Public hearing held in Tamenglong; Officers negligence prove today
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, January 23, 2011:
A public hearing on grievances with regard to fulfillment of children's Entitlements to Education, Health, Food and Nutrition, safety and Security etc was held in Tamenglong today organized by Department of Social Welfare, Government of Manipur in collaboration with Child Welfare Committee, Tamenglong at the Indoor Stadium with K Panmei, IAS, DC Tamenglong as chairperson.
Some officers proved their negligence by not attending the public hearing even though they were appointed as panel members of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
A Kameshore, District Welfare Officer Tamenglong and convener of the public hearing, briefed on the number of development schemes that are under his department.
He urged participants to enquire into all issues and not just on old age pension schemes.
He said that this public hearing was held according to the directive of the Supreme Court of India Writ Petition (Criminal) no 102 of 2007 in the matter of Exploitation of Children in Orphanages in the state of Tamil Nadu and recommendation of National Commission for Protection of Child Rights.
N Jacob, ZEO, Tamenglong said that under SSA Tamenglong there are a number of facilities for children below 16 years to provide free education.
The department gives free mid day meals, cash for curry, cash for repairing school or construction of new building every year to the Village Education Committee in the village and will soon distribute 8000 school bags to all government students.
N Jacob also appealed to the people and parents in particular to be aware of the methods in which the existing schools are being run.
Namloi, General Secy of Rongmei Naga Council Manipur complained of lack of teaching staff, shortage of furniture and infrastructure in the government schools.
Shonghuwang, Chairman of Zeliangrong Baudi Tamenglong zone spoke on the lack of proper health care.
There are also a number of government offices in the district but with no officers attending office.
Thiusiliu RK of Tamenglong Ward No I said that people get only rice, sugar and SK oil in the government's fair price shop.
He also said that the supplies were of low quality, adding that it is better to purchase the items from private shops.
Anganwadi workers also narrated their grievances that the state government did not provide adequate nutritional diet for the children which it is required to do so.
They also complained of the absence of required buildings and the low and irregular payments of honorariums for the workers.
The Zeme Naga Council Manipur and Zeme Pui Baudi Manipur submitted a memorandum to the DC Tamenglong seeking construction of a residential hostel for the poor Zeme children at Tamenglong HQ under BRGF or MSDP fund.
K Panmei, IAS DC said in conclusion that the public should know their rights and duties.
He also admitted that the demands made by the people today are all genuine.
Another public hearing for Tousem and Nungba Sub-Division will be held on January, 28 and February 4 respectively, at the sub Division.