Francis calls for 'public support' to speed up devt in Ukhrul
Minister evasive on missing case of contractor Irungbam Irabanta
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray

Ukhrul, July 17 2012: Minister for Rural Development and Public Relations Francis Ngajokpa today conducted a cursory survey in and around Ukhrul town for undertaking various road connectivity programme, and held lengthy deliberation with departmental officials and Congress party workers at Circuit House here.

In a media briefing minutes before his departure, Minister Francis Ngajokpa said that the purpose of today's visit was "to speed up works being taken up under the flagship programme" of United Progressive Alliance (UPA) and sought cooperation from the public for effective implementation of various development works in Ukhrul district.

Francis informed that the necessary and physical survey has been undertaken and officials would be dispatched soon to initiate works for various road connectivity programme.

The Ministerial team including officials from different departments took a detour of the Ukhrul's eastern circular road while undertaking the survey for new road constructions from the National Highway 150 that connects Jessami.

Minister Francis Ngajokpa sharing some light moments with MLAs Victor Keishing, MK Preshow and other DLOs during an inspection trip to Ukhrul dist

The team also stopped by Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL) ground where certain sports infrastructural works are in the pipeline.

The Minister was accompanied by two Congress MLAs of Ukhrul namely Victor Keishing (Phungyar AC) and MK Preshow (Chingai AC).

Both the legislators were present and participated in the review meeting with the district level officials (DLOs) and in the survey with the Minister.

Ukhrul AC MLA Samuel Risom was absent from the visiting team.

On the absence of Ukhrul AC MLA Samuel Risom, Francis informed that the former declined citing other exigent work despite requesting him for three times.

The Minister was apparently a little dismayed by his absence and cited that Ukhrul is a pioneer in various fields and significant place in Manipur.

The other high-ranking officials in the Minister's entourage included Additional Chief Secretary Ameising Luikham and PMGSY Chief Engineer.

On the review meeting attended by the DLOs from 21 departments, the Minister termed it as "very useful and successful" and said that many pertinent issues related to developments were highlighted and discussed.

The meeting with representatives of public organisations scheduled at 9am did not take place.

However, the Minister expressed that the public response was "good" and sought their "cooperation" for successful implementation of development works.

Later during the day, the Minister along with the two legislators attended the reception hosted by the District Congress Committee at Circuit House.

On being queried on the status of the NREGS in Ukhrul, the Minister said the progress is at par with other districts in the State.

On the contrary, he mentioned during the review meeting that there are various complaints and Ukhrul could be the next after Bishenpur-the valley district where NREGS is reportedly suspended temporarily.

In the review with the DLOs and also during the meet with district Congress party workers, the Minister rebutted the allegations levelled by the Tangkhul Naga Wungnao Long (TNWL) on the alleged order to deduct 50 percent from NREGS's material component allocated for 20 days.

Francis asked the TNWL to come up with facts and figures concerning the fund siphoned from Ukhrul NREGS.

During the review meeting, he hinted that the relevant department should file a defamation case against the organisation in question.

In the three-hour long meet with the DLOs, the Minister mentioned that the State government has so far allocated 37 crore for road construction under PMGSY for Ukhrul district.

He also stated that the district has maximum litigations related to PMGSY in the state.

RD& PR Minister Francis Ngajokpa refused to say any definite measure initiated by Okram Ibobi Singh ministry after being asked how the State government is pursuing the alleged missing case of Irungbam Irabanta.

In a media briefing, the Minister was very cautious to say that the "missing case" is a concern of the state Home department.

Irungbam Irabanta, a contractor by profession, went missing since May 27 after he reportedly left for Ukhrul on the fateful day. On further query that being a Minister and its collective responsibility on any matters relating to the state, he responded that the government would "answer collectively" on the issue and immediately wind off the media briefing.