Imphal, April 13: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh has formally launched the UPA government�s ambitious National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme at Tamenglong district headquarters today.

Tamenglong is among 200 districts identified throughout the country for the first phase implementation of the scheme.

Power Minister Gaikhangam presided the inauguration programme while Minister of State RD&PR md Alauddin Khan, MLA Z Mangaibou and AICC�s secretary Manipur in-charge Sanjoy graced the occasion as guests of honour.

In his address as the chief guest, O Ibobi said inspite of State Government�s strong commitment in developing the 70 kilometre Kangpokpi-Tamei road imposition of economic blockade along NH 39 and 53 by some student organisations on the same demand is unjustifiable.

The student bodies responding to Government�s intimation to develop the 70 km stretch also known as IT Road, came up with the demand that the contract works be awarded to three contractors of their choice which is technically no feasible, said the Chief Minister.

moreover, opposing the State Government�s decision to divide the task to atleast 10 contractors is inexplicable, lamented the Chief Minister who also suggested that student bodies should channelise their buoyancy and energy in activities more related to interest of the student community.

Accepting out-cries/demand on teachers� inadequacies in the hill district schools as genuine, Ibobi said recruitment on contract basis with priority on local candidates conforming to prescribed rules and regulations would begin within the current month.

Speaking on the occasion, the AICC secretary Sanjay attributed the scheme to Congress chief Sonia Gandhi�s determination to guarantee earning source to the most backward people in line with the �right to work� doctrine.

Sanjay also shared despair of the State�s general public on militancy restricting potential of advancement socially and economically and rued that a State like Manipur that regularly produce champion sportspersons have little to feel jubilant on the socio-economic front.

The AICC leader appealed to insurgent outfits to introspect their activities and instead promote an atmosphere wherein Manipuris blessed with abundant talent in diverse fields could compete with the best in the world.

time is ripe enough to think for the future generation, he said.

Detailing on the Scheme, RD&PR MoS Alauddin Khan said the scheme launched in September 2005 is a 90:10 Centre-State share ratio with prescription for 100 days work to an unemployed youth in a calendar year.

The scheme clauses clearly prescribes that an applicant should be provided work within 15 days of appraisal failing which the applicant have the right to demand requisite allowance.

Important areas of work identified for the scheme include activities concerning water preservation, environment protection, tree plantation, irrigation, flood control, road improvement etc, explained the Minister and informed that the Tamenglong scheme amount is for Rs 28 crore.

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