No Govt benefits for unrecognised villages including power supply : CM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 08 2024: Villages not recognised by the Government shall not be provided Government benefits, like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, Power, Water Supply etc, said Chief Minister N Biren Singh today.

The announcement of the Chief Minister came just a few days after the Kuki Chiefs' Association, Manipur had opposed the directive of the Tribal Affairs and Hills Department to furnish detailed documentations of their villages from 1964 to the present.

He said this during the 70th Wildlife Week Celebration 2024 which concluded at the City Convention Centre, Imphal.

The week-long celebration was organised by the Forest Department.

No Govt benefits for unrecognised villages including power supply : CM

Speaking as the chief guest of the programme, Chief Minister N Biren Singh asserted that the "issues we face today are because of our past mistakes" .

The Chief Minister said several officials had in the past given recognition to hill villages without obtaining proper approval from the State Government for the benefit of their community.

In Moreh, a village chief allotted acres of land to the security forces through an officer of the Revenue Department without consulting the State Government, he said.

"A mere DFO or an SDO was giving recognition to hill villages at Langol and Nongmaijing (hill ranges) .

Thirty-one villages were given recognition by an SDC (Sub-Deputy Collector) at Churachandpur Khoupum area (forests) which is beyond their capacity," N Biren said.

The villages, which were registered by officials like Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) or Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) by exercising power beyond their capacity, will not be given Government facilities such as MGNREGS, power and water supply etc, he said.

He stated that politicians and officials need to work sincerely and they should have a clear knowledge of the past history of the region.

All Government officers, especially of the Revenue and the Forest Department should perform their duties with dedication and sincerity, he said.

The officers shall work within the ambit of the Constitution and laws like The Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act and Forest Acts etc.

The future will be difficult if Forest and Revenue officials are not sincere, he added.

"Once you become an officer or an elected representative, you no longer belong to your community only but to the country and the State.

You should work for the welfare of the two and not for the particular community you hail from," he said.

Speaking about global warming and natural calamities, N Biren said he appreciates Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his insightful initiative of 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Campaign" .

Mentioning initiatives like the "Green Imphal" campaign and "Green Manipur" mission, the Chief Minister stated the Government has been taking up efforts to conserve forest, environment, wildlife and waterbodies.

He said positive changes should come from within the society.

On human encroachment, he asserted that many people have also encroached on areas in Lamphelpat.

Loktak, the largest freshwater lake in the North East, is under threat because of encroachment.

If not protected timely, it may vanish, he said.

As a result of deforestation, the CM said the temperature is rising in the State.

He stressed on the need for developing a wildlife sanctuary, and instructed the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest to look into the matter.

Commenting on wildlife conservation efforts, the Chief Minister applauded the people of Ukhrul district for their resolution to protect wildlife and completely ban hunting and killing of wild animals and birds by putting a curb on all hunting weapons.

He called for more campaigns to raise awareness on conservation of wildlife and encourage people to voluntarily surrender hunting weapons like catapults, air-guns used for poaching in the hills.

N Biren further informed that the Government will soon begin rearing Mithun for consumption.

This would help check the hunting of wild animals, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Forest and Environment Minister, Thongam Biswajit Singh said that the rallies and campaigns, organised during the wildlife week were aimed at raising awareness among the people.

He said the survival of the human race depends on coexistence.

Humans must coexist with plants and animals, he added.

Various competitions were held during the week-long celebration and the prizes were distributed to the winners today.

The programme was attended by Ministers, Member of Parliament, MLAs, PCCF, Administrative Secretaries, and officials of the Forest Department and school students.