ITANAGAR, 12 Jun: A controversy has erupted in Arunachal Pradesh over alleged financial irregularities in the Fisheries Department, with activists claiming that more than Rs 300 crore was siphoned off through fictitious projects and unauthorised transactions.
According to the Joint Action Committee (JAC), the alleged scam reportedly involved the creation of “ghost ponds” and nonexistent fisheries projects to divert public funds.
Addressing a press conference here, JAC secretary Takam Chacha expressed dissatisfaction over the pace of action despite the registration of an FIR and an ongoing investigation into the alleged large-scale financial irregularities and loss to the state exchequer.
Chacha said the committee had recently submitted a memorandum to Chief Minister Pema Khandu, raising concerns over the progress of the investigation and demanding that those responsible be identified and proceeded against in a transparent manner.
It gave the state government a seven-day ultimatum to act on its memorandum seeking a fair and time-bound probe into the financial irregularities, warning of a democratic movement if its demands are not met.
The JAC alleged that crores of rupees were siphoned off through the creation of nonexistent or incomplete fishery projects across the state.
It claimed that several fish ponds and allied infrastructure projects shown as completed in official records either do not exist on the ground or remain unfinished despite the release of government funds.
According to the committee, public complaints and preliminary findings point to large-scale misuse of funds under various fisheries development schemes, with money allegedly diverted through ‘paper projects’ while genuine beneficiaries were deprived of the intended benefits.
Seeking transparency and accountability, the JAC reiterated its demand for a fair, independent and time-bound investigation into the alleged ‘ghost pond’ scam.
It also called for strict action against all those found involved in the irregularities.
Chacha said the committee has given the government seven days to address the issues raised by the JAC and take appropriate action. Failing this, he warned, the committee would be compelled to launch a democratic movement to press its demands and ensure accountability.
The JAC maintained that it would continue to pursue the matter through democratic and lawful means in the interest of transparency, justice and protection of public funds.
Despite attempts, there was no response from the Fisheries Department or the state government to the allegations raised by the committee. (PTI)
