UCO convention deliberates over issues of Manipuri community

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR, March 9: A daylong convention of the United Clubs’ Organization (UCO), Lakhipur, today at Somahi community hall discussed various socio-economic, cultural and educatiol issues, besides the present political situation. The meeting presided over by Khaidem Kante Singha, president, UCO, and attended by guests of honour, W Sarat Singha, associated with Barak Valley Meitei Convention, Beni Mishara, ex-president, All Assam Manipuri Women Meire Paibi Coordition Committee, deliberating over the problems and issues offered their suggestions and the ways to overcome them. Among the issues which came up for discussion touched upon the fact that Indira Awas Yoja (IAY) has not been allotted to any BPL beneficiaries.

In the same way, the target group has been left out of social benefit schemes, food security cards have not been properly distributed and the price for the rice allotted or given is more than the fixed rate. The convention expressed its concern that Manipuri language teachers should be appointed in the schools which have stood in the way of imparting proper education to the Manipuri students and the schools as a result have been inconvenienced. On this issue, various student and youth organizations of the community have been fighting for long with no positive response from the state government.

UCO strongly demands the inclusion of Manipuri language for appointment of school teachers. In other words, teachers competent to teach Manipuri have to be appointed, keeping in mind the academic interests of the students. Manipuri Development Council has been at the centre stage of controversy regarding its style of functioning, particularly in respect of utilization of development funds. This convention has pressed for CBI inquiry into all the anomalies and irregularities committed during the period of the present chairman as well as misuse of funds for the last 5 years. It has at the same time demanded that the MDC should be reconstituted with a fresh elected body. The convention being alarmed at the unconstitutiol and undemocratic methods adopted by some bad elements during the time of election has called for strict vigilance and monitoring by the district administration and election machinery. Moreover, various sorts of malpractices are adopted by goons in order to disturb the peaceful holding of elections. It has also been noted that the use of alcohol and illicit liquor by unscrupulous elements becomes a practice during polls in the Lakhipur subdivision. This has to be curbed so that the peace loving voters of this subdivision can exercise their franchise without any fear. UCO which represents more than 20 Manipuri NGOs and organizations has stressed on the solution of the issues raised and discussed in the convention and also resolved to ensure that the ensuing polls are held in a peaceful manner.