Sit-in-protest staged
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 14 2014:
Manipur State Panchayat active members staged a sit-in-protest today at Kwakeithel Tiddim Ground, Imphal.
Speaking at the protest, Sagolband Ronel Meitei, Langthabal Gram Panchayat Member expressed his concern over the alleged corrupted behaviour of some MLAs.
He said that the MLAs instead of focusing on important issues such as AFSPA, ILP and border fencing etc are showing more interest in reaping profits from Panchayat schemes.
Ronel also expressed his displeasure over the issue of MGNREGS blaming the State power holders for the deficiency of work under the MGNREGS.
Accusing them of pocketing larger portion of the amount sanctioned under the Central Government sponsored scheme, Ronel further added that out of 100 allotted mandays, most villages receive even less than 18 days' work order.
On the otherhand, Ronel said, the villagers blame Panchayat Members for reducing the number of mandays.
He further appealed to the authorities concerned to upgrade Panchayat as a functioning unit and to provide the Member's honorarium on time and also to merge DRDA with Zilla Parishad.
Keinou GP Pradhan Homeshwor urged the State Government to appoint full fledged Block Development Officers for the nine Blocks in four valley districts.
He said, the demands have already been placed before the Government on many occasions, but no response has been received so far.
Homeshwor, therefore, set a deadline of October 15 for the Government to act warning that he would set himself on fire to death in case the Government fails to fulfil their demand within this deadline.
The protesters also took out a rally from Tiddim Ground to Keishampat Junction as part of their demonstration.