North East News Agency

Minister for Women and Child Development Renuka Chowdhury laid the foundation stone of the hostel for working women from the North East at Jasola here today. 520 seater hostel being constructed in collaboration with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region will be completed within two years and have all modern facilities like fitness centers and sports arena.

Laying the foundation stone, Smt. Chowdhury said the Government has very high priority for the development of North East, a number of schemes have been started for the area by her Ministry, which include 100% financial assistance for the construction of Anganwadi buildings. Besides support for the supply of nutritional food under ICDS scheme, the Government provides significant amount for women self-help groups and crèches for children in the region.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned Rs. 3 lakh to the State Government of Mizoram towards part of first instalment of funds of Rs.6.75 lakh i.e. 45% out of the Central Share of Rs. 15.00 lakh for tackling 26 Iron affected water quality habitations under Revised Sub Mission programme of Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme (ARWSP) – (Quality) of Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission (RGNDWM) during the year 06-07.

States have been requested to delegate powers for management of Rural Water Supply Schemes through the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) as per the Constitution of India.

As such Operation and Maintenance of the completed RWS Scheme should be transferred to the PRIs. All terms and conditions indicated in the revised Sub-Mission guidelines are to be strictly followed.

Monthly and Quarterly progress report are to be sent urgently. Sustainability of sources selected for these 26 habitations are to be ensured by the State Government.

On the other hand, The Mizoram Bru Displaced People’s Forum (MBDPF) has finally called off their fast-unto-death programme following assurance from the Union Home Ministry. Alarmed at the indefinite hunger strike, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) sent its emissary, Joint Secretary Nabin Verma, here to hold discussion    with the Bru leaders. During meeting with Bru leaders, Verma assured them to enhance the ration and cash dole for displaced people.

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