Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 28, 2010:
Basking under the 'successful' conduct of the election to the ADC polls in two phases, despite strong opposition from the United Naga Council and the All Naga Students' Association, Manipur, a jubilant Chief Minister O Ibobi announced that funds will not be a constraint to ensure the effective functioning of the ADCs.
Speaking at the swearing in ceremony of the newly elected Councillors at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium on June 26, the Chief Minister said that the Government will provide all the required funds to the ADCs.
�If necessary we will divert certain amount from the budget allocations of the State Departments to the ADCs,� proclaimed the Chief Minister.
To make sure that the ADCs can function to its full potential and do not lag behind other States, the State Government will study the models in other States like Meghalaya and Assam, asserted the Chief Minister.
Despite strong opposition and intimidations to the candidates, the election passed off successfully, said the Chief Minister.
|
To oppose the election to the ADC under the 3rd Amendment of 2008, UNC and ANSAM had boycotted the election and a 68 days economic blockade was imposed on the National Highways connecting Manipur to other parts of India.
The election was held in two phases, May 26 and June 2 after more than twenty years of the ADC being in the limbo.
The Congress swept the ADC polls capturing 107 seats, among whom are four women, out of the total 144 seats.
Two nominees are nominated from each ADC taking the total number of the Councillors to 156. Principal Secretary (Hills Department), LP Gonmei said that the first ADC election was conducted in 1973, the second in 1978 and the third in 1983. Since 1988, all the District Councils have been remained suspended with the Deputy Commissioners taking over the administrative powers of the ADCs.