role in facilitating the alleged fraud, and has called for immediate scrutiny of his actions. CoMSO further claimed that manipulated bank accounts were used to divert MGNREGA wages to ineligible recipients, undermining the integrity of the rural employment scheme.
To address these alleged violations, CoMSO has demanded a judicial or magisterial inquiry, a full audit of wage disbursements and job card issuances over the past five years, and immediate suspension of all implicated officials. They have also called for legal proceedings against those found guilty and institutional reforms to prevent future misuse of MGNREGA funds.
Terming the fraud a “direct assault” on the values of dignity and fairness that the scheme upholds, CoMSO warned that such unchecked corruption not only deprives the rural poor but also erodes public trust in welfare systems meant to protect them.
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