Imphal, April 17: The Manipur Information Centre (MIC) at New Delhi which is being operated under Department of Information and Public Relations has not been able to function properly due lack of adequate staff and other required infrastructures, according to a reliable source.

Along with other States� information centres, the Manipur Information Centre was set up under a policy of the Central Government in 1980.The main objective in setting up these information centres is to highlight the developmental activities of the respective State Governments to the Centre, to act as liaison between the Centre and State Governments and to meet the requirements in arranging press conferences for the visiting Governor, Chief Minister, Ministers and other officials of the State Governments concerned.

However, the Manipur Information Centre at New Delhi has not been functioning properly due to lack of adequate staff and infrastructures, the source said.

At the time of opening up the centre, one reporter, one UDC, one LDC, two peons and one driver have been appointed to man it under the supervision of a Joint Director.

But the post of the reporter has been laying vacant for the last 4/5 years and that of the driver for over 10 years, the source disclosed.

The only Maruti van which was bought in 1987 and could very well be declared condemn is being used at the centre till today after being repaired several times.

As there is no driver, one peon is being utilised as the driver, the source further informed.

In a place like Delhi is it very essential to keep at least vehicle which is in good condition to facilitate movement, the source added.

Among the North Eastern States, the Information Centres of Assam and Meghalaya are even making efforts for development of tourism by attaching counters of the respective Tourism Departments.

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