Ever since Manipur Government resorted to appointment of VDF on large scale work force in the state had been reduced drastically. Finding a mason has become a difficult task. Similarly youths, who were skilled in carpentry works had all joined VDF. The youths, who could make a living by doing piggery and poultry business too had gone for the job of their choice. Now they lament. Because paltry sum of Rs 3000 per month was not something they expected. When they were working as mason they could earn to the tune of Rs 9000 per month as they were skilled labours. A piggery farmer laughed out when he narrated the story of his younger brother whom he groomed up as a mason opted for VDF. They even dug the pond of higher up officials to get the job, he said. He said he can earn that amount of Rs 3000 in two days. When asked how, he said he gets Rs 1000 when a male pig is hired for insemination. Cannot they earn money as I do, he asked. The Government understands that the pay given to the VDF employees is too small. But the personnel resorted to agitation without giving much time for discussion, said the Chief Minister O. Ibobi Singh the other day while addressing a press conference at the Chief Minister’s conference hall. It is likely their demand for increased pay may be considered by the Government. But the void created by these youths as they opted for Government job is enormous, which needs to be filled up. It might be for these reasons that the construction work of Government buildings, schools and bridges moved a snail pace. Contractors have felt shortage of work force. In the past a head mason had under his command not less than 100 workers now he cannot manage even 20. Reduction in work force has given a blow to all. The cost of building construction had increased as the little few available workers have demanded more. Earlier a helper demanded only Rs 100 per day now they have demanded Rs 250. Similarly expert and skilled worker has demanded Rs 350 per day. Fish production, poultry and piggery production too might have suffered dismal blow. Stop this madness called appointing large number of employees without having any work to do. Not a single police man with arm is to be seen at Tamu the border town of Myanmar while at Moreh the border town of Manipur hundreds of security men with arms wearing different uniforms of different colours are seen moving day and night. Why cannot we live without security personnel? Those who had travelled up to Mandalay in Myanmar said they do not see the kind of security cover provided all along Imphal Moreh road in Mynamar. Are the numbers of thugs in Manipur larger than the common people? Or are we all cowards, who flee on seeing thugs? Because it seems people rejoice on seeing men with uniform patrolling on the national highway. The Government had committed a mistake in appointing large number of VDF personnel. This mistake must not be repeated.
Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/work-force-reduced/
