IMPHAL, June 9: The Okram Ibobi led Congress government is prioritizing the development of the hill districts of the state, according to state IFCD minister Ngamthang Haokip today.
The minister was speaking at his reception at Saitu-Gamphazol. The minister represents the Saitu constituency.
The reception programme was organized by the Education Department of Saitu Gamphajol block at the community hall, Saitu Gamphajol.
Minister Ngamthang said, “We have a government which has development of the hill districts among its top priorities.”
He urged the people not to make demands based on community or tribe lines, and added only unity can bring a peaceful and developed environment.
He announced that a meeting of all six MLAs of the Senapati district and ADC chairmen of the district will be convened on June 12 to discuss ways of developing the district.
He said the elected representatives of the district will further consider the necessities of all departments in the district during the said meeting which will be held at the Classic Hotel in Imphal in order to expedite the development process of the district.
Touching upon the issue of education in the area, he said teachers should not neglect their duties towards imparting education to the students.
He strongly pointed out to all concerned teachers and state employees to refrain from the practice of hiring a replacement as they are unable to make it to their posting place and then sharing monthly salaries.
The IFCD Minister urged the school board authorities to check on the teachers and their attendance so as to enable proper action against any erring teacher.
He also announced that the SDC Saitu-Gamphajol office will be constructed at a cost of Rs 1 crore at the earliest.
The MLA further inaugurated a one day training programme of community leaders at the same venue.
Speaking at the function SDC of Saitu Gamphazol T Upendra said, he has been officiating from the official building of the ICDS, in the absence of his own office.
He added, he has been facing several difficulties in doing his official duties due to the lack of office building and other infrastructures. He urged the concerned authorities to look into the issue.
It may be mentioned that the SDC Saitu-Gamphajol office was burnt down during last year’s impasse for a separate Sadar Hills district.
Meanwhile, Deputy Inspector of Schools, Saitu Gamphajol Seikholet Singsit submitted a memorandum to the Minister requesting sanction for provision of office furnitures and office and school staff.