Urban, rural bodies unite on development plank
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 25 2011: Along with formal announcement of constituting a joint body of elected members of Nagar Panchayats and Imphal Municipal Council's Ward Development Committee (WDC) members a felicitation programme of newly elected WDC members was held at MDU Hall, Yaiskul.

The felicitation programme concluded after adoption of various resolutions including submission of a memorandum to the Government highlighting issues and problems besieging newly elected WDC Members, and seeking effective redressal measures by the State Cabinet.

Decision was also taken to approach authorities concerned for handing over to the IMC Councillors/WDC Members detailed account of distribution of PDS items such as AAY, BPL and APL rice to the beneficiaries as per guideline issued by the Central Government and to demand issuance of a gazette notification with regard to constitution of finance and statistics sub-committees under the Ward Development Committee in compliance with the principle and spirit of Manipur Municipality Community Participation Act 2010 .

The congregation also approved for appraisal to the Government for issuing guidelines on mandatory information to all the Members outcome of Councillors' meeting resolutions/decisions and to provide honorarium on par with members of Autonomous District Councils.

Another resolution pertains to demand for setting up of Members' offices to monitor implementation of Central-sponsored programmes at the level of Municipal Council wards.

Announcing formation of All Manipur Nagar Panchayats and Municipal Councils Elected Ward development Committee Members' Welfare Association, general secretary of the Association Shyamchandra Chongtham said formation of the joint body comprising of 18 elected members of Nagar Panchayat and 54 IMC WDC members is to ensure fair share of development programmes in all the IMC wards.

Noting that there is huge disparity amongst the IMC wards in terms of development activities, he said with the launch of the Association Ward Development Committee members could chalk out development plans for submission to the Chief Minister.

Informing that local MLAs too have an important role to play for development of their respective constituencies, Shyamchandra said WDC members would be assigned to monitor and provide evidence with regard to distribution of PDS items by the local clubs.

Further stating that veracity of BPL card holders would also be examined by the WDC members, he expressed hope that such a procedure would ensure only genuine BPL families avail benefits rather than economically strong families getting accommodated in such welfare scheme.

Regretting that till date no definite task for the WDC members have been chalked out by the Government in addition to absence for accommodating them in the IMC office, Shyamchandra strongly advocated initiation of necessary measures in order testify that election of Ward Development committee members was conceived with all seriousness rather than a formality.

disclosing that an amount of Rs 2.72 crore had already been released by the 13th Finance Commission for IMC related activities followed by second phase release of Rs 14.67 crore, the Association secretary called upon the WDC member to ensure these financial allocations are utilised for the welfare of the general public.

speaking at the occasion advocate Kh Mani wondered as to why the elected WDC members have not been assigned their respective tasks even after completion of the entire election procedures and enactment of Manipur Municipal Community Participation Act 2010 .

Expressing that participation of WDC members in development activities at the grassroots level cannot be undermined, he also suggested that each and every Member thoroughly understand contents of the Act.

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