People's representatives lack sincerity : Dy CM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, October 13 2014: Observing that all elected representatives of the State lack sincerity, Dy Chief Minister Gaikhangam has appealed to all elected representatives to commit to their work with all sincerity.

Although the Central Govt has released huge amount of fund for development of rural areas, 70-80 percent of the fund fail to reach the targeted beneficiaries due largely to defective administrative system and insincerity of the people's representatives, Gaikhangam said.

Gaikhangam was speaking at the inaugural function of a two-day workshop on the role of media for empowerment of Panchayati Raj system today at Classic Hotel.

He said that all elected representatives� right from local level to the Parliament level�have always conveniently overlooked the fact that they are out there for the people.

At the same time, the people have also forgetten that they are the largest stake holder in a democratic set-up.

Deputy CM Gaikhangam at the workshop

The Dy CM also asserted that development of a country or a State should begin from the grassroot level.

Calling upon all representatives to retrospect how far they have maintained sincerity and integrity, Gaikhangam also urged the public to be aware of their rights and capacity from now lest people start begging or become refugees in their own land.

The workshop was organised by the All Manipur Working Journalists' Union (AMWJU) under the auspices of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Dept, Govt of Manipur.

Principal Secretary (RD&PR), Govt of Manipur, JC Ramthanga; vice-president of Manipur State Panchayat Parishad, Porompat, Md Abdul Latif; steering committee member of NER Vision 2020, Prof N Mohendro attended the function as the guests of honour while president of AMWJU Wangkhemcha Shyamjai presided.

Giving the keynote address, vice-president of AMWJU Ratan Luwang said the workshop is being organised with a firm belief that all round development can be achieved after empowering the Panchayat.

Prof N Mohendro said development should come from the grassroot.

Since there are resources, man power and area in rural area, due thrust should be given to its development.

Resources or products in the rural areas are primary sources.

Inclusive growth can be achieved when local self governance, cooperative and NGOs are well co-ordinated, Prof Mohendro said.

JC Ramthanga said that the Govt is working towards providing requisite infrastructure and manpower in Panchayati Raj institutions.

Abdul Latif said PRIs in the State are lacking requisite infrastructure.

Group editor of Imphal Free Press, Pradip Phanjoubam and editor of Poknapham, A Robindro Sharma spoke as the resource persons of the academic session.

Advocate Khaidem Mani moderated the session.

Pradhans of various GPs of the State took part in the brainstorming session.