Imkong to ensure text book distribution in time by 2006

Chizokho Vero
November 23

Kohima (MExN): Minister for school education Imkong L. Imchen today assured that he would make all efforts to make free text book distribution reach the Village Education Committee (VEC) for the students by January end for the academic year 2006.

Talking to media persons this afternoon, the minister who also holds the portfolio of technical, science and technology and SCERT said he would soon issue instructions that the books should be received by the VECs along with the department officers.

He said the department would identify the areas so that there was no occurrence of shortage of books in the distribution. Further, Rs. 2 crore has been earmarked for the procurement of free text books for the next academic year against Rs. 1.70 crore during 2005.

Reacting to the Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee raising the issue of free text book distribution in the state on several occasions, the minister said that presuming its public importance, the speaker of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly has granted sufficient time to debate over this issue during the last assembly. Saying that he had already made reply with all clarity to the members of the House, he said “Therefore it is uncalled for to raise the same old issue time and again.” The people of Nagaland knows very well that this text book distribution to the students was done exceedingly good for the first time in the state, which the full credit goes to then education minister Dr. Shurhozelie under whose guidance and directives this scheme was successfully implemented, Imchen said.

“The NPCC is so vocal about the awarding of contract to the M/S Biltek of this free text book distribution, alleging that, this firm belongs to his son. I want to make this statement loud and clear in this regard. That the children, relatives of the ministers, MLAs or top officials of the government cannot be branded as unfaithful, corrupted, undeserving or illegal, simply because of the reason that they are related to the persons of the authority,” the minister said. Imkong continued that they were also equally good citizens of the land, unless otherwise disqualified by a competent court of law. So long they are capable of performing within the ambit of the relevant Rule and Procedures, they are also entitled to any contract or privilege as good as any other citizen of the land; otherwise, it will amount to discrimination having no reason to that effect.

“It is therefore, not wrong even if this firm belongs to his son for awarding the contract,” said Imchen.

The minister further stated that the attack or targeting on any individual should be avoided so as to make politics more rational and reasonable.



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