Imphal, December 14: The three-member sub-committee of the Public Account Committee (PAC) of the State Assembly, which had gone to inspect conditions of District Council schools in the hill districts, has found out that Tamenglong is the most underdeveloped district in the State.

This was informed by Dr Nimaichand Luwang, who is one of the member of the sub-committee, on the last day of the 12th session of the Manipur Assembly yesterday.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh who gave a patient hearing to all the discussions and exchange of heated arguments, did not mutter a single word even once on the matter.

Taking up the issue related to the functioning (or rather the non-functioning) of Government departments in the hill districts, the MPP Legislature party leader wondered what former Works Minister Gaikhangam had been doing during the last three years if he had not taken up any works for development of the roads in Tamenglong district.

Dr Luwang quipped that after the recent visit of the sub-committee to the district, he has been convinced of the charges levelled by FPM MLA Samuel Jendai in the last Assembly session that a sum of Rs 80 lakh meant for development of roads in the district had been withdrawn without executing the work during the tenure of Gaikhangam as the Works Minister.

Dr Luwang informed the House that except for Khoupum and Tousem, the sub-committee had toured most part of the district and the condition of the roads are deplorable everywhere.

Elaborating, he pointed out that the Tamenglong-Khongshang Road is in a pitiable state although it is the district headquarters road.

While travelling on the said route, the sub-committee members have to walk on foot for long distance due to landslide at Song-pram, he said, adding that villagers who lodged complaint to the members on the deplorable condition of the roads seem to hold the valley people responsible for it.

The condition of Tamenglong-Tamei and Tamei-Kangpokpi are also very bad, he said, adding that Tamei-Kangpokpi Road remained untouched since it was opened many years back.

It being a rainy season, Dr Luwang further recounted, the PAC members had a tough time during the tour.

At Noney, the spring-brake of the vehicle used by Biramani snapped while that of Irabot meeting the same problem twice along IT Road.

Living in such underdeveloped condition, the people living in the hill could not even think and have love for Manipur, Dr Luwang observed, adding that they (hill people) should not be blamed on this count.

He observed that Tamenglong district is one of the most productive districts in the State, but the people have been suffering as a result of the underdevelopment of road and communication system.

He further informed the august House that there is only one District Council school at Songpram till class V only.

However, on further inquiry it was learnt that there is one Songpram Junior High School which do not have any teachers or building of its own, where only two girl students are studying, he said.

One Graduate teacher from Uripok identified as A Damudar, who was posted at the school but not taking classes for the last 3-4 years, hired a substitute teacher from the village to do the job on payment of Rs 1500 per month, he disclosed.

He also drew the attention of the House and the Govt for appointing teachers who have no qualm against posting in the hills.

MLA Z Mangaibou, who is elected from Tamei Constituency, expressed gratitude to the PAC sub-committee for having inspected and putting the matter related to underdevelopment in the hills on the floor of the House.

Such consideration would definitely help in inculcating the spirit of unity and integration among the people, he said, adding that shouting integrity slogans only at Imphal would not bring unity and integrity of Manipur.

Taking part in the discussion, former Works Minister, categorically stated that with a meagre amount allocated in the State budget, there could not be any hope for bringing about a major development in the hills.

Under the 10th plan, detailed project reports have been submitted to the NEC for construction/repairing of KhongshangTamenglong, TamenglongTamei, Tamei-Kangpokpi and Rengpang-Bishnupur via Khoupum Road, but NEC did not released any fund.

So it is impossible to improve and maintained these roads with just Rs 40/50 lakhs.

When rain falls everything would be washed away, he said.

Nonetheless, with the efforts of the Governor and the Chief Minister, a sum of Rs 12 crores had been released under NLCPR and deposited the same in the account of BRO for development of TamenglongKhongshang Road, he informed.

Moreover, efforts are also being made construction of the school buildings, he assured.

MLA O Joy said it is very unfortunate to put the blame on the valley people for the underdevelopment in the hill districts and laid stressed on effectiveness of the district administration in the hills.

Congress MLA N Biren proposed for setting up a team of experts and resource persons to inspect and monitor the developmental works being taken up in the hill districts on regular basis. SPM MLA S Ibohal rejected the statements of Gaikhangam and drew the attention of the Chief Minister into the matter.

Tribal Development Minister Phungzathang Tonsing opined that implementing Sixth Scheduled in the hill districts and holding the election of the District Council would help in ameliorating problems being faced by the people in the hills.

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