ACB Launches Investigation into Alleged Irregularities in PMGSY Projects in Changlang

Itanagar, India Jul 30, 2026 ALN: ITANAGAR, 29 Jul: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) here has registered a case and is currently investigating alleged irregularities and negligence in the implementation of the PMGSY road construction projects under DPIU-I RWD Division, Changlang.

The ACB has taken the step following a complaint lodged by the 53rd North and South Changlang Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) mandal presidents and seven others. This investigation highlights ongoing concerns regarding the management and execution of infrastructure projects in the region, particularly those funded by government schemes aimed at improving rural connectivity.

The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is a flagship program initiated by the Government of India in 2000, aimed at providing all-weather road connectivity to unconnected villages. The program has been pivotal in enhancing rural infrastructure, thereby facilitating access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and markets. However, the successful implementation of such projects is contingent upon transparency and accountability in the execution process.

The party mandal presidents and others have alleged that work on two road projects under the PMGSY, specifically the construction of a road from CK Road to Wotlom (Thamiyang), Stage-II under Package No AR/01/02/052 PMGSY Phase-II, and CK Road to Jongpho-Hate, were shown as completed on official records and payments were made against the projects despite poor and incomplete on-ground work progress. These allegations raise significant questions about the oversight mechanisms in place to ensure that funds allocated for public works are utilized effectively and that projects are completed to the required standards.

According to the complainants, the two projects, which are being executed by one Sahabuddin Siddique from Duliajan, Assam, have not been completed within the stipulated period, and the progress remains highly unsatisfactory. They claim that in the first project, only about 2 kilometers of physical progress has been achieved, and there are concerns that the remaining funds may be insufficient to complete the outstanding work. In the second project, the road from CK Road to Jongpho-Hate, it has been reported that only about 50 percent of the blacktopping work has been completed. Alarmingly, a 'completion certificate' has been issued for this project, which contradicts the physical state of the work.

The issuance of such certificates despite incomplete work can lead to serious implications, including financial misappropriation and loss of public trust in government initiatives. It also highlights the potential for systemic issues within the administrative framework that oversees project implementations, suggesting that there may be a disconnect between on-ground realities and official reporting.

The complainants further asserted that despite several verbal and written complaints made up to the executive engineer level, no substantial action has been taken. This lack of response reflects serious lapses on the part of the then departmental officers concerned and officials of the RWD (PMGSY), Changlang Division. The apparent inaction raises concerns about the accountability of public officials and the mechanisms in place to address grievances from citizens regarding public works.

On 6 August 2025, the mandal presidents and other members wrote a letter to the Changlang deputy commissioner, highlighting alleged gross irregularities and negligence in the implementation of the PMGSY road projects. This step indicates the seriousness of their concerns and their willingness to escalate the issue to higher authorities for resolution. It also underscores the role of political parties and local leaders in advocating for accountability in public service delivery.

In response to these complaints, on 24 March 2026, an ACB team inspected both project sites and conducted a physical inspection in the presence of the complainants, the incumbent DPIU-I (PMGSY)-cum-Changlang RWD Executive Engineer, and the Changlang RWD Assistant Engineer. This inspection is a crucial step in the investigative process, as it allows for firsthand observation of the alleged discrepancies and provides a basis for further inquiry.

A detailed investigation is currently ongoing to unearth the specific roles of six engineers and officials under the DPIU-I Changlang involved in the project. These individuals include EE DPIU-I Hangtim Rekhung, EE DPIU-I Bindung Rido Alo, AE Ponya Lollen, JE Bapok Borang, JE Sanju Gyadi, and DA/cashier-in-charge (now retired) Nirmal Choudhary. The focus on these officials indicates a targeted approach by the ACB to ascertain accountability and determine whether negligence or corruption occurred during the execution of the projects.

The implications of this investigation are significant, as they could lead to disciplinary action against the involved officials and potentially set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future. It also emphasizes the necessity for robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms within government programs to prevent the misuse of public funds and ensure that infrastructure projects are completed effectively and on time.

Moreover, this case could serve as a catalyst for broader reforms in the implementation of government schemes, urging authorities to strengthen oversight and enhance transparency in project execution. The outcome of the ACB's investigation may also influence public perception of the PMGSY and the government's commitment to improving rural infrastructure, which remains a critical area for development in India.

As the investigation unfolds, it will be essential to monitor the responses from both the ACB and the RWD Division concerning the findings and any subsequent actions taken. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in public service and the need for active citizen engagement in holding authorities accountable for their commitments to infrastructure development and public welfare.