The Manipur Khadi and Village Industries Board (MKVIB), lamenting over the news reports regarding a project report submitted by MKVIB to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, on Wednesday clarified that the project aimed to boost the welfare of all the people in the 16 districts of the state.
MKVIB submitted a project report for ‘Integrated Empowerment of Schedule Tribe Communities in Manipur’ to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs along with a recommendation letter written by Chief Minister N Biren Singh, which is needed, stated a release.
It refuted the misguided claims made by KUKI Inpi and ITLF alleging that tribal rights and funds have been violated and misappropriated and the attempts to malign the image of the Chief Minister and KVIB, terming it as unfortunate. It advised those concerned to research the project proposal before making such claims, adding that the project has not been sanctioned.
MKVIB was established for the welfare of the people and not specifically for those in the valley areas, it maintained. It asserted that the board members consist of individuals from various tribal communities. It further highlighted the works initiated by the chief minister for the socio-economic development of the hill areas.
It further pointed out that the NGOs and the project included in the viral list were recommended as they were deemed eligible according to the guidelines issued by the Ministry. Above this, it is unsure whether the projects submitted are likely to be sanctioned, it stated. It further appealed to refrain from spreading such unfounded claims to the public.
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