GP level convergence Mela held at Khonghampat
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 24 2025: A Convergence Mela at the Gram Panchayat level was jointly organised by five Village Level Federations (VLFs) of Khonghampat Gram Panchayat namely, Shajik Tamphal, Lamjing Meira, Tubileima, Ningol Sintha and Meitei Chanu,' at Khonghampat Awang Leikai Lai Haraopham community hall on Tuesday.

The fair was conducted under the Manipur State Rural Livelihoods Mission (MSRLM), Imphal West, Haorangsabal Block, in collaboration with the PRI members of Khonghampat Gram Panchayat and supported by the PRI-CBO Convergence initiative.

Speaking as the chief guest, Imphal West Zilla Parishad chairperson Laishram Boby Devi expressed concern over the ongoing issues related to MGNREGS in Salam under Lamsang assembly constituency.

GP level convergence Mela held at Khonghampat

She termed the situation as unfortunate and appealed to all stakeholders to approach her and other officials concerned for any assistance or guidance, instead of creating unwanted situation.

She further stated that the system under MGNREGS has now improved, ensuring greater transparency and accountability.

"No unauthorised person can work under the scheme, and only registered applicants are eligible for employment.

Substitutions by a spouse or any other person are not permitted," she informed, adding that a mobile monitoring system is being used to track work progress, and photographs of the workers' faces are captured as part of the verification process.

She also mentioned that, since replacements are not allowed, only the registered individuals are permitted to work.

"If the assigned work is not completed by all the registered workers, the work completion report cannot be submitted, thus necessitating participation of every registered individual in the assigned tasks to ensure timely submission of the report," she said.

Boby pointed out that, at times, work allotted to absentee job card holders is completed by others, which leads to confusion and false com plaints.

It is unfair, she said, for some job card holders to claim they were not given work when they themselves failed to report for duty.

Regarding the Convergence Mela, Boby Devi stated that 21 departments participated in the event and efforts were being made to ensure that the various schemes implemented by these departments effectively reach the villagers, with departmental staff also providing awareness about the schemes to the public.

Self-Help Groups (SHGs) set up stalls at the mela, and the Health Department conducted free health camp as part of the programme.

The mela provided villagers with an opportunity to apply for and obtain essential documents or to submit their grievances directly to the departments concerned.

Presided over by Khonghampat GP chairperson Waikhom Chandrakumar Meetei, the function was also attended by chairpersons of different Gram Panchayats and officials as guests of honour.