Special Correspondent
Ukhrul Feb 21:
The controversy surrounding an alleged misappropriation of Rs. 30.36 crore in the Tribal Affairs & Hills (TA&H) Department, Government of Manipur, has taken a new turn following a clarification issued by Z. Solomon, retired Deputy Director, TA&H, refuting the allegations made against him and four other former officials.
The allegations stem from a House Committee report dated March 25, 2022, which, as per an RTI reply issued on January 31, 2025, identified five retired officials as being involved in fraudulent fund withdrawals. Among the names listed in the report are K. Daimei, Z. Solomon, Binodini Devi, Pheijao Singh, and N. Kaikho Mao, all of whom held key positions as Joint Directors or Deputy Directors cum Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) in the department.
RTI Findings and Allegations
An RTI application filed by Khumanthem Dhanachandra Singh sought details on the investigation report, inquiry order, and actions taken regarding the alleged fund misappropriation. However, in its reply, the Directorate of Tribal Affairs & Hills (TA&H) stated that it does not hold direct information on certain aspects of the investigation. Notably, it confirmed the House Committee’s findings, which implicated the aforementioned officials in unauthorized fund withdrawals.
The reply, however, did not provide further details on whether legal proceedings or departmental actions had been initiated following the report’s findings. Additionally, it clarified that the department itself is not responsible for creating or interpreting information beyond what is officially recorded.
Solomon’s Defense: A Case of Misinformation?
In response to the publication of these allegations on February 15 in a local daily, Z. Solomon issued a strong rebuttal, calling the accusations baseless, misleading, and fabricated. He asserted that his retirement on February 27, 2012, as Joint Director of TA&H, was completed with a No Demand Certificate issued by the Under Secretary (DP), Government of Manipur, indicating that no financial liabilities were outstanding in his name.
He further clarified that a departmental liability amounting to Rs. 4.47 crore had already been officially documented and transferred when he handed over the DDO charge on April 4, 2006, to his successor, N. Kaikho Mao. This transaction, he emphasized, was duly countersigned by the then Director of TA&H, B.B. Sharma, IAS, ensuring procedural transparency.
Audit Report Findings
Solomon also cited a special audit investigation conducted under the directive of the Manipur Legislative Assembly’s House Sub-Committee. The audit report, submitted on June 24, 2021, did not mention any personal misappropriation of funds by him, he claimed. This, according to Solomon, exonerates him from any allegations of fraud or unauthorized withdrawals.
Furthermore, he explained that during his tenure as DDO of the Tribal Department, financial transactions were conducted through a joint account, requiring dual authorization from both himself and the Under Secretary (TD), Manipur, with additional countersignatures from the Director, TD, Manipur. Given this structured system, he categorically denied any unauthorized cash withdrawals from the department’s accounts.
Clarification and Appeal for Transparency
Solomon expressed deep concern over the publication of unverified claims, urging media outlets and authorities to ensure factual accuracy before making such allegations public. He reaffirmed his commitment to transparency and accountability throughout his tenure in office and appealed to the public to disregard misinformation.
While the RTI disclosure confirms the existence of an official inquiry and the naming of certain individuals in the House Committee’s findings, Solomon’s strong defense raises questions about the nature of the evidence and the extent of accountability assigned to each individual. The controversy highlights the need for further transparency and legal clarity on the matter, leaving room for further investigation into the alleged fund mismanagement.
