IT News
Imphal July 21:
While appreciating the government of Manipur led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh for launching the “Go to Hill 2.0” programme, the the All Tribal Indigenous Peoples’ Organisation of Manipur (ATIPOM) demands financial autonomy and budget allocations to achieve the goal of the programme.
In a press statement, the ATIPOM said that the funding pattern for the programmes is incompatible with achievement of the, slated goals of “Go To Hills 2.0”, which is the terrible reality of the situation. Programs and initiatives of the government that lack financial autonomy and budget allocations remain on paper only. The organization however appreciated the N. Biren Singh led government and extended their support to “Go To Hills 2,0.”
“The organisation supports the mission’s goal of bringing the government closer to the people by building friendly relationships with and among the public via rigorous development. It also took cognisance of the recently inaugurated thirty projects with a total value of Rs. 37.34 crores in sectors such as works, tribal affairs and hills, and health to mark the launch of the initiative. Through these outreach programmes, the state government provided equipment and support of Rs 51.52 crores to a variety of ministries, including those in agriculture, horticulture, health, social welfare, and education”, the statement said.
It however said that there is no additional funding and most importantly separate budget for this excellent policy, which is a hindrance to the delivery of the program’s benefits.
“This policy, introduced by the current administration under the capable leadership of N Biren Singh as People’s Chief Minister, would be rendered ineffective if funding is not commensurate with objectives. The Organization commends the much acclaimed People’s Day (Meeyamgi Numit), Hills Peoples’ Day, and Hills Leaders’ Day, flagship events held on the 15th and 10th of every month to provide the people a forum to voice problems and propose suggestions. In an effort to make government proactive, citizen-centric, and programme implementation efficient, software and an SMS service have been developed to track and notify citizens of the action taken on their complaints, and a Grievance Redressal Cell have been established to provide greater facilitation and coordination for the prompt disposal of complaints.
The Organization also supports the government’s commitment to promote the harmonious development of the whole state, with a focus on bridging the emotional and developmental divide between hills and valley. One such endeavour is the observance of “Hill Leader’s Day” on the tenth of every month- a forum for Tribal Chiefs and Hill-based Civil Society Organization Leaders to discuss their issues, identify obstacles, and push for stronger Hill-Valley connections to promote equitable development”, the statement said.
Taking note of the arduous effort to bridge the chasm between the hills and the valley, the Organization also urged the government to explore the possibilities of making this grand programme a success.
“This Organization requests the government to fill out the skeletons of these flagship programmes in order to make them compatible with the goals of Go to Hills”, the statement said.
The organization further urged the government to address the infrastructure deficit in the hills to bridge the development gap, with a particular focus on health and education facilities. It is imperative to peruse and implement the promised policies and projects to alleviate the development gap and mistrust existing between the hills and the valley.
It also appealed to the Government of Manipur that a separate budget should be passed by the Manipur State Assembly and, or State Cabinets to translate all the above mentioned noble policies of the Government into reality for the benefits of the hill people.
