IMPHAL, Sept 14 - Manipur Assembly Speaker Yumnam Khemchand on Thursday alleged that Rs 10 crore meant for opening a mechanised pottery unit had been swindled.
He made the allegation while visiting some pottery units at Nungbi in Ukhrul district. �The fund was released by the North Eastern Council (NEC). It was meant for opening a mechanised unit at Nungbi to benefit hundreds of potters. But the huge amount vanished into thin air. The money was sanctioned two years ago,� Khemchand said.
He said the Central Government was aware of the misappropriation and an inquiry would soon be initiated.
Potteries made in Ukhrul district are in high demand.
�The mechanised unit would have gone a long way in making it more popular throughout the world,� the Speaker added.
Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh, who has been promising to stamp out corruption, said the Government had recently stumbled on this scam. �The Government shall conduct an inquiry and the guilty shall be pulled up. It is an insult to the tribal potters,� Singh added. � IANS
