Aizawl: Social activist Vanramchhuangi, popularly known as Ruatfela Nu, has submitted a written complaint to the Mizoram anti-corruption bureau on Thursday, urging the agency to launch a probe into alleged misappropriation of funds amounting to Rs 4-5 crore in the procurement of ginger.In her complaint, Vanramchhuangi cited the recent revelation by state agriculture and farmers’ welfare minister PC Vanlalruata on Oct 10. The minister disclosed that several individuals operating at the secondary collection centres were allegedly involved in misappropriating govt funds meant for ginger purchases from farmers.According to the minister, certain SCC officials, in connivance with middlemen, reportedly procured ginger imported from Myanmar, passing it off as locally harvested produce. Some quantities were allegedly sold multiple times to inflate procurement records, particularly in Champhai district, which borders Myanmar.Vanlalruata had also informed the media that the state govt spent over Rs 118 crore on the ginger procurement initiative, while Rs 21 crore in payments to farmers remains pending due to irregularities uncovered in Champhai, Lunglei and Aizawl districts.Expressing concern over the inaction of the authorities, Vanramchhuangi said it was the statutory duty of the investigating agencies to probe the matter. She urged the ACB to initiate a detailed investigation based on the minister’s public statements and to bring those responsible for the alleged misappropriation of public funds to justice.The Zoram People’s Movement (ZPM) govt had, during the 2023 election campaign, promised to provide price support for ginger at Rs 50 per kg. Procurement under the scheme began earlier this year.
