Imphal, February 10 2009: State chief Minister O Ibobi has instructed the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) of all nine districts to give explanation within 18 days why Manipur stall was not opened in the photo exhibition of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) in New Delhi recently.

This information was divulged by Minister of Panchayati Raj & Rural Development, Minority and Other Backward Classes (MOBC) and Fisheries, Md Allauddin Khan to media persons today.

He told media persons that it came to light after it was published in newspapers that Manipur's stall was absent in the NREGS Photo Exhibition.

In fact, the works under NREGS were being successfully done in Manipur despite plenty of hindrances making the state occupy the first position among the North Eastern States, Minister Allauddin said.

He has already submitted a written complaint to the Chief Minister asking him to take appropriate action regarding the non-participation of Manipur in the NREGS Photo Exhibition held in New Delhi, the Minister revealed.

Minister Allauddin, accompanied by officials of concerned yesterday visited different places in Imphal east districts to inspect if the works under NREGS were being carried out properly and as per rules.

Today also the Minister along with officials concerned went to different sites in Imphal west district where works under NREGS were being done.

The Minister and the officials found set of stairs being not constructed in the various community ponds owing to lack of material components for the labourers.

The Minister said, 70% of the progress of the works inImphal East and West district has been completed, the remaining 30% will be completed soon in consultation with the State Council.

In the first phase of the NREGS, there were certainly shortcomings in the method of works.

But from 2009-10, the government would try to implement the scheme fully.

After overseeing all the works done in nine districts of the state, the government would find out where the shortcomings were and try to correct them, he said.

He said that the works were handing over to the Panchayats.

The Panchayats have also a mistake for not holding meetings frequently.

If the NREGS works to be done completely, it is necessary that the Panchayat Members and the Zilla Parishad Members should hold meetings with the local MLAs, the Minister said.

Md Allauddin further said, it has been found that many persons whose names were not in the sanctioned list were among those who got 100 days' job.

Because of such anomalies, job card holders have started complaining that they have not received their payment, and that the Minister concerned should resigned.

However, in a state like Manipur where a lot of obstacles are created by various factors, it can be said that the progress of the works has been made 100%, he said.

Director of RD & PR, Y Neta told newspersons that the BDOs should personally oversee the works.

However, it has been found that the district level officers and SOs did not look after the works fully.

They would be given instructions to oversee the works completely.

The Minister and the officials inspected the community pond being dug at Takyel Khongban Ward No-2, the community pond of Takyel Khongban Ward No-4, Thokchom Pukhri being dug at Ward No-5 Heinoupok of Langjing Achouba Gram Panchayat, and several others in the adjoining areas.

Workers also complained to the Minister about several things.

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