Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 11 2009:
Reacting to a news report published in the october 8 edition regarding jatropha plantation under NREGS in Phungyar Block of Ukhrul district, a joint statement of chairmen and secretaries of 23 (villages) NREGS Committees dismissed the allegations as unfounded and misleading.
The statement said the villages agreed to take up the Jatropha plantation only after mutual consultation with the programme Officers concerned and there was no question of violation in the village work proposals.
The rate of Rs 2500 per kg of Jatropha FI Hybrid Seed has been fixed by DI Williamson Magor Bio Fuel Ltd, Kolkata and not by the DC or BDO/PO, the Committee maintained.
It also clarified that the Company supplied seeds to other North Eastern States and districts of Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Chandel as well as in blocks of Ukhrul district at the same rate.