Staff Reporter
ITANAGAR, SEP 10:
The All Aka Youth Association (AAYA) has sought immediate intervention of the Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister over alleged financial irregularities, misuse and suspected embezzlement of CAMPA funds in the Khellong Forest Division, Bhalukpong, during 2025-26.
In a representation submitted to the minister, the association alleged irregularities involving the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Khellong Forest Division, and concerned Range Forest Officers (RFOs), particularly in the utilisation of CAMPA funds and payment of wages to casual and contingency staff, informed AAYA president Musho Gidusow while addressing reporters here today
The association alleged that CAMPA funds allocated to the division during 2025-26, including Volume I and II, may have been misused, diverted or embezzled. It also alleged that wages meant for casual and contingency workers were transferred and withdrawn through the personal bank accounts of RFOs instead of being processed through the prescribed official financial mechanism.
AAYA called for verification of attendance records, muster rolls, wage registers, bills, vouchers, sanction orders, bank transactions and utilisation certificates relating to casual and contingency workers. It also sought verification of whether the beneficiaries shown in the records actually performed the duties for which payments were made and whether the workers received their wages.
Seeking an impartial inquiry, the association urged the government to immediately transfer the DFO and concerned RFOs from their present positions to prevent any possible influence over records, witnesses or the investigation.
It further demanded constitution of an independent departmental inquiry committee comprising senior officers not connected with the Khellong Forest Division and a special financial audit of CAMPA and other departmental funds handled by the division during the period under examination.
The association also sought protection of relevant official, electronic and financial records to prevent their alteration, destruction or tampering during the inquiry.
AAYA urged that statements of concerned casual and contingency workers and other officials be recorded, particularly regarding the actual receipt of wages and the manner in which payments were processed.
It further demanded recovery of any government funds found to have been misappropriated or irregularly withdrawn, along with appropriate disciplinary and legal action against those found responsible.
The association said the allegations concern public funds and therefore require immediate attention to ensure transparency and accountability. It maintained that an independent investigation would also ensure that officials not involved in any irregularity are not unfairly implicated while those responsible are held accountable in accordance with law.
