NEC scheme : Cowsheds built but no cows delivered, says beneficiaries

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 29 : Beneficiaries of the "Dairy Farming-A Way of Life for Scheduled Caste Farmers of Manipur" scheme, funded by the North East Council (NEC) in Phayeng, have claimed that the promised cows have not been provided to them despite the construction of cowsheds.
The beneficiaries, hailing from areas under Phayeng Gram Panchayat, have urged the relevant authorities to look into this matter and deliver the cows as allegedly promised under the scheme.
Speaking to the media, the beneficiaries said that they were shortlisted for the scheme in 2024 and were thrilled at the prospect of improving their financial situation, which has been severely impacted by the conflict in Manipur.
Saying that cowsheds were constructed for 60 beneficiaries under Phayeng Gram Panchayats through the Veterinary department, they added that the promised cows, however, are still not given to them.
They urged the relevant authorities to look into the matter and do the needful at the earliest.
The beneficiaries expressed frustration, stating that although the authorities have inspected the cowsheds multiple times, no concrete steps have been taken to provide the cows.
As a result, many have repurposed the cowsheds as storage rooms or for poultry rearing, they said, highlighting their disappointment with the scheme's implementation.
Phayeng Gram Panchayat Chairman Angom Gojendro stated that a veterinary dispensary was constructed in 2020 at Phayeng Makha Leikai with one veterinary field assistant and an attendant.
However, he noted that the field assistant has been transferred leaving only the attendant to manage the dispensary.
He urged the Government to address the shortage of staff and infrastructure at the veterinary dispensary, noting that the current situation is causing inconvenience to the local community, particularly those who rely on cattle rearing for their livelihood.