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Call for special audit of Jharkhand

NEW DELHI: Several members of the Central Employment Guarantee Council who had demanded a CBI enquiry into the murder of social activist Lalit Mehta at Palamau in Jharkhand and questioned the role of the State Government in the NREGA works in Jharkhand have devised their next step to take their movement forward.

Addressing a meeting of social activists, Council member Aruna Roy said: “What happened in Jharkhand could be repeated in other States as well. So we need to put pressure on the Union and State governments to give us the answers to what is happening in Jharkhand and take steps to restore the confidence of the people.”

“We have decided to stage a dharna outside Jharkhand Bhavan on June 20 after submitting a draft of our demands and concerns to the Chief Minister of Jharkhand and the Prime Minister,” she added. The panel also decided to constitute a team comprising human rights activists to prepare a fact-sheet on the issue and request a special meeting of the Central Employment Guarantee Council to debate the matter.

In addition, the panel resolved to request the Comptroller and Auditor General to undertake a special audit of Jharkhand. Apart from accusing the Jharkhand Government of abetting corruption, the social activists expressed concern over protection of those conducting survey or social audits in the State and throughout the country. They demanded a proactive role from the State in ensuring the best possible arrangements to protect such voices by providing an atmosphere free of fear.

Some members demanded that a strong set of rules ensuring greater transparency, time-bound and accessible accountability mechanisms and effective grievance redr

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Call for special audit of Jharkhand

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