Source: The Imphal Free Press
Imphal, October 23:
Concerned over the prolonged delay in the implementation of the Japanese funded Manipur Sericulture Project, members of the field operating units and NGOs supposed to be involved in the project have warned of a massive public agitation if there is any further delay.
A joint meeting of representatives of the Sangaipat Women�s cum Development Marketing Association, the all Manipur Field Operating Unit Forum, and the NGO-Seri cell was held in this connection today at the State Guest house at Sanjenthong.
Participants in the conference, who blamed the state bureaucracy for the delay in the project�s implementation, expressed serious concern over the fact that the services of the Japanese consultancy firm engaged for the project, Nippon Koei Company ends in December this year.
Observing that the terms and conditions of the project have already been settled, they charged that the project had been delayed by some vested interests who were not concerned with the development of the state.
They maintained that the project was a boon for the women of Manipur, and the efforts to delay are amounted to suppression of the womenfolk.
They declared that they would not allow the project to be abandoned and reiterated that there would be a massive agitation if that happened.
Speakers at the meeting also pointed out that the project would give employment to over 30,000 people and would benefit all sections, and appealed to all to avoid tainting it with corruption or irregularities.
It was resolved at the meeting to stage a public meeting and a rally on October 27 next concerning the sericulture project, and to submit a memorandum to the Governor of Manipur in this connection.