Chiefs suspect fund swindling
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 06 2013 :
Without executing many of the works allotted in Chandel district particularly Chakpikarong sub-division, a large amount of funds has been allegedly withdrawn by contractors in cahoot with some officials of Minor Irrigation Department.
Representatives of the Anal Naga Chiefs' Association and a media team today visited the areas of Chakpikarong sub-division where different projects have been executed under Accelerated Irrigation Beneficiary Programme (AIBP) through MI Department.
But many of the projects like construction of dams, RLI schemes etc were abandoned incomplete while some others have not been initiated at all even though funds sanctioned for the same projects have been reportedly withdrawn.
Speaking to the media team, Anal Naga Chiefs' Association, Chakpikarong sub-division president RD Thundang claimed that a huge amount of fund has been withdrawn after submitting utilization certificates for three phases of AIBP starting from 2008 .
Although the utilization certificates were submitted somehow, none of the projects included in the three phases of AIBP were fully completed.
These incomplete projects rather giving any benefit to local farmers have been causing lot of difficulties, Thundang said.
Whereas the matter has been brought to the notice of Chief Minister O Ibobi, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, Minor Irrigation Parliamentary Secretary K Meghachandra and other relevant officials, nothing has been done till date to redress the people's grievances.
Such negligence on the part of the Government aroused bitter feelings among the people against the Government of Manipur.
In case no positive response is forthcoming from the side of the State Government within the current month, the association together with UNC and other organisations would launch all sorts of agitation including bandhs and blockade, Thundang said.
Even though Chief Minister O Ibobi declared upgradation of Chakpikarong PHC to the level of CHC in 2012, it still remains like a PHC without getting any facility entitled to a CHC.
Thundang further urged the Government to repair the 26 Kms long Chakpikarong-Sugnu-Chandel Hqs road and provide potable water to the people of Chakpikarong and surrounding areas.