'MSPP agitation in Delhi not against state government'
Source: Chronicle News Service
Kakching, February 16 2023:
Representatives of Manipur State Panchayat Parishad (MSPP) launching agitation in Delhi was not against the state government but only demanding the centre to initiate process for releasing the due wages under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), clarified MSPP president Md Abdul Latif.
In a release, Latif, while clarifying over a statement posted on the FB wall of chief minister N Biren saying that a Panchayat's team is in Delhi protesting against the state government, said that the agitation was in no way against the Manipur government and it was neither done with a secret agenda.
MSPP had already announced on February 1 through the local print and electronic media that it would urge the central leaders concerned to redress the grievances of PRIs if the state government fails to fulfil the demands.
Since the authorities concerned failed to provide any positive response, the Panchayat team went to Delhi and urged the central leaders concerned to provide the Rs 506 crore which state government is keeping in abeyance in addition to demanding them to provide the Rs 302 crore meant for material components under MGNREGS, he added.
He further informed that the team had also urged the central leaders for timely conduct of the Panchayat elections and it has come to the knowledge of MSPP that the chief minister in his statement had declared that the election will be held in April which is highly appreciated.
While appealing to the authority concerned not to use the Rs 756 crore released by the ministry on June 23, 2O22 for the job card holders of both the hills and the valley, as a sentinel of the state's exchequer and arrange an alternative means for the purpose, the release urged for releasing of Rs 406 crore left in the state's account by February 20 in the interest of the public.