Imphal, April 01: The benefits of the programmes being taken up by the Government of India for educating young girls are being misused by the employees of the Social Welfare Department in Manipur, Chief Councellor of Imphal West Police Dr S Romiobala has charged.

Speaking as chief guest of the function held in connection with the 4th foundation day of NH-53 Kanglei ChingTam Leima Lup today, Dr Rimiobala observed that giving the light of education to young girls is the first and foremost thing required for empowering women.

It is because of this that the Government of India has been taking up various programmes to educate girls irrespective of their family backgrounds.

She pointed out that among the various programmes, a sum of Rs 60 is being provided every month to girl students who are below 14 years of age under the Girl Child Education Programme apart from financial assistance being extended to the girl students under Dependency Children Scholarship.

However, in Manipur, the benefits of such programmes are being misused and not made available to the intended beneficiaries, she said.

Dr Romiobala further pointed out that under the Bal Shreemidi Yojana of Ministry of Human Resource Development Department, a sum of Rs 500 is to be deposited in the bank account against the names of all the girl child born in poor families after August 27, 1999 along with meeting expenses required for educating them till class X.When the girl child attains 18 years of age, she would be entitled to get Rs 25,000.But the said benefit has not been received by the intended beneficiaries.

So, the organisations working for the welfare of gild child and women should investigate into the matter and find out who are enjoying these benefits, she said.

NH-53 Ching-Tam Leima Lup president Thiyam Ongbi Shileima Leima presided over the fucntion which was also attended by president of KALM Keithellakpam Sanahongba Mangang and social acticist Ibemhal as guests of honour.

Describing the activities of the Lup, Sanahongba Mangang said apart from fighting the menace of drug abuse in society it spread awareness on the need for increasing the population.

Newly elected office bearers of the Lup were also introduced at the occasion.

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