Imphal: A significant Right to Information (RTI) case was filed regarding the utilisation of Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) funds.
The application seeks information on work initiated, pending, and completed, along with usage details for the financial year 2024-25, by Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, Inner Manipur Member of Parliament.
Social worker Oinam Robart Singh, a resident of Bashikhong Torban Leikai in Imphal East district, filed the RTI application in an effort to promote transparency and public accountability in development spending.
He is seeking details on the utilisation of Rs 5 crore allocated under MPLADS.
The application comes amid growing public scrutiny over the utilisation of MPLADS funds in Manipur, which has also been reflected in recent discussions on social media platforms.
In his application, Singh stated that Angomcha Bimol Akoijam, the Congress Member of Parliament from Inner Manipur, had earlier inaugurated several MPLADS-funded projects, including drinking water plants and other public facilities across the Manipur valley districts.
Officials said the application was submitted to the Public Information Officer of Imphal West district, seeking a comprehensive list of projects approved during the stated period, along with details of works completed so far.
Singh also stated in his application that MPLADS funds are meant to be used for development projects with approval from the District Collector and cannot be used for permanent structures.
He requested the concerned authority to provide copies of work orders, utilisation certificates, completion reports, and details of implementing agencies wherever available.
He further sought information on the amounts sanctioned for each project, the expenditure incurred, and details of any complaints received or audits conducted in connection with the utilisation of funds during the financial year.