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From A Correspondent

THOUBAL | July 22

Many students came out to the streets yesterday and blocked the highway near Okram, Thoubal by forming a human chain, shouting many slogans for a new law that prevents outsiders from entering the state administrative services.

The demonstration was organised by the Thoubal district council of Kangleipak Students’ Union (KSA) and participated by students of Fancier Higher Secondary School and New Era School.

One of the members of KSA expressed that the influx of many outsiders in the state are increasing in an alarming rate. The outsiders have started many big businesses here and the economy of the state is now becoming dependent on them. Those looking for some opportunities from these business men and the politicians who want some extra votes have unlawfully included them in the voters’ list. The outsiders have also started standing in the elections and are trying to get their hands in the state administration, he added.

He also said that few ones have already got some positions in the government posts and this has created a threat to the indigenous people of Manipur.

KSA also expressed that the demonstration of the students was held so that they can save the future of future generations of Manipur.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 22

Ukhrul has a new tourist spot from today besides Shirui Hill, as Wuya Kachui village in Kamjong district is officially declared as a tourist site for the presence of a flower called in local name as ‘Wuyawon’.

Wuya Kachui village in Kamjong district is officially declared a tourist site today after inauguration by deputy commissioner of Kamjong district, Kengoo Zuringla along with sub-divisional officer (SDO), L.H. Ngathungsin.

During the function, the chief guest Kengoo Zuringla while expressing his happiness in the inauguration of such a beautiful site also stressed that the thing of beauty in the district to be preserved especially the local people. 

The opening function organised by Shingcha Katamnao Long was attended by surrounding villages’ headmen including Maku village, Puching, Changa, Yeda, Khangkhui Khullen, Langkhe and leaders of Tangkhul Katamnao Long among others.

Chairman of Shingcha village, Raiyo Zimik said that the during time of war in ancient times, villagers used to camp at the mount of Wuya Kachui, and whenever they do, the people resting there experienced sleep paralysis. Therefore the name Wuya Kachui is given.

Wuyawon flower is a ground orchid, pink in colour and blooms during the peak monsoon season of July month.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 22

The “lawful chief” of Lamdan/Lamtan village, M. Acham asked the T.A. and Hills and DC, Churachanpur to enquire into whether a criminal can hold the post of village chief or village authority by referring to the Village Authority Act, 1956.

Addressing a press meet today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal, Acham claimed that he has been appointed as the lawful chief of Lamdan/Lamtan by the former chief (his father) by convgening a clan meeting on the genuine Meiringmei clan on 2014.

He said that M. Khuripou was appointed as the chief of Lamdan/Lamtan village in 2015 with the help of the former deputy chief minister, Gaikhangam by superseding all the previous orders of the TA and Hills, principal secretary.

He said that after appointing Khuripou as the new chief of the village he has been looting the village forest wealth which has been preserved by their forefathers more than 100 years.

As the village chief post has been forcefully usurped Khuripou has made a shameful attempt to sell a dense forest area at a price of Rs. 5 lakhs but timely intervention made the attempt futile, he added.     

Acham charged Khuripou that he has conducted many criminal activities like deforestation, illegal stone quarries in the village and even misuses funds of the sanitary schemes and mid-day meal provided by SSA for the village school.

He appealed to the government and the concerned authority to look into this and take up action to bring justice.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 22

Students of Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy today protested in front of the school at Nongmeibung, Imphal demanding roll back of the transfer order of the four teachers of the school.

During the protest which started from around 1.30 pm, vehicles were stopped from passing the road in front of the school gate.

Later at around 4 pm police were able to control the situation after negotiating with the student leaders.

Speaking to media persons, Ananda Singh Higher Academy Students’ Union, general secretary, Oinam Bonny said that the students of the school strongly condemn the transfer of the four teachers from the school as they have already covered half of the syllabus.

The transfer of the teachers during the middle of the academic seems that the government likes to separate the bonds between the teachers and students, he added.

The general secretary urged the government to roll back the transfer of the four teachers with immediate effect as it will give a big blow to students’ career, who are going to appeare in the upcoming council examination.

Bonny further asked the government to fill up the teachers, as the school suffers lack of teachers.

The student association warned that certain forms of agitation will take place if the government failed to draw back the transfer order of the four teachers of the school.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 22

The “lawful chief” of Lamdan/Lamtan village, M. Acham asked the T.A. and Hills and DC, Churachanpur to enquire into whether a criminal can hold the post of village chief or village authority by referring to the Village Authority Act, 1956.

Addressing a press meet today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal, Acham claimed that he has been appointed as the lawful chief of Lamdan/Lamtan by the former chief (his father) by convgening a clan meeting on the genuine Meiringmei clan on 2014.

He said that M. Khuripou was appointed as the chief of Lamdan/Lamtan village in 2015 with the help of the former deputy chief minister, Gaikhangam by superseding all the previous orders of the TA and Hills, principal secretary.

He said that after appointing Khuripou as the new chief of the village he has been looting the village forest wealth which has been preserved by their forefathers more than 100 years.

As the village chief post has been forcefully usurped Khuripou has made a shameful attempt to sell a dense forest area at a price of Rs. 5 lakhs but timely intervention made the attempt futile, he added.     

Acham charged Khuripou that he has conducted many criminal activities like deforestation, illegal stone quarries in the village and even misuses funds of the sanitary schemes and mid-day meal provided by SSA for the village school.

He appealed to the government and the concerned authority to look into this and take up action to bring justice.

Khogen Khoibam

IMPHAL | July 22

The Grassy Knoll BMX boys (GBB) today organised the World BMX Day for the first time in Manipur at the Indoor Stadium of Imphal College, Kwakeithel Lamdong, Airport Road.

The BMX riders commenced the day by riding all the way from Kangla to Imphal College and the event was packed with performances by B-Boying dancers, magic show and drama that entertained the students and teachers of the Imphal College and other audiences.

The founder of GBB, Loyanganba Laishram has said that inclusion and recognition of extreme sports in the Olympics has energised the BMX riders to perform more in the world arena. He also said that the contemporary BMX riders are very thankful to their mentors Umananda and Dipen for introducing the wave of BMX and skateboarding in Manipur.

There will be more to come up in a series in the coming years with more events of competitions, he added.

The guest of honour of the function, Umananda Irom has said that the BMX riders of these days are too fleet-footed in their performance. He said that BMX stunt is a form of art which requires a good discipline and synchronisation to make the show complete.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 22

Well known poet and prose writer Arambam Ongbi Memchoubi’s literary works were celebrated today with a programme named “Through my Window” organised by Sahitya Akademi at Dave Literature auditorium, Imphal.

The Akademi award winner’s life and works were looked back through a magnifying lens by another eminent writer K. Shantibala professor Manipuri department, Manipur University by delivering a talk on “Eina Uh-jhaba Memchoubi.”

Memchoubi was born at Kwakeithel Moirang Purel Leikai on January 1, 1957 to Thounaojam  Babu Singh and Sanjanbam Ibempishak as eldest of 10 siblings. Memchoubi published her first poetry book in 1984.

The social activist turned writer is the wife of late Arambam Somorendro. Brought up in Nambol, she got the inspiration to write from a very young age whilein staying in Nambol.

Quoting Menchoubi Shantibala said, “I was an activist before. I had not dreamt of writing. However, after getting two poems published in Macha Leima magazine my life changed to a great extent.”

During the lecture, Shantibala presented Memchoubi’s aspect on feminism, mystical force, culture and tradition through her poems.

1. Behari Singh, convenor Manipur Language Advisory Board Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi said the programme’s main objective is to analyse the works of the writer.

Her works made it crystal clear that Memchoubi is a multi-faceted writer, he concluded.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 22

Well known poet and prose writer Arambam Ongbi Memchoubi’s literary works were celebrated today with a programme named “Through my Window” organised by Sahitya Akademi at Dave Literature auditorium, Imphal.

The Akademi award winner’s life and works were looked back through a magnifying lens by another eminent writer K. Shantibala professor Manipuri department, Manipur University by delivering a talk on “Eina Uh-jhaba Memchoubi.”

Memchoubi was born at Kwakeithel Moirang Purel Leikai on January 1, 1957 to Thounaojam  Babu Singh and Sanjanbam Ibempishak as eldest of 10 siblings. Memchoubi published her first poetry book in 1984.

The social activist turned writer is the wife of late Arambam Somorendro. Brought up in Nambol, she got the inspiration to write from a very young age whilein staying in Nambol.

Quoting Menchoubi Shantibala said, “I was an activist before. I had not dreamt of writing. However, after getting two poems published in Macha Leima magazine my life changed to a great extent.”

During the lecture, Shantibala presented Memchoubi’s aspect on feminism, mystical force, culture and tradition through her poems.

1. Behari Singh, convenor Manipur Language Advisory Board Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi said the programme’s main objective is to analyse the works of the writer.

Her works made it crystal clear that Memchoubi is a multi-faceted writer, he concluded.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 21

Principal secretary education (s), Vineet Joshi, reacting to a recent report of transfers of 447 higher secondary teachers, clarified that the transfers were carried out in the interest of the students.

Briefing media persons in this regards at SSA office Babupara, Vineet Joshi, disclosed that the transfers of teachers wer imminent for they (transferred teachers) were graduate teachers who have been promoted to lecturers.

If the transfer process was not affected the teachers would be deprived of their salaries, said Vineet Joshi.

“The teachers themselves have been asking the department for their transfer to ensure that the payment of their salary is not hampered”, said Joshi.

Further explaining on the criteria, he stated that the transfer was affected after having done proper assessment based on the students strength and vacancy of the schools.

There could be an attachment between teachers and students but the department has to take into consideration the general interest as a whole, he contended.

“Everything we have done is in the best interest of the students”, said the principal secretary before assuring to look into the demand of the students.

education (s) director, Th. Kirankumar, deputy secretary, L. Nandakumar and officials of the education department also attended the press conference.

Unanimous stand on amending Constitution to protect state boundary

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL July 21

Manipur Assembly today unanimously reaffirmed a resolution adopted in 2015 by the House to urge the Centre to amend the Article 3 of the Constitution to safeguard Manipur’s boundary.

“This House unanimously resolves to reiterate the Resolution No. 117 passed by this Hosue on 31 st August, 2015 for amendment of Article 3 of the Constitution of India by incorporating that the prior consent of the state legislature of the affected state(s) shall be mandatorily obtained while forming new state and alteration of areas, boundaries or names of existing states,” the resolution said.

The Speaker Yumnam Khemchand adjourned the afternoon session of the Assembly for half an hour to give time to both the ruling and Opposition members to draft the resolution together, as proposed by leader of the Opposition O. Ibobi Singh.

On August 31, 2015 the Assembly adopted a resolution seeking amendment of the Constititon. The resolution was moved by the former chief minister Ibobi. The government moved the resolution after the Centre and the NSCN (IM) had signed the Framework Agreement on August 3 in the same year.

The members agreed to adopt a House resolution after Ibobi Singh intervened into a debate on what kind of resolution should be adopted during a discussion of a private member resolution seeking amendment of the Article 3 of the Constitution.

The private member bill was moved by Congress members Kh. Joykishan, K. Ranjit, Surajkumar Okram, N. Loken Singh and K. Govindas.

When the movers pressed for passing the bill leader of the House and chief minister N. Biren Singh proposed to pass a resolution moved by the government, saying it would have more significance.

As Joykishan was adamant that the bill should be passed Ibobi Singh intervened, suggesting that instead of passing a private member bill, it should be a House resolution, as suggested by Biren. He also proposed an adjournment of some minutes for drafting the resolution together by the Opposition and ruling.

Earlier during the discussion on the private member bill deputy chief minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh insisted that the resolution moved by the Opposition members that reads “provided that in the case of Manipur, the Bill for this purpose shall be introduced in either House of Parliament except on the recommendation of President made on the unanimous decision of the Manipur Legislative Assembly,” is not agreeable with him and certain wordings in the resolution need to be changed.

“I cannot betray the people of Manipur and I cannot agree with this,” Joykumar remarked, adding it was in the larger interest of safeguarding the state boundary. “If the resolution is to be put up, it should not be faulty, he said.

IMPHAL | July 21

Chief minister N. Biren Singh replying to a starred question from Opposition member Kh. Joykishan said that there are no authorized camps of the NSCN (IM) in the state. He, however, acknowledged that there are activities of the Naga group and suo-motto case has been registered regarding the killing of two civilians at Kharasom on June 15 last.

Joykishan insisted that it is common knowledge that NSCN (IM) camps exist in Manipur and whether those who are related to the murder of the mentioned two persons have been arrested.

Biren said the NSCN (IM) have mobile offices and the cadres disappear in the vast jungle expanses after committing a crime. There is no question of extension of the NSCN (IM) ceasefire in Manipur, he added.

IMPHAL | July 21

The art and culture minister L. Jayantakumar Singh said that Manipur State Film and Television Institute (MSFTI) plans to start a PG diploma course in documentary from October, with a budget provision of Rs. 1.5 crore for the fiscal year 2017-18. This was stated while replying to a question raised by MLA, Khangabok A/C Surjakumar Okram during question hours, in the second day of the second session of the Eleventh Manipur Legislative Assembly, today.

The minister further informed the House that the courses offered in the Manipur University of Culture are graduate course in dance, music, sankritana, umang lai haraoba, thang-ta, theatre, tribal studies and visual art with a budget of Rs. 1.5 crore for the fiscal year 2017-18.

On the reason for the delay in the functioning of the Manipur State Film & Television Institute, the minister replied that the recruitment of faculty and staffs of the institute will be taken up. In the absence of faculty members, support staffs, academic infrastructure and acquisition of equipment, academic programs cannot commence.

In another question raised by MLA, Wangkhei A/C, Okram Henry Singh on the present status of the Cabinet decision taken by the previous government to rename the Imphal International airport, the chief minister N. Biren, who is also holding the portfolio of transport, informed the House that the state Cabinet took decision in its meeting held on September 21 last year to rename the Imphal International Airport and decided to recommend to the ministry of civil aviation for necessary action in the interest of the people of Manipur.

The Centre has released a total amount of Rs. 739.44 lakh for National Food Security Mission for the year 2016-17 for the state of Manipur for nine districts including Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Chandel, Churachandpur, Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul. The beneficiaries were selected through the extension functionaries of the respective districts. This was informed by agriculture minister V. Hangkhanlian to the query raised by MLA, Lilong A/C Md. Abdul Nasir.

Newmai News Network

SENAPATI | July 21

Much to the disappointment of the United Naga Council (UNC), the tripartite talks on the district creation have been postponed, again. The talks involving the United Naga Council (UNC), the Central Government and the State Government of Manipur were scheduled to be held on July 22 (Saturday) in Senapati district headquarters at the ‘political level’ but the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has “fervently requested” the UNC leaders to have the talks early next month.

Speaking to Newmai News Network this evening over phone, Satyendra Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA),Government of India said that the State Government of Manipur had “requested” the former if the date of the talks could be scheduled for July 23 (Sunday) instead of July 22.

According to Satyendra Garg, the State Government of Manipur had expressed that its cabinet ministers who are assigned to take part in the tripartite talks would not be able to skip the ongoing session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly on Saturday. To this, the UNC had agreed even to hold the talks even on Sunday but the proposal of the State Government of Manipur gives inconveniences to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials participating in the tripartite talks. According to the MHA Joint Secretary, the Union Home Minister is taking part in the Question Hour of the ongoing Parliament Session on July 24, Monday, for which it has become a matter of compulsion that all the MHA officials are stationed from Sunday.

Now, things have come to such a situation that the next tripartite talks have been tentatively scheduled either on August 5 or August 11, according to Satyendra Garg.  He also said that the Government of India “takes seriously” on the tripartite talks, and “I hope things should be alright for everyone in the early part of next month.”

It can be noted here that the tripartite talks on district creation issue which were scheduled earlier for July 10 at Ukhrul district headquarters were postponed, and the talks were latter fixed for July 22 with Senapati district headquarters as the venue. Apparently reacting to the prolonging of the tripartite talks the UNC has expressed its frustration today again.

UNC president Gaidon Kamei reiterated that Naga people in Manipur “to remain alert to face any eventuality”. Earlier, the UNC had alleged  that a party engaging in the tripartite talks was intentionally trying to sabotage the ongoing dialogue on district creation issue.

On May 19, the representatives of the Manipur Government, the Central Government and the UNC had agreed upon to hold tripartite talks on the district creation issue at the political level within a month’s time. The one month’s time frame to hold tripartite talks on the district creation issue had lapsed on June 19.

UNC had also stated earlier that “since the new government of Manipur under the leadership of N Biren Singh and the Narendra Modi government at the Centre had assured us to redress the problems created by the communal Ibobi Singh government we are fervently waiting for the justice.”

Things may be recalled here that, in the last tripartite talks held on May 19 in Senapati headquarters, it was reaffirmed the “focal point No 1 of agreement arrived at in the tripartite talks on March 19, 2017” which states that “the grievances of the United Naga Council which led to the imposition of the economic blockade by them was recognized as there was non-adherence to the four Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the Government of India’s assurance on the matter. The Government of Manipur agrees to start consultation with all stakeholders to redress the same”.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 21

The 24×7 emergency health service of the Community Health Centre (CHC) Yaipripok has been suspended immediately following shortage of doctors.

A statement issued by the hospital management society CHC Yairipok stated that the decision to suspend the 24×7 operation of the CHC was taken by the society during its emergency meeting.

The statement further pointed out that as per the Indian Public Health Standard a CHC requires 11 doctors. However, the CHC is presently run by only two doctors.

It claimed that the matter pertaining to the shortage of doctors has been appraised to the authority concerned several times yet the authority remained indifferent.

As a result, taking into consideration the plight of the two doctors the society has decided to suspend the emergency service until enough man power is provided to the CHC, it said.

According to the society, Yairipok CHC avails service to highest number of patients with over 150 patients per day in the emergency section excluding the OPD patients.

Given the maximum intake of patients, it claimed that the workload could become detrimental to the health of the only two doctors posted at the CHC before pointing out that a doctor is recommended to work for maximum of 48 hours as per Indian Public Health Standard.

Against this backdrop, it contended that in Kakwa PHC and Akampat PHC, areas close to Imphal, have over five doctors each.

It appealed to the authority concerned to look into the grievances of the CHC at the earliest in public interest.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 21

Four students of CC Higher Secondary School got minor injuries and Imphal East police commando OC, L. Vaiphei got head injury during a clash today between the students and the police.

The the clash broke out at around 12 noon when the police tried to stop the students of the school from marching a rally in front of the school gate at Sanjenthong, Imphal.

The student tried to march towards chief minister’s bungalow demanding roll back of the transfer of eight teachers from the school.

During the clash traffic was stop from Sanjenthong bridge till Palace gate for around one hour.

Eyewitnesses said stones were pelted by the students as police tried to stop. To bring the situation under control and disperse the students, police fired some rounds of tear gas cells and also used mock bombs.

Later at around 1 pm police were able to control the situation after negotiating with the student leaders.

Speaking to media persons, CC Higher Secondary School Students’ Union, general secretary, Samson Longjam said that the students of the school strongly condemned the transfer of the eight teachers as they have already covered half of the syllabus.

He urged the government to cancel the transfer of the eight teachers with immediate effect as it will affect the carriers of the students who are going to appear the upcoming board and council examinations.

He further also urged the government to fill up teachers, as the school suffers from lack of teachers.

The student association warned the government that classes will be boycotted until the transfer of the eight teachers are cancelled and will take up different forms of agitation until their demand is fulfilled.

From A Correspondent

THOUBAL | July 21

Guardians and students of Fundrei High School, under Wangjing- Tentha Assembly constituency had closed down the school yesterday in protest against transfer of two teachers, when the school does not have enough teachers already.

Angry students and guardians held a sit-in protest in front of the school gate. “We are not opening the school until our teachers are provided,” said a protestor.

A guardian expressed that Fundrei High School is the only government school at Fundrei; there are a total of 365 students who are presently studying in the school, from class I to X. Students from the village who are mostly poor families are studying at the school. The school had 21 teachers before, but only 10 teachers are running it now with great difficulty. 

He continued that a few months before, two of the teachers from the school have been utilized, resulting in more shortage of teachers. Recently, transfer orders for two teachers of this government school have arrived suddenly; this means that there will be only 6 teachers left in the school. It would be an impossible task to teach so many students with just 6 teachers, he added. 

The students had raised the issue before since July 7, and met concerned officials who promised that teachers will be provided. The students have even met the education minister himself who also gave the promise they will be given new teachers. However, none of the promises have been fulfilled. The protestors have also met the local MLA but their please have been allegedly ignored.

The guardians have appealed to the authorities to address their issues and provide the required teachers.   

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 21

The Bishnupur police arrested three persons in connection with the murder case 4th Assam Regiment, havildar, Moirangthem Herachandra Singh.

The havildar was found death with a bullet hole on his forehead on July 10, in a canal in between Kwaksiphai and Nachou, Bishnupur district.

Police arrested one a suspect identified as S. Ibosana Singh (54) son of S. Biramangol of Keibul Awang Leikai on July 15.

From the disclosure of Ibosana yesterday police were able to arrest two more persons who were allegedly involved in the killing of the personnel including late Herachandra’s wife, Moirangthem (O) Indira Devi (41) of Moirang Khunou Khonang Makhong.

The other person is identified as Ningthoujam Tomcha Singh (52) son of N. Kullabi of Keirrenphabi Maning Leikai.

The police also seized a Maruti, Sentro car with registration number, MN07D-003 which is allegedly used in the killing of the personnel.

The court remanded all the three accused persons to police custody till next Friday.

IMPHAL | July

In the evening session of the second day of the ongoing budget session, the House unanimously passed Rs. 1035,05,43,250 for different departmental expenditures to be incurred during August, 2017.

Questions and observations raised by the opposition members in connection with the general discussion on budget estimate 2017-18, the finance minister clarified that the reason for small budget is due to inability of submission of utilization certificates (UC) by some departments and conversion of ACC Bills to DCC Bills.

He stated that with the implementation of GST and proper management of financial resources, there will be surplus revenue and also further stressed on the major thrust areas of the budget.

DBT is one of the major thrust areas for prevention of misappropriation of benefits, proper and timely delivery system of fund allocations and also stated that to take grants from the Centre is easy but proper utilization of the grants is difficult.

He maintained that the present budget is clear and ambitious since it is meant for the developmental projects in the state.

Participating in the discussion, the chief minister N. Biren Singh said that to prepare a budget is not an easy task as it needs collection of data and information from each government department and different financial resources.

The government does not have any partiality in distribution of aids, relief materials and welfare schemes to the public. All the aids for flood affected people are being entrusted to the concerned DCs particularly to avoid political biasness.

The main purpose is to serve the people and to regain the lost trust between different communities, the government is action oriented and stood for corruption free government and lastly appealed to the House for keeping confidence in his government.

Finance minister Y. Joykumar Singh moved the Manipur Appropriation (No. 3) Bill 2017 and the House passed it.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | July 20

Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM) organised an emergency meeting today at Kuki Inn, Imphal against the gruesome murder case of HSO president Letkholal Haokip alias Palal Haokip.

The meeting, carried out with all the frontal organisations of KIM, discussed the circumstances surrounding the murder.

Information and publicity “department” of KIM said the meeting reaffirmed and re-endorsed the KIM resolution of June 24 that imposed social boycott on the culprits behind the murder of Letkholal on the evening of June 23.

It was also resolved that that all those involved in the murder should be arrested within one week starting July 20 and decided to launch any form of agitation if the state government and authorities concerned fail to arrest the other culprits.

By A Staff Reporter with DIPR

IMPHAL | July 20

 The Second Session of the Eleventh Manipur Legislative Assembly began today with presentation of Budget Estimates, 2017-18 with a fiscal deficit of Rs 851.41 crore by the deputy chief minister Y. Joykumar Singh

Joykumar said that the government is committed to serve the the people of the state with utmost sincerity, dedication and unflinching effort to fulfil the people’s aspirations.

The government had only little time to prepare the revised estimates for 2016-17 and budget estimates for 2017-18. Therefore, only a vote on account for budget estimates, 2017-18 to enable the government to discharge its responsibilities and meet all essential expenditure during the first four months of 2017-18 could be presented.

To mention some of the major initiatives undertaken by the govt. in the first 100 days are, the Manipur Goods & Services Tax Act 2017 was enacted in June and paving the way for GST to be implemented in the state of Manipur. The Manipur Goods & Services Tax Act 2017 has replaced the Value Added Tax Act 2004 and 2 others Acts in the State and expected to generate a revenue of around Rs 700 crore.

The finance minister further said that to the fiscal policy, the priority was to exercise fiscal prudence and maintain financial discipline. The state’s own resources comprise about 10% of the total revenue receipts while the rest comes from central transfers in the form of grant- in- aid and state’s share in central taxes.As compared to last financial year, the total revenue receipts have shown an estimated increase from Rs 9950.15 crore to Rs 11,096.25 crore.

The annual exercise of budgeting is designed for optimal and balanced allocation of the resources available taking into account the larger socio-political and economic considerations. For 2017-18, the total receipts are estimated at Rs 12510.61 crore out of which revenue receipts are estimated at Rs 11096.25 crore and capital receipts at Rs 1414.36 crore.

Total estimates of state’s own tax and non-tax receipts in the Budget Estimates are Rs 831.86 crore and Rs 245.51 crore respectively. Receipt from state’s share in central taxes and duties is estimated at Rs 4168.45 crore.

During this fiscal year, it is proposed to have a total expenditure of Rs 12,420.65 crore out of the consolidated fund of the State. Out of this, Rs 9952.35 crore is under Revenue account and Rs 2468.30 crore under capital account. Out of the total expenditure, an amount of Rs 961.31 crore is charged expenditure and the remaining amount of Rs 11459.34 crore is voted expenditure.