Manipur: Chinglen Mesnam, Professor of Economics Department of the University (MU) highlighted the important role of local self-governance in both hill and valley areas of Manipur, saying, “No elections, no funds from the Centre. And as long as elections are pending, there will be no development”.
However, even if elections are held and the power of local self-governance is limited, it will still have an impact on the development of the state, the professor said during a discussion programme on elections and its importance of local self-governance at the Manipur Press Club on Monday; the programme was organised by All Manipur Nupi Marup. Local self-governance is important for the development of the state, Professor Chinglen said, adding that every representative from rural, urban and hill areas who works at the grassroots level knows where development is needed and where it is lacking.
Citing the example of MGNREGS funds from the Centre, the professor highlighted the different fund amounts from other neighbouring states. He said that the low funding amid the ongoing conflict has put the people in more difficulty.
He said that local self-governance can come only when local self-government functions properly. He called for issuing notification of pending election, which comes under the State Election Commission. President of All Manipur Nupi Marup, Th Sakhi Devi said that since Panchayat, Municipality and ADC elections have not been held, various works for local development, discussion on Gram Sabha issues, labour budget etc. have failed. Senior Advocate Khaidem Mani, Working President of All Manipur Nupi Marup, S Sarojini Devi participated in the discussion.
