Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC) acting chairperson Khaidem Mani on Thursday said that MHRC conducted a three-day campaign from July 18-20 in Ukhrul district, during which it found lack of administration in the district.
Addressing a press meet at MHRC court complex, Khaidem Mani expressed his recommendations to the state government concerning the grievances and shortages which the MHRC heard for three days in the district.
He said that on July 18, the MHRC team interacted with SP, while the DC, ADM, SDC, SDO, AD were further interacted on July 19 concerning their administrative grievances. It was found that there were shortages of manpower and infrastructure which are required for smooth functioning of the administration.
He said that the CCOs of Ukhrul district urged the MHRC for recommending the state government to remove the ‘Disturbed Area’ status from Ukhrul district, as seven villages in the district are occupied by Assam Rifles.
In this regard, he said that he would recommend the state government to lift the ‘Disturbed Area’ tag from hill districts of the state.
He said that the MHRC found only one ambulance at Ukhrul District Hospital and it was donated by NHIDCL.
The Ukhrul DC had even written a letter to the additional chief secretary of Health and Family welfare on June 20, stating that nine medical officers were transferred from March to May but did not join. It mentioned that six staff nurses were transferred from October 2021 to May 2022 but they also did not join, he said. There should be a total of 130 doctors but the hospital has only 40 doctors, he added.
MHRC will follow with the proceedings regarding the non-compliance of transfer and posting orders against medical officers and staff nurses. A recommendation will be submitted to the state government for inspection if required, he added.
“There are high cases of people being transferred and posted at hills from the valley and not joining offices,” he further said, and suggested the state government initiate action against them.
A secretary was posted at MHRC on May 31 but the person has still not joined the commission, he said. He further alleged the state government of providing a step-motherly treatment to the commission.
“I think the state government does not want the commission to function as it has power to recommend the state concerning the wrong doings,” he said. However, constructive criticisms should be given for good governance of the government, he added.
