IMPHAL, October 20: Based on IFP reports, representatives of 7 opposition political parties submitted a memorandum to the Governor, Gurbachan Jagat Singh today.
The submission mentioned the malpractices and nepotism in regard to the Manipur Assembly Secretariat, the Loktak Development Authority (LDA) and the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS) further suggesting the head of the State to take up necessary actions.
The opposition member delegates comprising of Dr M Nara (CPI), M Tombi Singh (JD United),Sarat Salam (CPM), S Umananda Singh (MPP), Sh Shantikumar (BJP), Rk Shivachandra (AITC) and Manihar Goswami of JD (S) met the Governor and appraised him of the reports implicating the misconduct of the State administration.
“The Governor also voiced surprise when the matter was taken up to him.” a delegate member informed IFP. He commented that assurance has been given by the Governor that everything will be done in his power to rectify and investigate the mentioned issues.
The memorandum submitted details that the Legislative Assembly of Manipur is the highest democratic institution which decides the fate of the public of the State. The sanctity and the prestige of this institution must be preserved and protected at any cost. However, it has been noticed that open malpractice, nepotism and corruption in the functioning of the Manipur Legislative Assembly Secretariat.
It further mentions that the local media has already published the detailed information about the malpractice on the recent recruitment of the Assembly staff in different categories on contract basis wherein family members and relatives of Assembly Speakers and Deputy Speakers even with fabricated documents, it alleged. The statement mentions that unfair means has been practiced which is unfair and unethical of the dignitaries and officials of the Assembly Secretariat. Hence,the episode needs to be thoroughly investigated.
It further states that the repeated revelations of the Tehelka publication and by local media regarding the Rs 224 crore scam in Loktak Development Authority where undue favors and violations of CPWD norms marks the biggest ever scam and shocked the people of Manipur. The K-Pro Infra Private Limited Company was awarded the work without observing CPWD norms. The single bidder company entered into a joint venture with Hyderabad based Progressive Construction Limited (PCL) for cleaning Phumdis. Interstingly, PCL is founded and controlled by a Congress MP from Andhra Pradesh,namely K Sambasiva Rao.
Further, it stated that another exposure on the misuse of Rs 50 crore from the ICDS funds is a matter of great concern for the State and many more such kind of misuse of Government funds are expected to be revealed in the near future, the memorandum concluded.
Regardingly, the opposition political party delegates requested the Governor to take the matters with all seriousness and initiate appropriate actions on these issues.