Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, August 18:
With egalitarian development high on its agenda an extensive survey had been carried out by functionaries of Kasom Khullen Sub-Division Development Association since August 8 during which 44 villages under the sub-division were covered.
During the 10 day survey campaign consultative meetings were held at many places with village elders actively involved in the endeavour, said the Association's chairman Jojo Robertson at a media briefing held this afternoon at the Manipur Press Club.
Highlighting that the survey team came across negligence and serious anomalies at many villages of the sub-division, the chairman enlisted PDS items, with the exception of kerosine oil, such as APL, BPL, AAY and annapurna rice as well as sugar denied to the people for the last 10 years.
Insisting that further inquiries would be initiated to find out why such essential items had not been provided to the people, Jojo also said the SDO concerned would be consulted for revision of ration cards.
He also contended that transportation charge of lifting PDS items from Ukhrul is high and said State authorities would be urged to enable PDS agents lift the items from Imphal as the sub-division is geographically closer to the State capital.
Further stating that people of the sub-division are of firm believe that lifting PDS items from Imphal would be more feasible in terms of accessibility, he substantiated his contention by informing that development of Kasom Khullen State Highways into a two-lane route has been included in the programme of Asian Development Bank.
Drawing attention of the Government that roadways in the sub-division is in dilapidated condition due to prolonged negligence, the chairman urged the State authorities to initiate appropriate measures to mitigate transportation woes of the people even if on a temporary basis.
Regarding health care infrastructure, he said the sub-division has one primary health centre and four sub-centres whose proper functioning is being impeded due to lack of life saving drugs and medical personnel insufficiency.
Joining the media briefing, deputy chairman of the Association J Ninghojo Zou said out of 44 villages in the sub-division about 200 families are staying without proper shelter (house) and drew the attention of the Government to arrange for building houses under sponsored schemes.
The sub-division also has about 400 aged people not covered by any related programme and desired that Government include/enrol them under the old age pension scheme.
The Association's general secretary K Khayao said almost all educational institutions in the sub-division lack basic infrastructure and called for immediate measures to ameliorate problems of the student community including provision for the mid-day meal scheme.
Committee member K Khaphung said out of the 44 villages 19 are yet to be connected with electricity and proposed that solar lighting system be arranged besides installation of a 33 KV power sub-station to ensure electricity connection for the deprived villagers.