Rs. 500 for SSA toilet ! – Meddling of local politics in its best manifestation –
- Hueiyen Lanpao Editorial :: April 19, 2012 -

The latrine constructed under SSA - Pix :: Hueiyen Lanpao

At first reading, it evoked laugher, but anger and bitterness in subsequent readings over the callosity of the matter.

That was the kind of response the news report on construction of toilets under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), a programme that aims at universalisation of elementary education, in some primary schools under Khundrakpam Assembly Constituency in Imphal East district has elicited.

The revelation has once again brought forth the debilitating impact of undue interference of local politics in the implementation of Rights to Education Act in Manipur.

The construction of one toilet each in all primary schools of the state under SSA has been mooted following an order of the Supreme Court of India and an amount of Rs 4000 had been subsequently sanctioned for each school for the year 2011-12. Of course, construction of a proper toilet with mere Rs 4000 at this time when the cost of construction materials is high-priced is unthinkable.

So, it was meant for starting the work. However, even before finalization of the works to be executed and releasing the amount to the respective schools, some unscrupulous people arm-twisted the authority of SSA State Mission to release the amount with the claim that they have lobbied hard for the contract work and have already constructed the toilets.

What is even more annoying over the matter is the alleged nexus between these individuals and the local MLA. The individuals approached the authority of SSA State Mission in the name of the MLA.

Keeping in mind the existing trend of starting or executing works prior to issuance of relevant work order, which has become a norm rather than in exception in Manipur today, the overt enthusiasm of the individuals in finishing construction of toilets and then coming to ask for clearance of bills may seems quite natural.

But spot inspection of the toilets constructed has exposed that that they are no better than arrangement for open defecation for students. These open-air toilets have neither tanks nor commodes nor privacy.

Just surrounded by some bamboo mats, the construction of these toilets appeared to be of a day's work spending hardly Rs 500 including wages; if at all, any workers had been engaged for the purpose.

So, that was construction of toilets under SSA at government primary schools in Khundrakpam Assembly Constituency of Imphal East!

Amid all these madness over contract works and the resultant ludicrousness in implementation of developmental works under SSA, one silver lining that has emerged over the horizon is the stand adopted by the District Programme officer, SSA, Imphal East District, who, despite threats on his personal life over any possible delay in clearing the bills, has put down his foot firmly on the ground.

Such kind of courage and conviction on the part of government officials is essential for successful implementation of any developmental schemes and projects in Manipur and the public should support such officials.

On the other hand, the honourable MLA whose name has been linked to the issue of toilet construction should come out with a clarification.

Even if it said that 'Caesar's wife must be above suspicion', we dare say, dipping hands into 'toilet' is too low for an elected representative to contemplate.