Court directs NACO, Union Health Ministry
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 18 2014 :
Following a writ petition (PIL) filed in the High Court of Manipur seeking cancellation of appointment letters to seven private agencies for implementing the Link Worker Scheme/Project to address HIV/AIDS related issues in rural areas of seven districts of the State on the ground that they were appointed against rules, the High Court of Manipur in its hearing on Feb 14 observed that the appointment of the agencies was effected without consulting the Project Director of Manipur AIDS Control Society who is listed as respondent number 3 in the petition.
The petition was filed by a social worker Konjengbam Meghachandra Singh, who is also the Secretary Organisation and Coordination of All Manipur Anti Drugs Association.
The petitioner said that in response to an invitation through a newspaper, some NGOs who are not based locally submitted application for implementation of Link Worker Scheme in seven districts�Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Senapati, Chandel and Tamenglong.
Seven NGOs listed as Respondent No 7-13 in the petition were appointed as agencies to implement the scheme without conducting the desk review of the applications as required under Section 3.1 of NGO/CBO Operation guidelines on March 22, 2011, the petitioner said.
On the petitioner's allegation that the appointed agencies are not extending benefits under the schemes to the rural areas, the Court observed that such allegation could only be examined by the Secretary, Dept of AIDS Control, Ministry of Health and FW, Govt of India and National AIDS Control Organisation, Ministry of H&FW which are listed as respondent No 1 & 2, through a fact finding enquiry.
As such, the Court declined to entertain the writ application at this stage while granting the liberty to the petitioner to submit representation to Dept of AIDS Control and NACO within four weeks from the issue of the Court order.
Senior Advocate N Ibotombi Singh appeared on behalf of the petitioner and assisted by Advocate Th Ibohal Singh.
In compliance with the Court's order, the petitioner has submitted a representation to the Secretary, Dept of AIDS Control, MH&FW, New Delhi and Secretary, NACO, MH&FW, New Delhi.