PRIs call 48 hours shutdown
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 19 2021:
Denouncing that the honorarium of of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) are still yet to be paid, the Manipur State Panchayat Parishad (MSPP), Porompat has called a Statewide 48 hr shutdown with effect from the midnight of April 20 (Tuesday).
The Parishad also resolved to boycott the National Panchayati Raj Day, which falls on April 24.Briefing journalists at Imphal East DC complex at Porompat today, president of MSPP, Porompat, Md Abdul Latip stated that PRI of six districts - Imphal East, Imphal West, Kakching, Thoubal, Bishnupur and Jiribam have been demanding wages for job cardholders and release of 15th Finance Commission Awards (2nd instalment) and honoraria of Panchayat functionaries.
He claimed that the recent comment of RD & PR Minister pertaining to the MGNREGA fund is an attempt to quell the protest of Panchayat functionaries.
Saying that the PRIs will continue its agitation unless an order for releasing the pending funds and honorarium is issued, he added that the PRI of six districts will stage protest demonstrations at their respective districts tomorrow (April 20) .
He, however, informed that the agitation will be relaxed on Khongjom Day (April 23).Urging the State Government and department concerned to release the pending MGNREGA fund and the honorarium of Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) at the earliest, Latip cautioned that the PRIs will launch harsher agitations if their demand remains unheeded.
The Centre had already sanctioned the MGNREGA fund for 2020-21 in March 2021, he said and asked why the funds are being withheld.