Tribal body condemns, demands
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 26 2023:
The All Manipur Tribal Development Grievances Forum (AMTDGF) has condemned the failure to release funds under MGNREGS resulting in non-payment of pending liabilities and material components for the fiscal year of 2021-22 and 2022-23 .
A statement issued by Gangonglung Khumba, general secretary, AMTDGF noted that the Ministry of Rural Development (Department of Rural Development), Government of India had released grants in-aid amounting to Rs 330,13,64,000 (Three hundred and thirty crore, thirteen lakh and sixty four thousand rupees) to the State Government on March 23, 2023 .
The statement called it "shameful" that despite the Central Government releasing 75% of the Central share for payment of pending liabilities for FY 2021-22, the State Government has not paid the State share under MGNREGS for the previous fiscal year.
As such, AMTDGF urged the State Government to release funds under MGNREGS in the interest of registered job card holders of Manipur.
Claiming serious lapses and outstanding dues under schemes such as PM-Kisan, Old Age Pension Scheme and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), AMTDGF called upon the State Government to address these issues.
AMTDGF also apprised the State Government of alleged irregularities in distribution of food grains under National Food Security Act (NFSA), especially in the hill districts of Manipur.
Thus, the Forum appealed to the State Government to look into the matter and book the erring staff and other persons who may be involved in irregular distribution of food grains.
The Forum lastly urged the relevant department to release margin money to fair price shop agents and transporters.