NRHM scam in Nagaland high court appeal for CBI probe
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W.P.C.No 179 k 2013
Rosemary Dzuvichu versus Union of India & Ors.
After hearing of the petition filed by Naga Mother’s Association (NMA) against the state government’s inaction to demands for probing the scam under National Rural Health Mission (NRHM), the Kohima Bench of the Gauhati High Court, Tuesday directed the petitioners seeking police action, to file “miscellaneous case” for “prayer for CBI investigation.”
Justice Choudhary who heard the case filed by Rosemary Dzüvichü & another representing Naga Mothers Association (NMA) versus Government of Nagaland over police inaction, directed that the CBI “must come in” and asked the petitioners to file a prayer in this regard.
Rosemary Dzüvichü ,convener of the NMA Committee on NRHM informed this Correspondent that the “miscellaneous case” for “prayer for CBI investigation will be filed on Thursday.She said NMA had earlier, demanded a high-level inquiry into the alleged anomalies in the implementation of National Rural Health Mission (NRHM) in the state during 2012.
Rosemary said NMA had, on March 3,2013 submitted a memorandum to then Governor Nikhil Kumar seeking probe into the “dubious implementation” of NRHM in the state. She said the minister in-charge was also apprised of detection of several anomalies and misappropriation of funds under NHRM in the state.She said despite one and half months, no action was taken after which, NMA then filed an FIR with SP (Crime) PHQ in June 2013 on the belief that corruption at the highest levels involving high ranking officers should be dealt with by the SP (Crime).
Tuesday’s court directive came after the NMA filed its petition in September 2013 seeking court intervention in the case. In the petition, NMA alleged several anomalies, particularly in Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), where some of the women beneficiaries were not paid money and even discrepancies in the grant for birth of boy and girl child.
NMA had also alleged that the report submitted by the commissioner and secretary H& FW on NRHM was misleading and contradictory and described the replies and comments , as “vague, evasive and unsatisfactory”.
Further, NMA also pointed out that none of its members nor women tribal organizations were included in the State Health Mission or District Health Societies.
It also highlighted that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Nagaland Government and the Centre for implementation of NRHM were not being followed. It pointed out that MoU clearly stated that the Mission Director of NHRM was to be from the IAS cadre and not lesser than the rank of joint secretary.
NMA also alleged that funds under NRHM were being mis-utilised by the department where officers “rampantly” drew money under various excuses including community monitoring. It also alleged that some doctors turned contractors and suppliers.
Tuesday’s hearing on the joint petition was filed against the state government and department of H&FW.NRHM Scam in kohima High court directs the government of Nagaland to conduct an enquiry into the NHRM National Rural Health Mission scam and submitted to the court for further direction.