Ukhrul ADC members decry State Govt's ill-treatment and negligence to elected Councillors
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, March 03 2019:
Ukhrul ADC (UADC) members has expressed that they strongly resented the State Govt's ill treatment and purported negligence to the elected Councillors who are not empowered by not devolving the power delegated to them to run the grassroot government smoothly at the district level.
UADC chairman, Dr Yaronsho Ngalung, while briefing a team of media persons at his residence, stated that the Councillors faced practical difficulties to render the worthy public services as an elected leaders.
He also highlighted about the various problems and issues of all the Autonomous District Council of the hill districts of Manipur.
Although, the 'Third Amendment Act 2008' talks about for more power devolution to the Autonomous District Council, the State Government is yet to frame clear cut policies & rules for its implementation and execution in the hill districts, the chairman maintained.
He continued that, altogether 26 Departments come under Autonomous District Council of Ukhrul and as per the Act, Councillors are entitled for monthly salary, however they received only meagre honorarium which is a direct discrimination to the elected representatives.
According to him, Municipality Adhakshya received monthly salary of Rs 25,000 where ADC chairman monthly honorarium is Rs 14,500 .
He also said that the same matter was brought to the notice of CM for entitlement of pension and other amenities, but nothing has been done even though he assured to address their grievances without delay.
Ukhrul ADC chairman also urged the concerned authority to expedite the process of ongoing road construction work from Ukhrul to Imphal and the main town highway, and cautioned to maintain quality work while executing it.
Dr Yaronsho also said that a co-ordination committee of all six ADCs chairmen of Manipur was formed in February last with the main objective to coordinate and pursue together the common problems to the State or Central Government.
He further appealed the State Government to give priority to Ukhrul district while deliberating to award Hill Area Development Fund for the current year.