GUWAHATI, Nov 13 � State Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Rockybul Hussain today said that he would quit his office if charges of misappropriation of funds against him are proved.
Hussain, while talking to mediapersons today, informed that he would take legal action against those who are trying to malign his image.
�I am in touch with legal experts,� he said while replying to a question. The Minister has been criticised for his alleged role in some reported irregularities in the Panchayat and Rural Development department, especially those related to job card distribution.
On the recent incident of a panchayat worker in Puranigudam area in Nagaon district committing suicide over some irregularity issue, leading to an uproar in certain pockets of the State, Hussain said that the deceased, according to many, was �embarrassed� in full public view by a section of people, which might have abetted the suicide.
�The matter is under investigation and time will tell if anybody did instigate him to take the extreme step,� the Minister said quoting some portion of the suicide note of the deceased.
Insisting that there exists transparency in the process of distribution process, Hussain said that under the existing e-system, it is impossible for anyone to draw money other than the beneficiary himself.
�I have asked the Principal Secretary to assess the entire system in place and suggest remedies, if required,� Hussain asserted.
He also stated that audit at the grassroots, level is being ensured and a mechanism of addressing irregularity issues has also been put in place.
The Minister, while stressing e-panchayati raj module, divulged that the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj has awarded Assam the first prize for effectively executing e-panchayat module.
Assam has been chosen first among the 11 states bracketed under phase II (based on internet connectivity coverage). The award comprises Rs 40 lakh, which will be given formally by the Centre.
