9th Exhibition-cum-Sales of NERCORMP Ukhrul kicks off
Source: Hueiyen News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, November 25 2015: Manifesting its accomplishments in uplifting the rural community in the district, NERCORMP/UDACR/IFAD Ukhrul kicked off its 9th Exhibition-cum-sales with Ukhrul ADC chairman Dr Yaronsho Ngalung as Chief Guest at TNL Ground here on Wednesday.

The event is being participated by NARM-G Cluster Association, SHGs/Zonal Federations under IFAD Ukhrul and other fraternal NGOs.

In his chief guest speech, Dr Ngalung said that IFAD Ukhrul has come a long way in uplifting the rural community in Ukhrul district since 1999, while lauding it for being the pioneer in introducing sustainable livelihood means and business concept to the rural populace.

Mincing without a word, he then pointed out that the gross apathy of the State government is at the root of backwardness in hill districts like Ukhrul.

9th Exhibition-cum-Sales of NERCORMP Ukhrul kicks off

"While political struggles have drawn major attention of the people for the last 70 years in the hills, developmental pace has lagged behind," Dr Ngalung observed.

Holding rampant corruption responsible for the acute lack of development in the district, he urged upon all concerned authorities/agencies to shun corrupt practices in implementing various development programs.

Mentioning the constraints of his council, he asserted that the State government has not earmarked any funds for the Ukhrul ADC since June.

"Still then we are ready to work and fulfill the collective interests of the public for which have stood up," he proclaimed while calling for public cooperation to his council so as to bring development in the district.

Giving the welcome address, Tychicus Vashum project manager UDCRMS Ukhrul said that NERCORMP Ukhrul has so far covered a total of 172 villages in its various development programs and that it is endeavouring to incorporate 50 villages more in the days to come.

Stating that while NERCORMP is engaged in infrastructural development in the interior villages, it is also keenly oriented towards women empowerment," Vashum said that NERCORMP Ukhrul is giving due attention in micro finance programs for women folk through SHGs in the district.

Advocating preservation of nature, which he said is the aim of IFAD, Vashum dissuaded the villagers from mindless exploitation of natural resources adding that the same has resulted in water crisis, air pollution apart from aggravating global warming.

On cutting the ribbon, chief guest followed by guests and visitors inspected the myriad of stalls.

As part of the inaugural ceremony, a bevy of Sentinel College students clad in traditional attire showcased the cr�me de la cr�me of the products and enthralled the visitors with choreography.

Out of the total of 27 stalls, 14 are being opened by NaRM G Cluster Association 5 Stalls by SHGs, while 8 stalls are set up by other entrepreneurs and fraternal NGOs at the exhibition venue which attracted hundreds of buyers and visitors on the opening day with a turnover up to Rs.5,60,585 .

Ningreingam KH business dev officer UDCRMS expressed gratitude to 41 AR, PHED, TNL and others for their cooperation and assistance in organizing the event.

Many Ukhrul ADC members, SP Ningshen Vashum, 41 AR Major Pandey, OC BRTF and officers of various departments attended the exhibition.

Meanwhile, IFAD Ukhrul has informed that more variety of items/products will be put up from day two of the three day exhibition which will continue till 27 November.