Controversy erupts over alleged misuse of Arunodoi 2.0 scheme benefits by two Lakhipur Ward Commissioners of BJP

In a surprising turn of events, an application addressed to the Deputy Commissioner of Cachar as well as the Commissioner and Secretary of Assam Finance Department, has raised concerns regarding the alleged misuse and exploitation of government benefits under the Arunodoi 2.0 scheme by Ward Commisioners. The application, submitted by another Ward Commissioner of Lakhipur Ward No. 6, Amit Das, has ignited a debate over the entitlement and eligibility of beneficiaries under this well-known welfare scheme of Assam Government.

The application, penned by Amit Das, begins with a humble plea to draw attention to a recent incident that transpired on October 18, 2023. Das claims to have discovered a post in the official WhatsApp group of Lakhipur Municipality Board, where the competent authority had published a list of beneficiaries under the Arunadoi 2.0 scheme.

Of particular concern was the inclusion of name, Sampa Das, present BJP Ward Commisioner of Lakhipur Ward No. 1, listed as a beneficiary of the scheme under serial no. 333, accompanied by her mobile number and her father’s name. The application argues that this inclusion contradicts the principles and guidelines of the Arunodoi 2.0 scheme, which is intended exclusively for a specific class of beneficiaries, as defined by the programme’s regulations.

Sampa is being paid 10,000 rupees per month by the Government as she is currently holding office. Hence the application further alleges that her acceptance of benefits from government schemes like Arunodoi 2.0 is illegal and is an abuse of power as an elected representative.

In the final part of the application, Amit Das has urged the concerned officials to conduct an enquiry into the matter and subsequently disqualify her from the post of Ward Commissioner for grossly violating the guidelines of Arunodoi 2.0 Scheme despite holding a constitutional post.

While speaking to reporters, Amit Das also implicitly hinted that another beneficiary of Arunodoi 2.0 scheme, Shefali Kar, happens to be the mother of Gunjan Kar who is the current BJP Ward Commissioner of Lakhipur Ward No. 2.