Chandel bodies oppose MGNREGS fund allocation to ADC
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Chandel, June 06, 2013:
Various social organizations in Chandel district have strongly opposed to the move for allocation of 25 % of MGNREGS fund to members of Autonomous District Council.
Addressing a press meet convened by Machi and Tengnoupal Block Chiefs/Chairman Association at H.Kotlenphai Village Community Hall in Chandel District today, Solomon Dangsawa, President of Naga Chiefs Association, Tengnoupal Block, pointed out that in the guidelines of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), there is no provision for allocation of 25 % of MGNREGS fund to members of Autonomous District Council (ADC).
"Therefore, we strongly condemn the decision of the State Cabinet to allocate 25 % of the fund under MGNREGS to the members of ADC.
The Cabinet decision is against the interest of Job Card holders", Dangsawa said.
He further alleged that against the expectation of the villagers, the elected members of the District Council are creating problems in implementation of developmental schemes instead of bringing development.
Th.Guite, Vice President of All Tribal Chiefs & Grievances Forum, said that the fund for implementing MGNREGS is not sanctioned by the State Government but by the Central Government for the poor and un-employed people in rural areas.
As such, the Forum condemned the move of the State Government to allocate 25 % of MGNREGS Fund to members of District Council.
SK.
Angshel Lamkang, General Secretary of Naga Chiefs Association, Tengnoupal Block, warned that if the State government does not consider the demand for reviewing the Cabinet decision, job card holders of Chandel District would launch a series of agitations including bandh and blockade along the National Highways.
"If the State government is sincere and concerned about the welfare of the people in the Hill Districts, then devolution of power and functioning of the members of Autonomous District Council should be done under the Sixth Schedules of the Constitution", he demanded.
It may be mentioned here that the ADC members stand to deduct 25% of the fund provided under MGNREGS keeping in view of the State Cabinet decision on 01-09-2010 and the subsequent order issued by the Addl.
Chief Secretary (RD & PR), Govt.of Manipur.