Kuki chiefs to ban contractors
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Gyanand Naorem
Kakching, February 21 2013:
Coming out strongly against the alleged nexus of Ministers, contractors and high ranking officials of the state government, Shokhomang Haokip, President of Kuki Chiefs' Association, Chandel today said that various projects and schemes sanctioned by the Centre meant for development of the hill areas hardly reached the people as the Ministers, contractors and high ranking officials are actively indulge in acquiring their percentages from the amount sanctioned.
Addressing a press meet at H Kotlenphai village Community Hall, Shoklhomang Haokip pointed out that the Centre has sanctioned huge funds for development of Khengjoi, Kana, Gunpi, Tengnoupal, Pallel and Moreh area every year.
But the sanctioned amounts hardly reach the targeted people as it comes through the ministers, officials of the concerned departments and the contractors.
Even if some of the projects are taken up, they lack quality.
When enquired about DPR, workers always said that they do not know their contractors.
When the PMGSY of the Centre is all set to begin its 8th phase, Chandel district is still in a backward situation without any visible changes so far.
Most of the works taken up under the different projects also remained incomplete.
Shokhomang demanded the concerned authorities to show the DPR of any projects to be taken up in the area to the village chiefs in future.
He also announced that they will ban contractors who could not come to the work site and do not think for the welfare of the hill areas.
General Secretary, KCA, N Sontah urged the Ministers and MLAs to show concern for development of hill areas through action instead of just saying hills and plains are one.
Bringing development only in the plains and neglecting the hills will never bring any peaceful relationship.
When the government develops the hill areas at par with the valley areas, the relationship between the hills and valley people will improve automatically, he added.