Ukhrul ZEO sealed; TFOs demand rectification of SSA anomalies
Source: Hueiyen News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, September 18 2015 : Mounting pressure on the government to rectify a slew of prolonged anomalies besetting the implementation of various SSA programs under ZEO Ukhrul, the Tangkhul Frontal Organizations (TFOs) have indefinitely sealed the office of the ZEO Ukhrul located at Phungreitang in the district headquarters.

TFOs have said that the crucial step has been taken in view of the rampant anomalies in SSA functioning putting the studies of students at risk.

"We have put up a 10-point demand for early rectification of the myriad anomalies and until the government fulfills our demand, the District ZEO Office will not be allowed functioning and kept sealed."

Ukhrul ZEO sealed; TFOs demand rectification of SSA anomalies

On Thursday around 4 pm volunteers of Tangkhul Naga Long, Tangkhul Shanao Long, Tangkhul Katamnao Saklong, Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long, Tangkhul Naga Ato Longphang, Tangkhul Naga Zingtun Longphang, Tangkhul Naga Zingsho Longphang and Tangkhul Naga Aze Longphang stormed the district ZEO office and then sealed the main entrance with a banner reading "TFOs have shut down corrupted ZEO/DPO" after locking up the building.

Explaining the various anomalies, TFOs pointed out that DPM, SSA Ringshan Shaiza and AI-ZEO Wilson Rephung had forged an SMDC bank account and had withdrawn Rs.79, 86, 320 in January 2014 rather than genuine SMDC.

Another Rs.1,51,86,320 that was initially deposited in genuine SMDC account had been embezzled by transferring it in to SPO account as per document No.3/112014-SSA/SMA dated 2/5/2014, TFOs said.

Sources further informed that the department has not distributed the 1KVA solar plants sanctioned in 2010-11 to ten Junior High Schools in the district for conducting computer class, while a program for school dropouts has not been implemented till date despite Rs.25,74,000 had been credited into Ukhrul DBE bank account on 23/12/2013 .

"Yet another Rs.35,40,000 meant for KGBV Poi and Residential School Shangshak was deposited into Ukhrul DBE account on 17/12/2013 but the same has not been implemented till today," TFOs said adding that even many school buildings have been found built far off in forest areas by counterfeit SMDCs, with the result that students cannot attend class due to the distance.

On the demand, the organizations said that the SSA officials should cough up the whole embezzled amount and deposit it into genuine SMDC bank accounts and the concerned authorities should take up the FIR 6/2 2014 Ukl PS filed on 18/2/2014 in connection with the SSA anomalies.

Other points in the demand included constructing of all school buildings as per GPS school mapping sites approved by Project Approval Board (PAB), suspension of DPM Shaiza and AI Rephung, endorsing of all Civil works to genuine SMDC s as per SSA guidelines among many others.