The Gauhati High Court has expressed serious concern over the implementation of the Parking House Scheme (PAHOSS) in Mizoram and directed the state government to formulate guidelines for recovering funds from beneficiaries who failed to utilize the grants for their intended purpose.
Hearing a suo motu public interest litigation related to construction and parking facilities in Aizawl, a division bench comprising Justice Michael Zothankhuma and Justice Sanjeev Kumar Sharma observed that the current situation regarding the scheme 'cannot be allowed to continue.' The court's observation came after examining an affidavit submitted by the Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation Department on June 4.
The affidavit stated that while Clause 7(3) of PAHOSS allows for recovery of assistance in cases where beneficiaries fail to complete or implement approved parking projects, it does not specifically address situations where completed facilities are used for purposes other than those envisaged under the scheme.
Records placed before the court showed that 139 beneficiaries in Aizawl received Rs 11.36 crore under the scheme. The draft agreements executed between the government and beneficiaries were also submitted before the court.
The government informed the court that no recovery proceedings had been initiated against beneficiaries who stopped using the parking facilities according to the scheme's objectives. Taking exception to this position, the bench noted that the government had disbursed public funds to beneficiaries but had not taken any action when the scheme's intended objectives were allegedly not fulfilled.
The court stated: 'The state government will have to take recovery measures in cases where the beneficiary of the grants under PAHOSS has not utilised the same for PAHOSS.'
The court also directed the government advocate to produce all original agreements signed under PAHOSS, along with the relevant official records, on the next date of hearing. Additionally, the state respondents were ordered to carry out a verification of all beneficiaries listed in annexure-I of the affidavit and submit a report on whether each beneficiary had implemented the scheme in accordance with the terms of the agreement signed with the government.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on July 15. The Aizawl bench of the Gauhati High Court issued these directives.
About the Author: HC Vanlalruata, based in Aizawl, Mizoram, is known for his sharp, on-the-ground reporting as a regional 'stinger.' He covers breaking news, ethnic affairs, and border issues from Mizoram, providing real-time updates and local insights for the national daily's northeast bureau.
