Irked with slow progress, HEC slams govt's apathy
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Ukhrul, June 08 2012: Taking strong exception to the multiple glitches in the implementation of Government schemes in Ukhrul, the Hunphun Executive Council (HEC) has questioned the Government's lackadaisical attitude to the repeated public appeals to come down on the defaulting agencies.

In a press conference on Friday, HEC chairman Edmund Chiphang mentioned that there are glaring examples of various in-completed works by "seemingly dishonest contractors at Ukhrul town thereby depriving the basic amenities intended for the people by the government" .

He pointed out that the building construction of District Veterinary Hospital under NLCPR at an estimated cost Rs.61 lakh, which is an upgradation of the old veterinary hospital at Greenland, began in 2009 by Chansala, now an ADC member, of Lunghar Village.

However, even after four years, the building remains incomplete.

The NLCPR project, as per the official inquiry of HEC, was being taken up by the ADC member in the name of contractor Mingthing Horam.

Expressing concern over the inordinate delay, the Hunphun body said that non-completion of the work after dismantling the old building has practicably reduced the District Veterinary Office to function without hospital unit in the Ukhrul headquarters.

HEC also cited the slow progress in the installation of 2x5 MVA 33 KV with associated 33KV line and related works at the old electricity power house complex.

The power project at an approved cost of Rs.420.59 lakhs, was reportedly undertaken in 2009 by K.David of Hungpung village, a first class government registered contractors, in the name of the Kolkata based M/S Shyama Power Ltd.

But Till date, the power project is still at its initial stage.

In another instance, HEC chairman stated that construction of Greenland Community hall at the cost of Rs.10 lakhs under Manipur Development Society (MDS) in Ukhrul town did not see any progress since the initial work undertaken earlier.

The HEC is concerned that the negligence on the part of the contractors has deprived people of the required development and termed the act as a daylight robbery.

It also questioned why government has not taken action according to the law of the country.

Further, the body warned that it will not remain a silent spectator if the various construction works are not completed at the earliest.

On the poor administration in the district headquarters, the HEC expressed dissatisfaction over the government's apathy for keeping Ukhrul without proper Deputy Commissioner for more than two months.

After the incumbent DC R.Sudhan took leave in March, the erstwhile Ukhrul SDO, a young IAS officer of 2009 batch, has been placed as DC in-charge without sanctioning power.

Interestingly, the DC in-charge is also the SDO in-charge of Jessami.

The body alleged that the district administration remains ineffective in all fronts due to in-experience, coupled with work burden, of the DC in-charge.

HEC has also taken serious note over the allocation of site for fish and chicken vendors in front SDO quarter and the old Fishery department office by the Department concerned to various individuals.

It stated that the construction of these stalls has affected the expanse of the town main street, thereby causing traffic congestions.

The body appealed to the concerned authority to look into the matter at the earliest.

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