Imphal, February 06: Raising serious concern over the non-implementation of 'Food for Work' programme in Tamenglong district which was included in the first list of National Food for Work programme, the Manipur Loumi Lup noted that under the programme substantial number of farmers have been provided employment in Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu.

A statement issued by the Lup asserted that an amount of Rs 260.6 lakhs was sanctioned for implementation of the programme in Tamenglong district in November 2004.On the other hand in Nilgiri district, various kinds of vegetable farms have been developed, numerous micro dams have been constructed to conserve water, water pumps have been installed and even tea estates have been developed under the Food for Work programme, mentioned the statement.

In addition to enhancing the products of the district, large sections of underprivileged people were provided employment and a means of earning their livelihoods, it added.

Taking into account of the large number of poverty stricken people in the State and the lack of employment avenues, the Lup observed that an urgent 'action plan' must be initiated for the State.

In a move towards this end, a memorandum has been submitted by the Lup to the authority concerned pleading to take up the programme in Tamenglong district as the requisite fund was sanctioned two years back.

However, the State Government is sleeping over the matter for this long period, informed the Lup.

Moreover, after an investigation by the Lup, it has been discovered that requisite amounts have been sanctioned by the Union Government to set up a Women Farmers' Training Centre in Manipur but nothing has been done in this regard, remarked the statement.

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