Imphal, November 14 2009: In a scathing attack against what he termed as destructive mindset and anti-student activities, Social Welfare Minister N Loken has lashed out at the AMSU, MSF and KSA holding these student bodies responsible for the present day chaos.

Speaking at the 20th foundation day of Bal Bhavan that coincided with the universal Children's Day today at the State Bal Bhavan complex in Khuman Lampak, N Loken went on the offensive against those committing arson at schools asserting that those arsonists cannot be genuine students under any circumstances.

If those people undertaking different movements be assumed as patriots, they may serve the people better by fighting elections, Loken posed.

He said children of the state who have won National Balsree Awards and National Child Awards are future assets and hopes of the society.

Claiming that these children would never do anything harmful to the society, Loken highlighted the importance and significance of Social Welfare Department.

The department has been taking care of children since the day they were conceived under ICDS.

Both mothers and children are being given necessary nutrition, he claimed.

However, following attempts by different UG organisations to carve out different amounts of money from the fund sanctioned for nutrition programme taken under ICDS, the same programme is staring at the bleak future of total failure.

Because of huge monetary demands made by different UG groups to CDPOs, many CDPOs have been facing great difficulties, Loken said while appealing to UG groups not to interfere in the nutrition programme.

Besides N Loken, Social Welfare Commissioner Letkhogin Haokip, Social Welfare Director S Saratkumar, Joint Director G Satyabati and Deputy Director (Training) K Sanajaoba also graced the occasion as presidium members.

Giving keynote address of the function, Child Welfare Officer Binobala Nongmeikapam said that the State Bal Bhavan was established in 1989 .

The basic objective of the Bal Bhavan is to promote and groom creativity and innovativeness of children in different fields, she said.

In his speech, Letkhogin dwelt on the importance of observing Children's Day every year.

The basic essence of the Children Day is that parents, the state and the localities should take due responsibility in nurturing and educating children with love and care.

He also called upon all to launch welfare schemes for children and let them enjoy their childhood in peace.

"Let them learn and bring forth their innate qualities", Letkhogin said.

He said that children should be allowed to choose and prosper in the fields chosen by themselves rather than pushing them in professions selected by parents.

A book titled 'Buds and Roses' was released on the occasion.

Several children programmes were also presented.

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