EKHON| UKHRUL: The All Manipur Tribal Union (AMTU) has strongly expressed disapproval against the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways for excluding Hill areas under Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) in Manipur. The approval of 57 work programs under CRIF Schemes by the competent authority in the ministry has raised concerns about the biased nature and valley-centric approach of the state government. This decision has sparked allegations of a “parochial mindset”, prioritizing the development of Imphal Valley over the Hill regions.
In a letter addressed to the Union Minister, the AMTU criticized the Centre for allocating Rs 217.50 crores under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) for developing 57 roads exclusively in the valley area of Manipur, leaving out the vast hill areas.
It said that the Government of India should have thoroughly examined, vetted, and scrutinized the letter (MISC WD-1601/13/2024-WD, dated August 21, 2024) from the Secretary of Manipur’s Public Works Department, submitting a concept note for 111 CRIF works totaling Rs 399.36 crores for consideration under CRIF Schemes for Manipur. The scrutiny is crucial to ensure that the allocated funds are utilized efficiently and equitably, addressing the state’s infrastructure needs. The government should verify the proposal’s alignment with the CRIF scheme’s objectives and assess its potential impact on Manipur’s development, it pointed out.
The state tribal union urged “the ministry to rectify, redress, reverse, and undo the office memo regarding the allocation of works under CRIF schemes.” Further it demanded “to issue a revised office memo that ensures an all-encompassing, balanced, equitable, and inclusive allocation of works for the entire state of Manipur.”
Further highlighting the unequal distribution of resources in the State, AMTU also pointed out that premier educational institutions like, Central Agricultural University (CAU), Manipur University (MU), National Institute of Technology (NIT), Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), DM University and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) are all located in Imphal Valley, leaving other areas without access to quality education. Similarly, sports infrastructure and important facilities are concentrated in the valley, perpetuating regional disparities.
The Hills region of Manipur has repeatedly expressed dissatisfaction with the state government’s valley-centric approach to development. This isn’t the first time they’ve criticized the government for prioritizing Imphal Valley over other areas.
Recently, the state government submitted five multi-crore externally aided projects to the Indian government, but none of these projects were from the Hills region. Similarly, under the PM-DevINE scheme, four multi-crore projects were submitted to the Government of India, again with no representation from the Hills.
The PM-DevINE scheme, launched in 2022, aims to support infrastructure and livelihood projects in the Northeastern states, with a total outlay of Rs. 6,600 crores. However, the Hills region have not benefited from these initiatives.
