UKHRUL: Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) president K Meghachandra, on Monday slammed the state and central governments over the deplorable state of National Highway construction in Ukhrul district. Speaking at a press conference held at Wino Bazar, Meghachandra alleged massive irregularities, lack of accountability, and poor workmanship in the ongoing development of NH-202 and NH-102(A).
The MPCC president highlighted that the 30.6 km stretch from Yaingangpokpi to Finch Corner (NH-202), which began in 2020 with a 20-month completion target, remains unfinished nearly six years later. Key issues raised include critical components including drainage systems, culverts, retaining walls, and bridges are reportedly far from completion. While the project was split into six packages, each requiring a State Quality Monitoring System (SQMS) office, only one such office is currently operational. Meghachandra questioned the transparency of the bidding process and the practice of subletting work to over 50 sub-contractors, claiming this allows public funds to be looted without oversight.
Regarding the 90 km Ukhrul-Tadubi highway (NH-102(A)), the MLA noted that while the sanctioned standard was comparable to the Delhi-Agra road, the reality is sub-standard. He cited vertical slope cutting and a lack of breast walls, leading to frequent landslides. Using Google Earth mapping, he alleged contractors are ignoring Detailed Project Reports (DPR) and failing to perform box cuttings to shorten the route.
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Allegations Against VB-G RAM G Scheme
During the conference, the MPCC president also turned his attention to rural employment, alleging that the Modi government’s VB-G RAM G scheme is systematically destroying MGNREGA, a lifeline for millions, including those in the hill districts.
“VB-G RAM G removes the guarantee of 100 days of work and restricts court access, unlike MGNREGA,” Meghachandra claimed.
He announced that the Congress party has launched the MGNREGA Bachao Sangram to protest these changes, citing deep concerns about job security and the negative impact on rural communities in Ukhrul.
Meghachandra criticized the BJP’s Double Engine government and the Go to Hills program, saying it has no meaning for the people of Ukhrul. He noted that while Congress began monitoring these projects in 2022, the 2023 state crisis hindered their efforts.
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“The negligence of NHIDCL and PWD has failed the public. We will document these faults and submit a formal memorandum to the Governor of Manipur, the Ministry of Road Transport, and the Prime Minister,” he stated. The Congress party has vowed to raise these grievances at the highest levels to ensure immediate intervention.