A major controversy has erupted in Arunachal Pradesh following allegations of large-scale financial irregularities in the state Fisheries Department, with activists and former officials claiming that funds exceeding ₹300 crore may have been misappropriated through fake projects and unauthorized transactions.
Members of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) formed over the alleged fisheries scam have claimed that irregularities worth around ₹183 crore were detected in Kra Daadi district, while more than ₹100 crore in suspected discrepancies were reported from Lower Subansiri district.
According to the allegations, the scam involved the creation of “ghost ponds” and fictitious fisheries projects to divert government funds meant for fisheries development.
The matter is currently being investigated by the Special Investigation Cell (SIC)-Vigilance in Itanagar. The alleged irregularities reportedly relate to transactions made between 2018 and 2024.
Former Fisheries Minister and current Chairman of Science and Technology, Tage Taki, described the allegations as “most unfortunate and painful.” He alleged that some District Fisheries Development Officers (DFDOs), allegedly in coordination with treasury officials, diverted large amounts of government money without the knowledge of the concerned minister, secretary, or commissioner.
Taki said that during his tenure as Fisheries Minister from 2019 to 2024, the department generally received less than ₹20 crore annually, excluding central government schemes. He questioned how audit records could show expenditure of ₹183 crore in a single district and demanded a detailed investigation.
Student activist and JAC member Takam Chacha alleged that unauthorized financial transactions were carried out by departmental and treasury officials in Kra Daadi district, particularly in the Palin and Jamin areas.
The issue has also attracted political attention, with local MLA and Urban Affairs Minister Balo Raja responding as questions were raised over how such large sums were allegedly released without proper approvals.
Local NGOs, student bodies, and public watchdog groups have alleged that funds allocated for fisheries development were diverted through fabricated records and non-existent projects. They have demanded accountability from officials involved.
The JAC has submitted a memorandum to Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu seeking a transparent and time-bound investigation. The committee has warned of democratic protests if strict action is not taken against those found guilty.
Tage Taki has denied any involvement in the alleged irregularities and said he is ready to cooperate with any investigation. The SIC-Vigilance probe is now being closely watched as the controversy develops into one of the biggest alleged financial scandals in Arunachal Pradesh in recent years.
