IT News
Imphal, July 17:
The ‘Imphal Times’ has received appreciation for its unrelenting effort to uncover various scams and malpractices in the state keeping in spirit of its long held ideals of true journalism. This newspaper in our 11th June edition had run a news piece titled, “In Bishnupur District, Ghost beneficiaries found in PM-KISHAN scheme”, where IT exposed the presence of multiple fictitious names listed as beneficiaries in PM-KISHAN scheme in some villages of Bishnupur District.
Kwasiphai Youths Volunteer Organisation (KYVO), Kwasiphai in a letter addressed to the President, All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU) today, has lauded the efforts of the newspaper for highlighting the malpractices and bringing it up in the public domain. The Central sponsored scheme provides Rs.6000/- annually to beneficiary farmers for augmentation of their finances, farm tools and non-dependence on unorganized local money lenders. Chief Minister N. Biren had formally launched the scheme in the state from Mayang Imphal in February this year.
It may be mentioned that following this newspaper report, District Commissioner- Bishnupur, Nita Arambam had filed a case at the Cyber Crime wing of the state police on 27th June to investigate into the alleged scam. After further inquiry, 3 persons were arrested by the police in connection with the case on Wednesday and produced before the Chief Judicial Magistrate the same day. The individuals have now been sent to police remand till 20th July for their alleged involvement in the scam. The accused are alleged to have approved 933 individuals for the scheme without any prior information of the District Administration by creating ghost account beneficiaries. There is suspicion of more officials of the Bishnupur District administration involved in the scam, a source said.
