Link Worker Scheme: HC orders probe into selection of NGOs
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, February 19 2014:
High Court of Manipur has directed the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) to conduct a fact finding inquiry into the selection of NGOs for implementation of Link Worker Scheme in seven districts of the State.
The order was issued by a bench comprising Chief Justice (Acting) LK Mohapatra and Justice N Kotiswar on February 14 after hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by one social worker and Secretary Organization & Coordination of All Manipur Anti-Drugs Association (AMADA) Konjengbam Meghachandra of Sagolband Tera Sapam Leirak Machin.
In the PIL, the petitioner contended that seven NGOs namely Nirvana Foundation, Babupara; Progressive People's Organization (PDO), Singjamei Parking; Rural Voluntary Scheme (RVS), Thoubal Wangbal; Mani Health (RHSDO), Irengbam Oinam; Meitei Leimarol Simnai Sang, Khoyathong; New Generation, RIMS Road; and Youth Development, Singjamei Mathak have been appointed as implementing NGOS for Link Worker Scheme without consultation with the Project Director of Manipur State AIDS Control Society (MACS) and also alleged that the NGOs have not been extending benefits under the scheme to the rural areas.
The petitioner made a prayer to the Court to cancel appointment of the seven NGOs for implementation of Link Worker Scheme in seven districts of the State, namely Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Chandel, Senapati and Tamenglong.
The order of the High Court read as, "The allegations (made by the petitioner) can only be examined by Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) through a fact finding inquiry.
We, therefore, decline to entertain this writ application at this stage and grant liberty to the petitioner to submit representation to the Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and NACO within four weeks from February 14.In the event of such representations are filed, the same shall be looked into and appropriate decision thereon shall be taken by the officials concerned within three months from the date of receipt of representation" .
The writ application was thus disposed of by the bench of Manipur High Court.