Jiribam, August 28 2009: Non-cultivators of Jiribam and its adjoining areas have been benefited from the relief given by a Shillong based NGO for the cultivators whose standing crops were affected by Mautam (Bamboo flowering).

Under the mission of 'Mautam Food for Work Programme,' the North Eastern India Committee on Relief Development (NEICORD), an NGO based in Shillong, had released 439.20 quintals of rice for the listed 732 households of Jiribam and another 292.80 quintals of rice for 488 listed households of Phaituol village of Tousem Subdivision in Tamenglong district.

There is no doubt that the cultivators in Phaituol village, whose standing crops have been destroyed, deserve the relief benefit.

But there is none in Jiribam who can be called cultivators or farmer.

Yet the number of listed beneficiary households in Jiribam is more.

Speaking in this regard, chairman of Mautam Food for Work Programme for Jiri area Rev T Remthang explained that the relief is being extended to the people of Jiribam inspite of being non-cultivators as Mautam has indirectly affected the people of Jiribam as well when the directly affected villagers from the neighbouring villages used to take refuge in Jiribam.

Pastor K Gaipui, who is also the secretary of Mautam Food for Work programme, Jiri area has complained that Jiri police took away one rice bag from the relief consignment at the Jiri Check post and termed the conduct of Jiri police as unfortunate.

On the other hand, K Phillip, a local resident of Kalinagar in Jiribam said that its always glad to receive relief materials, specially when it comes free and applauded NEICORD for providing relief even though he is a non-cultivator.

A lady from Kalinagar exclaimed her joy over receiving the relief assistance unexpectedly.

But she admitted ignorance of Mautam or bamboo flowering as she is not a cultivator.

A social activist has suggested that every NGOs should see whether the relief assistance reaches the targeted population or not.

VA complains:Through a memorandum, the Khoupum Area Village Authority Council has complained to the Works Minister that the completion report regarding construction of road from Lamdan to Khoupum (Old Cachar Road) under CRF was submitted by the contractors/sub-contractors and bills withdrawn in excess without actually completing the work.

The little completed portion was also done without maintaining quality.

The manner it was executed did not conform to work specifications.

It appealed to the Works Minister to intervene in the matter and ensure that the road development work is completed with due emphasis on necessary quality without any delay.

It also sought necessary actions against the contractors for withdrawing bill in excess before completion of the work properly.

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