Tribal developmental fund to be probed: Minister

Imphal, April 21 (IANS) Minister of Tribal Affairs Jual Oram on Friday said funds released so far for the development of tribal areas in Manipur will be probed.

Talking to reporters here, the minister said: "In my next visit, it will be examined whether the field position justifies the fund allocation."

The Centre had already sanctioned Rs 22 crore for the development of tribal areas. Another Rs 150 crore had been sanctioned for the construction of tribal women's markets in the hill districts.

"The Centre has been giving sufficient fund for the development of the tribal areas in Manipur. We are also thankful that soon after the formation of the new government in Manipur, the economic blockade was lifted," he said.

On Thursday, Oram visited Tengoupal, a border district. Speaking to the tribal villagers, he said, "The BJP got just 2 per cent of the votes in the past. However, it was increased to 36.3 per cent in the March elections and we are thankful to the people for the trust reposed in us."

In the March elections, the BJP -- which had opened its account in 2015 after a gap of 15 years by winning two seats in the by-elections -- got 21 seats in the 60-member House. It formed a coalition government on March 15 by joining hands with like-minded parties.

However, the Congress, which had bagged 28 seats, is still nursing its wounds saying that it should have been given a chance to form the government.

Oram said that in the three years of the BJP government at the Centre, nearly 12,000 villages have been provided with electricity, adding that there is a slew of developmental projects for the poor and underprivileged sections of people.