Imphal, September 06, 2009: While extending warm welcome to the new Chandel district Deputy Commissioner (IAS) H Deleep, representatives of civil society organisations and student bodies of the district strongly desired that the incumbent attend office at the earliest.

Speaking to newspersons at Sugnu Nazareth village this afternoon, in connection with the recent transfer of the IAS officer as Chandel district's Deputy Commissioner, representatives of Kuki people's Forum, Kuki Students' Organisation (Sugnu Block), Kuki Chiefs' Association (Sugnu Area), Kuki Chiefs' Association (Dingpi Area), Kuki Welfare Association (chandel) and Kana Area Kuki chiefs' Association also highlighted problems arising out of administrative inefficiency in the district.

Conveying a warm send-off to the previous DC, Devesh Deval, functionaries of these bodies expressed hope that H Deleep take charge soon to facilitate expeditious release of pending development funds so that implementation of welfare schemes do not slacken.

Pointing out that the size of chandel district is comparatively huge and people of different community/tribes are settled there, they also contended that funds relating to schemes under MOBC/MSDP, BRGF, NREGS and others are still pending release.

Elaborating on the assertion, they recounted that apart from the final bill concerning 2007-08 BRGF works being held up there is still no sign of releasing funds meant for same scheme for the 2008-09 fiscal.

It was also disclosed that only 10 days wage had been paid for works carried out under the NREGS programme in 2008-09 with 90 days wages remaining unpaid.

They also said substantial amount meant for welfare schemes in Khengjoi Block under the special package of Indira Awaj Yojna is yet to be released.

Highlighting that people of the district are certain to endure extreme hardships owing to scanty rainfall this year and that relief measures being taken up by the Govt to tackle the drought situation is yet to cover the entire district, they urged authorities concerned to ensure there is no further delay in the release of pending development funds.

drawing attention of the Works Minister, they pointed that there are still many areas in the district with substantial Kuki population where condition of roads are not only pitiable but are bereft of black-topping that needs urgent road development initiative.

Reiterating appeal to the Minister for proper maintenance of roads, leaders of the organisations cautioned that failure to evoke positive response and action would compel them to launch agitation.

Contending that in terms of geographical location Sugnu is a convenient convergent point for access from numerous corners of the district, they also suggested that Government make all possible effort to open an SBI branch in Sugnu area.

Existence of such a financial institution would be of enormous assistance to the people in promoting trade and commerce activities, they opined.

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