Erratic net fails VB-G RAM G
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik

Ukhrul, September 28 2026: The ambitious National flagship programme of VB-G RAM G has failed in Sahamphung block in Kamjong district, depriving the benefits of the scheme to its villages for more than 2 years due to erratic cellular and internet services.

The Sahamphung block has around 26 villages.

Of the villages, only four, Apong, Hangkaw, Yidah and Changa have access to internet services.

Adding to the woes, the block remains dependent on power generators for electricity.

This condition of the block was highlighted at a press conference held at Phungreitang, Ukhrul today.

Erratic net fails VB-G RAM G

Aleng Shaiza, chairman of VB-GRAMG Saham-phung Block Villages Association, said despite repeated appeals to the authorities concerned including the Kamjong district Deputy Commissioner, the issues concerning the cellular and internet services and electricity have remained unresolved.

The erratic and unreliable cellular and internet services in the block have deprived the villages of the benefits of the VB-GRAMG scheme, Aleng said.

The scheme has completely failed in as many as 10 villages including Chamu, Gampal, Kachou-phung, Kashung, Khayang, Langcha, Langkhe, Mati-yang, Roni, H Kaphung and K Phungtha, Aleng said.

There have been zero VB-GRAMG activities in these villages in the financial year 2024-25 and 2026-27 due to unavailability of internet services, Aleng added.

Among the 26 villages of the block, only four villages Apong, Hangkaw, Yidah and Changa have access to internet services.

People in other villages have to walk kilometres to get access to internet services, Aleng said.

People in villages like Maka have to walk at least 5-7 Km in search of internet service for downloading work demands and muster rolls for VB-GRAMG works, Aleng added.

While VB-GRAMG is one sector that has been hit, the unavailability or erratic cellular and internet services in the block has also affected communication, digital services, banking, education, emergency and other Government services, Aleng said.

Further, the installation of a mobile tower at the Pihang Kuki village has compounded the woes of the villages in the block, Aleng claimed.

Aleng claimed Kuki militants stationed at the Pihang village frequently hijack fuel for refuelling generators, leaving the villages without power supply.

Aleng added the region depends on power generators for electricity.

Thotrinchan Hungyo, secretary of Sahamphung village, who was present in the press meet, further expressed that the non-release of "material components" of VB-GRAMG for over 2-3 years has severely affected the beneficiaries and the local economy.

The Sahamphung block villages are urging the Government to address the grievances of the job card holders on or before October 10.Failure to address the issues within the stipulated time may force the villagers, job card holders to launch agitation, Hungyo said.