IMPHAL, December 3: Representatives of Panchayat local bodies of Imphal West district locked down the Community Development Block office situated inside the premises of the Deputy Commissioner, Imphal West, Lamphel this evening.
The representatives were demanding their due honorarium of six months which has been kept pending since April 13 last.
Speaking to IFP, secretary of Imphal West Panchayat Committee, Boby, revealed that the outstanding dues have not only caused financial hardship to the elected representatives but also posed as a hindrance to developmental projects at the grass root level.
Although, an order was issued by the authority concerned to clear all the outstanding dues before the Ningol Chakouba Festival, but the same has not materialised, he added.
In the middle of the ongoing disappointment, the elected representatives also alleged that the authority concerned is also breaching all norms thereby creating confusion amongst them.
The agitating representatives pointed out that the last Adhaksya Ch Bijenti was ousted through a no confidence motion moved by opposition members on November 2 last. As per Rules and Regulation under the Manipur Panchayati Raj, 1994, a new Adhaksya was to be appointed. However, regardless of the fact that she was defeated in the voting for majority, the authority concerned sanctioned funds for Zilla Parishad in the joint account of the ousted Adhahsya and the CEO concerned. Earlier, all the transactions for the local bodies were done through the account of the BDO.
Further reiterating its demand for clearing the pending honorarium, Boby also urged the higher authorities to clear the confusions surrounding the CD block office failing which it pledged to intensify its agitation.