Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 11:
Movement for Tribal People�s Rights, Manipur (MTPRM) and All Colleges Tribal Students� Organisation, Manipur (ACTSOM) have alleged crores of rupees meant development of tribal people in Manipur have lapsed due to inefficiency of the TD/Hills Department.
In a joint statement, MTPRM general secretary AS Johnson and ACTSOM vice-president Thangboi Haokip pointed out that under the 11th Finance Commission, the Central Government had sanctioned Rs 5.70 crores for construction of 142 schools in the hill areas of Manipur.
With the addition of the State share of Rs 1.60 crores, the total amounts come to Rs 7.30 crores.
However, due to negligence of the TD/Hills Department, only 40 schools were constructed while the remaining amount got lapsed.
Moreover, another amount of Rs 100 lakhs released by the Finance Department as backlog contribution for grant-in-aid under Article 275 (i) and Tribal Sub-Plan has been diverted to other sectors putting the development of infrastructural works in the hills to a grinding halt, the joint statement alleged.
Drawing the attention of the Chief Minister into this matter, the joint statement demanded appropriate action against those officials including the Minister in charge of TD/Hills involved in the lapsing and diversion of the sanctioned amount.