Jakhama under Kohima DRDA receives best block award

DRDA officials with awardees during the ‘Best VDB award’ function initiated by District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), Kohima district at DPDB Conference Hall on October 25. (Morung Photo)
 

Morung Express News
Kohima | October 25

RD block Jakhama received the best block among the seven blocks under Kohima DRDA and John Kath, Sishunu Village, Chunlikha block was commended the best VDB Secretary. 

Six other villages from the blocks also received citation and cash as best performing Village Development Board (VDB). The ‘Best VDB award’ function was initiated by District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), Kohima district at DPDB Conference Hall on October 25.

Kohima Deputy Commissioner Gregory Thejawelie, NCS in his speech said that as village functionaries, VDB is the part of the government system where the intension is to reach the programmes of the government to the grassroot level, for which everybody has a role to play and contribute. Towards this he called to "look back and access the role played by the VDBs and the impact it has brought to our villages."

He also questioned on how it has contributed towards ease of living of the villagers or whether it has improved the economic status of the villages through the programmes. The DC also opined that it is undeniable that there has been instances of misuse of funds, enmity between village functionaries for which he said that the practice of transparency in duties or execution of modalities are pertinent. Villages need to strong and render active cooperation, he said. While, pointing towards report keeping, staying updated also contribute towards timely implementation of projects, he said we need educated members but dedicated and sincere workers. 
He also urged the VDB members to plan and execute in the welfare and better of the village. 

He meanwhile appreciated the initiative of the DRDA and said that the idea was a good concept. We do many things but in the process, we are hardly acknowledged and appreciated.  

Later, the DC acquianted the attendance on plastic menace and encouraged the village functionaries to be change makers which avoiding single use plastic at our individual, familial and village level. 

Project Director, DRDA Kohima Alemla J Chishi, giving the opening remarks noted that the VDBs which renders in the development of the village is an important component of modern governance and to act as a bridge to the government. 

Speaking of the award ceremony, the PD opined that it is a move towards encouraging healthy competition and spirit of pro-activeness among VDBs and members in the district. The PD was of the view that in the state for Rural Development especially under MGNREGA schemes, a huge amount of money are being sanctioned. However, over the years and in the implementation of the schemes, the state has focused more on infrastructural development like construction of roads, houses or amenities as such. Therefore, she said that it is high time to look towards income generation through the schemes. 

She urged the VDBs to be transparent in their duties and record keeping. 

The programme was chaired by Deputy Project officer, Chubaneken Jamir and Bendangla, APO, DRDA, Kohima pronounced the vote of thanks.