Rishang questions sluggish pace of development
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 14: Stating that the Government of India has been allotting huge amount of funds continuously for development of Manipur, Rajya Sabha MP Rishang Keishing has questioned the sluggish pace of development witnessed in the State.

Speaking at the inaugural function of the newly constructed boys' hostel of the Phungyar Government High School yesterday, the veteran Congress leader asked as to why there is little development in the State despite huge amount of fund provided by the Government of India.

He also questioned where have all this money gone.

Rishang Keishing and DD Thaisii at the inauguration function

Stating that planning for development is being done at the local level based on the insistence of Ministers and MLAs who can lobby more, he decried the failure of the State Government to formulate plans with a wider perspective for development of the whole State.

Had there been standard network of roads and communication infrastructure, a large number of tourists will be visiting the State which would not only augment State's revenue but also provide jobs to many un-employed youths, he noted while asking as to why the Government is unable to develop modern transport and communication infrastructure when it is claiming that there is no paucity of fund.

He exhorted to be adept not only in seeking fund from the Centre but also in executing development programmes.

Asserting that presence of numerous entities who would disturb peace at the slightest pretext has been impeding development in Manipur, the seasoned politician questioned why there were bandhs and disturbance when any development project was taken up.

He claimed that 75 percent of the people of Manipur do not support activities of UG groups.

They just could not speak out for fear of reprisals.

Calling upon UG groups not to undertake anything that may cause undue trouble and misery to the people, he cautioned that it would be disastrous if the Government is also drawn in corrupt activities and malpractices.

The MP further appealed to all to give up the habit of committing arson and other violent activities in pursuit of certain demands.

He observed that fighting for ethnicity or language would not help in restoring peace in the society.

Questioning as to why adequate number of teachers are not posted in Phungyar Government High School, the MP assured that he would urge upon the relevant Minister to build a girls' working hostel at Adimjati and another girls' hostel in Phungyar High School.

The Rajya Sabha MP also called upon the people to deliberate on the failures of MLAs and Ministers elected by people in the hope of bringing development in their constituencies.

Taking part in the inaugural function, Tribal Development Minister DD Thaisii conceded that he found it unsatisfactory when he inspected various development programmes taken up by TD Department.

Guided by selfish motive to benefit only themselves while forgetting that the programmes are meant to benefit the public including himself/herself, all the development programmes have been kept in total disarray, he noted.

The TD Minister noted that absence of Phungyar representative in the Government's decision making body is a great loss to the people of the constituency.

The inaugural function was attended by a large number of people including church leaders and village leaders.

The function was also attended by Kishan Khet Mazdoor Congress chairman H Nabakumar.

Earlier before the inaugural function, Phungyar block committee and other organisations submitted a number of memoranda to the Chief Minister through the TD Minister.

The main points of the memoranda were opening of a Sub-Treasury office at Phungyar, repairing of Inspection Bungalow, upgradation of Phungyar High School to a Higher Secondary School and installation of 33 KV power sub-station.