The Voice of the People Party (VPP) has called for an independent audit of the implementation of MLA schemes in Meghalaya to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.

VPP president and Nongkrem MLA Ardent M Basaiawmoit, in a letter to Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday, requested the government to constitute an inquiry panel and begin the investigation from 2008, starting with projects in his East Khasi Hills constituency.

Basaiawmoit said the demand was prompted by the chief minister’s recent remarks on the implementation of MLA schemes, particularly in opposition-held constituencies. He welcomed the CM’s concerns and emphasized that the VPP supports transparent and effective utilization of public funds.

The VPP, formed in 2022 and currently holding four seats in the Meghalaya Assembly, has instructed its MLAs to ensure fairness and openness in the implementation of all schemes.

Under the MLA Local Area Development Scheme (MLALADS), each legislator in Meghalaya receives over Rs 2 crore annually, along with a Rs 10 lakh Discretionary Grant (DG). A previous Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report had highlighted poor accountability, noting that utilisation certificates for DG funds exceeding Rs 10 crore remained pending for several years.

Basaiawmoit stated that an independent inquiry would help restore public trust and transparency in governance. He proposed that the audit start with projects sanctioned since 2008 in Nongkrem and later extend to other constituencies across the state.