Imphal, January 27: The Loktak Development Authority (LDA) has been accused of purchasing a worn out dredging machine at a rate fitting brand new ones after repairing them.

The worn out machine was lying unused at Chilka lake, Orissa.

In this connection, the LDA Employees and Workers Association has decided to launch an agitation against the LDA management for allegedly violating the agreement it signed with the association.

Briefing media persons at Manipur Press Club today, general secretary of the association T Ravi disclosed that the worn out machine already laid off in Chilka lake was sold to the LDA after repairing by TAMAC company at Rs 2.9 lakhs.

However, the LDA claimed that the machine was bought at Rs 20 lakhs, asserted Ravi.

Even as Rs 20 crores was sanctioned to the LDA in 2007 to remove Phoomdis from Loktak lake, there has been little progress in this regard.

For removing a chunk of Phumdi or an isolated piece, the LDA often released money for two pieces, he alleged.

The general secretary further accused the LDA of removing 148 employees from their jobs in contravention of the agreement signed between the LDA and the employees' association.

As per the agreement signed between the two, 148 Muster Roll employees should be upgraded to the status of Work Charge employees in phases.

On the contrary, the LDA recruited 8 officers and 22 field staff in 2005, Ravi disclosed.

Against the alleged irregular practices and service anomalies of the LDA, the LDA Employees and Workers Association has decided to stage protest sittings on January 28 and 29 in front of the LDA office at Ningthoukhong.

On the next day (January 30), a 12 hour bandh will be imposed along Tiddim Road from 5 am to 5 pm.

In the subsequent course of agitation, all activities of the LDA will be put on hold from January 31 .

In case the LDA management fails to come up with a positive response, the dismissed employees will also be called back to service even if the LDA does not release their pay, said Ravi.

Comment