Slur raised
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 03 2014: Social activists and individuals connected with the implementation of development projects under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act have alleged violation of Act norms prescribed by the Ministry concerned with regard to appointment of Ombudsmen for certain districts of manipur.

Addressing a news conference at Manipur press Club today, Lecturer (Retd) Dr N Irabot claimed that the May 21 notice issued by the State's Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department on appointment of ombudsmen for six districts violates standing order of the Ministry of RD & PR that prohibits inclusion of individuals who had held the said post in earlier terms.

Of the six ombudsmen, the incumbents for Imphal East, Thoubal and Senapati districts comprise individuals assigned the same designation, said the retired lecturer, who nevertheless pointed out that in case individual(s) concerned either appointed as an ombudsman or deputy ombudsmen who executed their assigned task satisfactorily then their rea-ppointment may be considered.

Referring to relevant website not enlisting details of individuals short-listed as members of the State level selection committee till date, he maintained that such lapses is another violation of the Ministry guidelines.

At the end of each term of two year period an ombudsman or deputy ombudsmen need to be replaced even though under exceptional condition service extension is possible, Dr Irabot added.

Joining the media briefing, social worker L Suranjoy observed that irregularities from the ombudsmen appointment stage provide strong room for suspicion that justice cannot be delivered to the aggrieved parties on matters concerning implementation of welfare schemes.

For an earlier appointment of ombudsmen written test and viva voce were conducted in 2009-2010 but this time around it is highly doubtful whether similar process was complied with, he said demanding annulment of the May 21 notification issued by the Government of Manipur on the said issue.

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