Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 09 2009:
Rural Development Minister Md Allauddin has expressed dissatisfaction over the manner of implementing works under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in different parts of Imphal East district.
During an inspection tour of the work sites today, the Minister noticed that the machines have been used in carrying out certain work areas which were supposed performed manually by the workers and the tools and other implements being used by the workers were not adequate.
At Khurai Kongkham Leikai where a pond is being dug up at an estimated cost of Rs 10.85 lakhs, the Minister noticed that the workers outnumbered the spades being used and the workers have not been provided with any benefits entitled to them apart from the fact that there was no provision for providing safe drinking water to he workers.
On noticing that employment of machines in carrying out certain works supposed to be done manually by the workers, the Minister also instructed authorities concerned for taking up necessary corrective measures.
Stating that local MLA, Pradhan, Zilla Parishad members and social workers supposed to be invited at the meeting of the Gram Sabha, the Minister pointed out that the problems have come up in the implementation of the works under NREGS as the meeting of the Gram Sabha had not been conducted properly.
MLA of Khurai Assembly Constituency Dr Ng Bijoy, who was also a part of the Ministerial inspection team pointed out that use of JCB in digging the pond is against the rules and there obvious signs that the SOs concerned have been neglecting their duties.
Ground levelling work carried out with truck loads of earth purchase from elsewhere is nothing but to deny the wages of the workers and make the truck owners happy, the MLA stated categorically.
While inspecting the construction work of the inter-village road from Salam Chingjil to Heitroi Kongjil under Moirang Kampu Gram Panchayat, the Minister also advised the authorities concerned for carrying out the work not just of the road construction but that also of the drainage properly.
The 3-km long irrigation canal being constructed from Kongba River to Salam Makok was also covered during the inspection tour of the Minister apart from other works being at Thongju, Heingang, Keirao Makting and Arapti Zilla Parishads.
The Minister was surprised to see completion of digging a pond at Kiyamgei Hindu Gram Panchayat even though there has been no work sanctioned in this regard.
When confronted with the matter, officials were left red-faced.