Dy CM calls VDF to rejoin duty
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 08 2013:
Citing sick financial condition of the State, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam who is also in charge of Home Department has called upon all agitating VDF personnel to rejoin duty.
On the final sitting of the ongoing Assembly session today, VDF's demand for increment in their salaries and honorarium was discussed on the floor of the House following call attention motion initiated by NCP MLA L Ibomcha.
Responding to the discussion, Gaikhangam stated that 18 personnel who were imposing bandh/blockade called by the All Manipur VDF Welfare Association demanding increment in their salaries and improvement of service condition were pulled up.
Criminal laws have been invoked against some of them.
The Government is aware that VDF has been sharing a major responsibility in maintaining law and order in the State.
At the same, the State Government is also aware that they are getting little emoluments.
But VDF is basically a voluntary service and notifications were issued before their recruitment, emoluments entitled to them were mentioned very clearly.
Even as all these facts were known to the All Manipur VDF Welfare Association, they were still imposing bandh, Gaikhangam stated.
Nonetheless, the Government has been looking into the possibility of increasing their salaries with sympathy.
However, on account of the not so sound financial condition of the State, the Government is unable to increase their salaries presently.
Once the State's financial condition improves, the Government would definitely try to increase salaries given to VDF personnel.
Given this situation, it would be in the best interest of all if the agitating VDF personnel call off their stir and rejoin duty, stated the Deputy Chief Minister.
Earlier, initiating the call attention motion, L Ibomcha pointed out that VDFs are being used not only in maintenance of law and order but also in guarding VIPs.
Noting that VDF personnel found it very hard to meet basic necessities of their families out of their meagre salary of Rs 3000 per month and allowance of Rs 1000, Ibomcha sought attention of the Government to talk with the aggrieved VDF personnel.
Observing that some VDF personnel have been dismissed, Ibomcha asked whether the Government has given sanction to recruit their replacements.
He also cautioned that the State's law and order situation would be affected if the Government remains silent to the agitation launched by VDF personnel.