Scripting success story of ameliorating lives of the poor
Source: Hueiyen News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, March 17 2015: Ever since the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)-Ukhrul Division became involved in developmental activities of far-flung Chingjaroi Village in Ukhrul district in 2010, the poor in the village had begun to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Four years or so down the line, a new wave of development is sweeping across the village, thanks to the intervention of the UN development agency.

Through introducing myriad basic amenities and facilities like low cost latrines, water tank, solar panels apart from providing low-interest loans and grants to the poor villagers, SHGs etc., the IFAD Ukhrul today is scripting a success story of ameliorating the living conditions for the erstwhile poor and hapless residents of Chingjaroi village which is located far-off in the northern corner about 87 kms from Ukhrul district headquarters.

Project Manager UDCRMS/NERCOMP-IFAD Tychicus Vashum

Adding a new feather in Ukhrul IFAD's cap, Project Manager UDCRMS/NERCOMP-IFAD Tychicus Vashum Tuesday inaugurated twin Guest houses under the Common Facility Centre (CFC) project at two localities of Chingjaroi village � Chingjaroi CV and Ngachaphung back to back in two different functions.

The three-room CFC building at Chingjaroi CV has been built by Sewkhadew NaRM-G at the total cost of Rs.11,31,600 out of which IFAD contributed Rs.8, 73, 600 while the two room guest house at Ngachaphung has been built by Sasang NaRM-G with the Rs.3, 64, 000 contribution of IFAD at the cost of Rs.5, 41, 600 in partnership with UDCRMS/NERCOMP-IFAD Ukhrul.

Presentation of Tangkhul cultural and folk dances like Khangahon, Rai Pheichak (war dance) and Hao Laa (pagan songs) by Ningshangla Yar, EYO, Ngachanphung Shanao Long enthralling the dignitaries marked the inauguration ceremony.

Addressing the inauguration functions at the two Chingjaroi localities, Vashum lauded the villagers for their cooperation and enthusiasm in various developmental activities taken up in the village during the course of the current five-year partnership with IFAD.

He said that IFAD Ukhrul has been providing various work programmes to the village as proposed by the residents for their local requirements.

Vashum called for accountability and transparency in execution of all projects.

He also said that it takes each and everyone to partake in developmental activities while advocating sense of ownership among the villagers.

Speaking at the occasion, Raizar, headman, Chingjaroi CV said that since 2010, IFAD ukhrul has rendered a total of 22 services related to agriculture and farming apart from providing financial assistance amounting to 40 lakhs to his village.

Meanwhile, Ngazek headman of Ngachaphung lauded IFAD Ukhrul for fulfilling the wishes of his villagers to build a low cost latrine for each household.

He also said that with the assistance of IFAD Ukhrul, his village is now availing pipeline water supply apart from receiving assistance for the four existing SHGs under UDWIM of the agency.