Over fifteen years, relatives of local party leaders were placed at the head of self-help groups in the district. Through these groups, instead of empowering rural and urban women, the group leaders became involved in corruption. One after another, allegations have emerged that they misappropriated saved funds!
Now, allegations of misappropriating cut money and progress funds have come to light! The Jamaldaha Sangha Samabaya is embroiled in controversy. Due to allegations and counter-allegations, the office has been closed for two weeks! Once known as one of the model self-help group organizations in Cooch Behar district, the Jamaldaha Sangha Samabaya currently faces multiple corruption allegations.
This organization, formed with 511 women’s self-help groups and about 5,000 members, is now mired in controversy over multiple corruption charges. Complainant members claim that the coordinator, CSP, and a section of the board of directors of the Sangha Samabaya are involved in various irregularities, including collecting cut money for loans, misappropriating progress fund money, selling the organization’s vehicle, and not paying members their due wages for working on various projects.
Following these allegations, some self-help group members have already filed written complaints with the block administration and Mekhliganj police station. As the situation became heated over these allegations, the office of the Sangha Samabaya in Jamaldaha has been locked for the past two weeks. This has completely disrupted the organization’s normal services and activities. All work of the self-help groups has come to a halt. Group members fear that if the administration does not intervene quickly, nearly 5,000 women members will face ruin.
However, the organization’s coordinator, Tripti Ray Birbarman, treasurer Ratna Barman, secretary Bina Barman Basak, and other office bearers have directly dismissed all allegations, calling them completely baseless. Even after two weeks, the lack of any visible action from the administration to resolve the stalemate at the Sangha Samabaya is increasing concerns among some members.
Amidst the allegations and counter-allegations, the role of the administration appears highly questionable. Questions are being raised as to why the administration is adopting a ‘go-slow policy’ instead of auditing the organization to verify the truth after receiving complaints.
Ordinary self-help group members, Namita Barman and Minati Roy, say that banks will not release loan amounts or interest. The administration should take swift action. If anyone is corrupt, the administration should take action against them. Let the self-help groups return to normal functioning. The office bearers say the administration should conduct an audit. Let the truth come out.
