Special Correspondent
Ukhrul, September 29:
The Sahamphung VB-GRAMG Association has given the government 10 days to resolve alleged irregularities in wage and material payments under the rural employment scheme and restore reliable mobile connectivity in villages under Sahamphung Block.
The association warned that failure to address the grievances within the deadline would force affected villages, in coordination with people from other parts of Kamjong, to launch a series of democratic agitations.
Speaking at a press conference at Sentinel College, Ukhrul, Association Chairman Aleng Shaiza said villagers have been unable to effectively access the employment scheme for years, particularly after mandatory digital attendance through the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) was introduced.
Under the system, workers’ attendance has to be recorded electronically, including twice daily. The association said the requirement has created serious difficulties in remote villages where mobile connectivity is weak or unavailable.
Association General Secretary Thotrinchan Hungyo said the digital system, though intended to improve transparency, has effectively excluded workers who lack dependable network access.
According to the association, job-card holders in the affected villages have not received payments during the current financial year, while implementation of the scheme was also disrupted in previous years.
The affected villages include Chammu H Kaphung (hamlet), Gampal, Kachouphung K, Kachouphung T, Kashung, Khayang, K. Phungtha (hamlet), Langcha, Langkhe, Matiyang and Roni.
The association alleged that wage and material funds are sometimes released only once a year or even once in two years, causing severe hardship to households dependent on rural employment.
It demanded regular, timely and transparent release of both wage and material components.
The association also highlighted the prolonged failure of the existing cellular tower in the area, saying poor connectivity has affected not only digital attendance but also online education, banking, government services and emergency communication.
It urged the authorities and telecom service providers to conduct an immediate technical inspection and restore sustained network coverage.
The association maintained that for remote border villages, mobile connectivity has become an essential public service rather than a luxury.
With the 10-day deadline issued, the villagers have called for immediate intervention, transparency and accountability, warning that continued inaction could lead to wider mobilisation across the Kamjong region.
