The Manipur High Court has disposed of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) alleging irregularities had been committed in the utilization of Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojna (PMAGY) funds and more particularly, in the procurement of ambulances.
The PIL has been filed by one Haobijam Gitajen Meitei.
Affidavit-in-opposition was filed by the Secretary, OBC & SC, Government of Manipur, stating that an inquiry had been undertaken by the Directorate for the Welfare of OBCs & SCs into the subject allegation and it was found that 2 motorboats and 2 four-wheeler vehicles were hired on contract as ambulances for the benefit of 2 villages, namely, Karang and Champu Khangpok. The contracts were for a period of one year. The Secretary stated that no irregularity or misappropriation of funds was found in that regard.
N. Jotendro, senior counsel appearing for the petitioner, conceded that the apprehension of the petitioner with regard to mis-utilization of funds stands settled in the light of the aforestated inquiry. He submitted before the Division Bench of Chief Justice Sanjay Kumar and Justice MV Muralidaran that owing to the pendency of the petition, the authorities have not taken steps to provide ambulances afresh, after expiry of the contractual period in relation to the aforestated four ambulances.
Jotendro prayed the authorities be directed to take appropriate steps for securing vehicles/motorboats on contract basis for the benefit of the 2 (two) villages.
S. Nepolean, Government Advocate, stated that the needful would be done in that regard expeditiously.
Recording the said statement, the Court disposed of the PIL.