BISHNUPUR, April 10: Admitting that the demand for compensation for land acquired by the government is much more in the hills than the valley, Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam called upon the people to be development oriented not compensation oriented as demand for land acquisition could have adverse affect in smooth functioning of government departments.
The Dy CM was speaking during the 1st Thangting Sub-Division Cultural Festival, 2015 organized by Khousabung Area Youth Development Forum (KAYDF) under the theme `Peace through Culture`™ at Khousabung DCC headquarters, Churachandpur district today.
The festival was held to express appreciation to the Cabinet`™s decision recognizing Thangtin as a full-fledged sub-division on August 7, 2014. Thangting sub-division is comprised of 125 villages with a total population 27,730. Of the 125 villages, 66 are presently under Churachandpur sub-division and another 59 under Henglep sub-division.
Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, Gaikhangam said that the government set up offices in different parts of the hills by acquiring lands only to ensure development not for other purposes.
However, there are several offices unable to run following huge amount of land acquisition compensation demanded from the concerned, he said.
Asserting that the government has been working for equal development in the hills and valley, the Dy CM maintained that the number of sub-division in different districts has been increased to ease administrative works.
Actually, creation of sub-division is based on size of area and population of the particular area. Thangtin does not fulfil the criteria for granting as a sub-division. However, the Cabinet decided to recognize Thangtin as a full-fledged sub-division to soothe administrative works and in the interest of the people, Gaikhangam said.
Assuring that the Chief Minister will be apprised of the memorandum submitted by KAYDF urging to construct a state level playground and SDPO office in the sub-division, he appealed to the forum to make available adequate land for fulfilling the demand.
To mark the occasion, performance of cultural programmes by different nine tribes of Khousabung area and exchange of gifts were held.
Prizes were presented to 20 men`™s volleyball teams, four women`™s volleyball teams and four women`™s football teams who participated in the Sports Meet held at Khousabung from March 23 to 24.
Besides MLA of Henglep Constituency Manga Vaiphei who graced the occasion as functional president, the function was also attended by Members of ADC Churachandpur and village authorities of Khousabung.