Imphal, January 22 2010: At time when most of the people of the state are with no regular works for livelihood, members of Kanglei Economic Development Organisation (KEDO) are occupied with their own works since the launch of its flagship programme, 'Work for Identity' since 2007 .

Members of KEDO have been engaged in making and packing various food products of the state.

Supplying candles, selling ice-creams, milks, and involving in distribution of food products of Thambaljao Industries and Marketing Pvt Ltd, Pungdongbam and neem product of Yourbung, selling of kerosene, edible oil, availing lift service, and rendering service as night-watches at market places, are other activities undertaken by members of KEDO under its Work for Identity programme.

They are said to earn a good income in rendering their services.

These apart, KEDO members had opened a hair cutting salon at Nagamapal Bazar on December 27 last year.

According to a barber engaged at the salon, Khoirom Nanao, the barbers charge only Rs 10 per person who got their hair cut at the salon.

A barber is said to cut the hair of 20 persons in a day in an average.

Talking to this reporter, the thirty year old, Kh Nanao said, there is no dearth of customer at the salon as it is located in the heart of Imphal city.

He believes that the economy of the state would improve when all youths of the state are engaged in any work.

Secretary of KEDO, Women's wing, Dangmei Ashalata said, criticism galore when KEDO first mobilised its programme among the women.

But now, people began to appreciate the policy of KEDO and large numbers of women are engaged in various self-sustaining works.

This has made them to be dependent economically.

Thokchom Surchandra (20), secretary of KEDO said that his education was cut short by his parents' poor economic condition.

He joined the KEDO after being informed of the news about the activities of KEDO by an elder brother.

He belongs to a family of 2 brothers and 3 sisters.

After joining KEDO, the economic condition of Surchandra's family improved.

He said that they got new house now apart from arranging the marriage ceremonies of two of his sisters.

Recalling his initial days in selling wares to earn livelihood, Surchandra said, a woman had badly assaulted him for soiling her clothes while selling candles and other products at the market.

Gripped with shame, he rushed back to his office.

The next day, the particular woman had come to the office and apologised for her deeds.

"Our sincerity in executing our works has been appreciated by all now and we earn love and affection from all," Surchandra said.

Many works have awaited the members of KEDO and they don't even have spare time, he said.

KEDO volunteers have also helped in checking the existence of double dealers in the market places.

He added that the works of KEDO volunteers and members could also be done by all citizens of the state.

He urged all concerned to join hands in building a meaningful society in the state.

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