Aizawl, May 26: Mizoram chief secretary Haukhum Hauzel has expressed concern over the way funds for the Bamboo Flowering & Famine Combat Scheme (Baffacos) are being utilised in Mamit.

During Hauzel?s daylong visit to the western Mizoram district headquarters yesterday, officials and village council presidents gave him reports of how the funds for Baffacos are being utilised by the government departments entrusted with the task of its implementation.

Hauzel said he was surprised to hear that some villages did not receive a single penny from the funds, while in others, the village council presidents were not taken into confidence on the implementation of the schemes. He said this was totally against the guidelines. The chief secretary asked the officials to ensure that schemes are prepared in such a way that the funds reach their target.

Hauzel emphasised the need to bridge the existing gap between the village council presidents and legislators, as the villagers face many difficulties when the next higher authority is placed far away.

MNF legislator from Mamit constituency, Lalthlengliana, also alleged that the government was not following guidelines in implementation of the scheme. Accusing the rural development minister of favouritism, he said the minister had allocated certain funds, which he had earmarked to help poor people earn some money, to an individual.

Despite belonging to the same party, Lalthlengliana said he would not tolerate any more interference from the latter where people of his constituency were concerned.

Sources said Hauzel?s visit as well as his assurances that Baffacos funds were meant for the rural areas and would be utilised as such from the next financial year has given boost to the morale of over 70 village council presidents in the district.

During the chief secretary?s visit, Mamit Mizo Zirlai Pawlsub-headquarters also organised a function at Chhimveng YMA hall in Mamit to felicitate students who excelled in academics.

In his address, Hauzel urged the students to work harder. He also cautioned them not to strive for government jobs only, but instead to try and stand on their-own feet through their own efforts.