Governor’s address at Assembly

Governor Gurbhachan Jagat addressed the Manipur Assembly on Mar 6. He said, “It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this 4th Session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly. Through you I convey my warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Manipur for a peaceful, prosperous and productive year, 2013. My […]

Governor Gurbhachan Jagat addressed the Manipur Assembly on Mar 6. He said, “It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to this 4th Session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly. Through you I convey my warm greetings and best wishes to the people of Manipur for a peaceful, prosperous and productive year, 2013. My Government has been striving for equitable and inclusive development of our people residing in both Hill and Valley areas.
Planning & State Finances
My Government has once again obtained a quantum jump in our Annual Plan, 2012-13 which rose to Rs. 3,500 crores – a growth of 9% over the previous year plan outlay of Rs. 3,210 crores. My Government has also obtained sanction from the Ministry of DoNER to a total of 150 NLCPR funded projects with a total approved cost of Rs. 1,206.40 crores. Most of these projects are located in the hill districts. As many as 66 projects have been completed with a total approved cost of Rs. 451.36 crores.
Members, we started this fiscal year with a negative opening balance of Rs. 495 crore. My Government regulated expenditure by placing a temporary ban on non-salary items of expenditure. I would like to solicit co-operation of this august house in our efforts to restore and improve the fiscal health of the State.
Members, most payments are now being made electronically. This facility has been extended to pension payments also which has substantially reduced delays in the pension disbursement process. In recognition of this commendable work,my  Government was bestowed the 3rd e-North East Award, 2012 in Gangtok, jn November, 2012 for the 2nd consecutive year.
Law and Order
Hon’ble Members, I am happy to inform the House that on 13th February this year, three  insurgent groups, namely, United Revolutionary Front (URF), KCP (Lamphel) and KYKL (MDF) have entered into agreements with the Union and State Governments. 197 cadres and their leaders joined the Home-coming Ceremony with 138 weapons. I appeal to all the other militant groups also to shun violence and join the peace process.
My Government along with the Union Government has signed the extension of Suspension of Operations agreement with the United People’s Front and has offered to sign a similar agreement with the Kuki National Organisation. I appeal to the KNO to come forward and extend their co-operation for bringing of peace in the State. I also appeal to the KSDC to desist from frequent bandhs and blockades which affect the livelihood of the common man and fortify the negative image of the State.
Rural Development
Hon’ble Members, under the MGNREGS 474926 job cards have been issued upto 31st January, 2013. The total person-days generated in the current financial year as on 31st January, 2013 were 225.17 lakhs with a total investment of Rs. 46614.73 lakhs. The average number of person-days provided employment per household is 50 days. Now, the wages to the job card holders are paid through banks or post offices in the fourvalley districts. To address the non availability of Banks and Post Offices in the hill districts, payment of wages has been made through Village Authorities by forming MGNREGA Village Payment Committees. Further, steps have been taken to disburse the wages component through Business Correspondents as advised by the Ministry of Rural Development. To monitor implementation, Vigilance and Monitoring Committees have been set up and Social Audit is conducted twice a year to enhance transparency. The Zilla Parishads in the valley districts and the District Councils in the hill districts have been designated as Implementing Agencies.
Hon’ble Members, the Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj has, under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, linked 55 habitations during 2012-13 through inter-village roads. Since 2001, a total of 317 habitations have been linked through inter-village roads.
Tribal Affairs & Hill Areas
Speaker and  Members, my Government has initiated the “Tribal Area Inclusive Growth Project” under SPA to construct integrated Block Offices, Bank Branches, Police Out posts and residential accommodation in 27 backward Blocks of the Hill districts in two phases. The work has already commenced.
Members, an amount of Rs. 199.13 crores has been provided in the year, 2012-13 for implementation of various developmental schemes for assisting 2,900 Scheduled Tribe families under various income generating programmes, 500 tribal women societies/ organizations for carrying out various activities, 1,166 S.T. families for
GCI sheets roofing of their dwelling houses and 57,096 Scheduled Tribe students under the Post-Matric Scholarship. My Government has submitted a proposal for implementation of a scheme for Pre-Matric Scholarship for Tribal Students in Classes IX & X during 2012-13 to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Eight ST. Girls’ Hostels are under construction.
The Autonomous District Councils have taken-up construction of Model Primary Schools with NLCPR and NABARD funding. Barrack Type Quarters under SPA are also being constructed for accommodation of Teachers of District Council Primary Schools.
My Government is committed to strengthening the tribal Autonomous District Councils. Powers have been devolved to the six ADCs and efforts will continue to be made to make the Councils more effective and vibrant.
Construction of District Council Complexes in all six ADCs under XIII Finance Commission award and SPAhas started. Autonomous District Councils will be provided with funds under General Basic Grants and Special Area Basic Grants for taking up various activities.
Education Sector
Members, my Government has constructed 202 Additional Classrooms, 167 Integrated Science Labs, 165 Computer Rooms, 95 Library Rooms, 224 Art and Craft Rooms and 224 Toilet Blocks at Govt. High Schools under Rashtriya Madhyamik
Shiksha Abhiyan scheme. Residential quarters for 76 Secondary Schools in remote areas are under construction.
My Government has upgraded 116 Junior High Schools to High Schools under RMSA. In the elementary education sector, 335 new primary schools have been opened. Further, 456 Centres under Education Guarantee Scheme (EGS) have been upgraded to primary schools while 258 primary schools have been upgraded to upper primary schools (to con)
under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. For these new and upgraded schools, 492 Trained Graduate Teachers have been recruited under RMSA and under SSA, 1951 Primary Teachers & 574 Upper Teachers have been recruited. Further, recruitment of another 346 Primary Teachers and 318 Part-time instructors is under process.
My Government is in the process of expansion & development of the existing Govt. Polytechnic at Imphal. New Polytechnics are proposed to be set up in all other Districts for which Rs.16.00 crores has been sanctioned by the Government of India. A100 bedded Hostel Block has been constructed for the National Institute of Technology students. Two 50-bed Hostels for Boys and Girls are also being constructed.
Civil Supplies
Hon’ble Members, upto January, 2013, 4,06,593 Ration Cards, of different categories identified, have been issued across the nine Districts. On our persuasion, the FCI has constructed godowns at Senapati and Jiribam having a combined capacity of 7,500 tons in this current year. Further, my Government has initiated steps to augment available storage capacity by another 37,500 tons in the remaining Districts of the State in consultation with FCI.
With this, FCI will have a storage capacity of 65,590 tons in Manipur.
Hon’ble Members, my Government has also initiated steps to construct additional godowns having a total capacity of 11,500 tons at Chandel, Parbung, Tamenglong, Money, Porompat, Moreh and Jiribam under SPA. Action on the recommendations of Justice Wadhwa Committee to revamp PDS in the State has been initiated and steps taken to construct additional new storage godowns where administrative units exist. This will facilitate the proposed door-step delivery of food grains in the State.
Justice Delivery
I am pleased to note that the Union Government has notified the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganisation) and Other Related Laws (Amendment) Act, 2012 enabling establishment of a separate High Court for the State of Manipur.
Hon’ble Members, the Courts of Chief Judicial Magistrate of the Districts of Senapati and Chandel have reopened in their respective Districts since December, 2012. Similarly, steps have been taken to shift the Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Tamenglong from Imphal to Tamenglong District Head quarters.
My Government has decided to convert the two ad-hoc fast track courts into permanent fast track cou rts for speedy trial.
Health and Family Welfare
Hon’ble Members, I am happy to note that our health Indicators is much better in comparison to all India level. Infant Mortality Rate has improved to 11 from previous level of 16, while the All India average is 50. The Maternal Mortality has improved to 80 from 160 against all India average of 212 which has been appreciated at the national level. The sex ratio is 987 as against ail India average of 940. Institutional delivery is 68.3 % against all India average of 47.0 %. Early institution of breast feeding is 75.1 % against all India 33.5 %. Immunization of children is 81.4 % as against all India figure of 61.0%.
Hon’ble Members, the infrastructure for JNIMS has been expanded as per MCI norms and three batches of MBBS students have been admitted. 24 X 7 service is operational at 13 more PHCs this year and the total number of PHCs providing 24×7 service has increased to 25. Forty new Ambulances have been inducted through NRHM. The Nursing College at Lamphel has started functioning with a yearly intake of 40 students. Construction & developmental work for 50-Bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospital has been initiated at Lamphelpat and a 50- Bedded Integrated AYUSH Hospital has become operational with OPD and 10 beds, IPD facilities at Urban Health Centre with contract engagement of minimum staff has been initiated. My Government has imposed complete ban on the use of smokeless tobacco products to curb incidence of cancer.
Power
Members, we have no generation capacity in the State sector and, as such, we are totally dependent on the Central Generating Stations situated outside the State. Peak Demands for night and day are of the order of 170 & 110 MW in summer and 190 & 115 MW in winter respectively. As the generating stations in the NER are mainly Hydel, during lean period there is a shortfall in generation and therefore the availability of power reduces drastically.
Members, my Government has taken part in the North East Transmission Company for construction of the 400 KV D/C Pallatana – Silchar – Bongaigaon trunk transmission system for evacuation of power from the (a) Pallatana Gas Power Project having two units of 363 MW each and (b) Bongaigaon Thermal Power Project having three units of 250 MW each. These Plants are expected to be commissioned during 2013 and 2014 from which we have a share of 80 MW. A 400 KV Double Circuit line charged at 132 KV from Silchar to Imphal is under construction by the Power Grid Corporation of India as a part of the Associated Transmission System. My Government has formulated a State Hydro Power Policy, namely, the “Manipur Hydro Power Policy 2012″. (to con)
A Composite Scheme for Development of Intra State Transmission and Distribution Network in the North Eastern States is proposed to be implemented with World Bank funding. The cost of the scheme component in respect of Manipur is Rs. 727.67 crores. Under the Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana scheme, rural electrification work has been taken-up in all nine Districts. I am informed that the work is in good progress.
Hon’ble Members, my Government has introduced the innovative prepaid energy metering system in the core areas of Imphal City and I am glad to note that the revenue collection has since increased dramatically on the one hand and consumption of energy has reduced on the other. The Electricity Department has also initiated the procurement and installation of one lakh Static Meters having Optical Communication Port for replacement of Electro-Mechanical Energy Meters. Providing of meters at 132 KV, 33 KV and 11 KV feeders is also proposed to be taken up within next few months.
My Government is in the process of unbundling and corporatization of Electricity Department, with SBI Caps as the Consultant. The unbundling and corporatization is expected to increase efficiency and reduce the unacceptable levels of AT&C losses.
Public Works & Infrastructure
Hon’ble Members, my Government is taking up 12 important works with Rs. 181.56 crores Plan funds and 103 other works with SPA funding during 2012-2013.
In addition, my Government proposes to take-up improvement of National Highways with Rs. 61.68 crores. In addition Rs. 12.39 crores has been allotted for repairing of bad stretches of National Highway-2 and National Highway-102. A sum of Rs. 11.56 crores have been provided for the work taken-up under Central Road Fund during 2012-13 and Rs. 5.59 crores has been released. Estimates for 14 identified roads have been submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways. Rs. 27.00 crores was allotted for construction of the 119.75 Km Kangpokpi to Tamenglong road. Improvement of 49.75 Km Tamei to Tamenglong road and the 70 Km Kangpokpi to
Tamei road is in progress. Rs. 5.00 crores has been spent so far. NEC has sanctioned Rs. 147.71 crores for “Improvement of Bishnupur-Nungba Road” and work is being taken up.
Approval has been obtained to the revised estimated cost of Rs. 688.25 crores for Construction of Capital Complex with SPA funding against the original cost of Rs. 317.54 crores. The Assembly Complex and High Court Complexes have been inaugurated and 35% construction of the Civil Secretariat has been completed. Rs. 309.62 crores has been spent so far. Construction of PAB Buildings is proposed to be taken up at an estimated cost of Rs. 9.54 crores.
ADC Complex for Jiribam has been completed and inaugurated in January 2013 and the Mini Secretariat Complexes at Bishnupur and Chandel are targeted for completion during 2013-14. A sum of Rs. 4.00 crores has been earmarked for construction of Rental Housing during 2012-13 against a total estimated cost of Rs. 13.53 crores.
Water. Sanitation & Sewerage
Hon’ble Members, under the National Rural Drinking Water Programme, against a target of 2,870 habitations to be covered by the end of 12th Plan period, 1733 habitations have been fully covered and 725 habitations are partially covered. Under Nirmal Bharat Abhiyan against target of 2,63,254 individual households, 3919 Government Schools and 1201 Anganwadi for providing sanitary latrines by the end of 12th Plan, so far 1,30,611 individual household latrines, 297 Sanitary complex, 3919 School toilets and 1148 Anganwadi Toilets have been constructed.

During 2012-13, my Government has concentrated its efforts on completion of on-going drinking water supply schemes. For Imphal City’s requirement, the actual average water production of 75 MLD against an installed capacity of 101.37 is not adequate to meet the present demand of 101.90 MLD. The demand is expected to rise to 197.50 MLD by 2036. In order to reduce the increasing demand and supply gap, five works were taken-up during 2011-12 of which Construction of zonal reservoir and RCC overhead tank at Babupara, Nepra Menjor and Kwakeithel Thiyam Leikai have been completed. Construction of water treatment plant at Haobam Marak and Singjamei Ward No. 17 are in the final stage of completion.
Agriculture. Allied Sectors & Natural Resources
Hon’ble Speaker and Hon’ble Members, Agriculture continues to be the main livelihood of the people of the State. To improve agriculture productivity the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana has been implemented in the State. The National Food Security Mission – Rice was introduced and implemented for the first time in the State. Under the Mission, demonstration of System of Rice Intensification, Improved Package of Practices has been taken-up.
Hon’ble Members, the State was conferred “Krishi Karman Award” for the year 2012-13 as the best performing State in overall production of foodgrains under Category-Ill States (whose annual total foodgrains production is less than one million tons). The award was presented by Hon’ble President of India on 15-1-2013 at New Delhi.

Under N.E.C. schemes, Ministry of DoNER has sanctioned a sum of Rs. 480.10 lakhs only for implementation of the project “Establishment of Regional Fishery Estate at Khullakpat Fishery No.123″ and work has started. During 2012-13, National Fisheries Development Board, Hyderabad has sanctioned Rs. 206.316 lakhs as grant being 90% of Rs.229.24 lakhs for establishment of a Whole Sale Fish Market at Moirang of Bishnupur District.
A total of 242.25 MT of raw silk was produced in the State upto the end of January, 2013. The income of the farmers increased through plantation, cocoon production and post cocoon activities of relining of raw silk, production of silk fabric. Cumulatively 41,958 families are covered under the programme for expansion of 380 hectares of Silk Worm Food plantation.
My Government continues to be concerned about conservation of ecology and maintenance of maximum forest cover in the State. During the year 2012-13 afforestation was taken up in an area of 4250 hectares and rehabilitation of jhum land. Under conservation programmes, the Forest Department is making all efforts to protect and increase the population of endangered State Animal “Sangai” at both Keibul Lamjao National Park and at Sangai’s 2nd Home, Iroisemba, Imphal. The State Orchidarium at Khonghampat is being developed with the added facility of an Interpretation Centre.
The efforts of the Loktak Development Authority to rejuvenate the Loktak lake through project interventions with the financial support of Planning Commission is beginning to bear fruit as the overall health of the ecosystem of the lake is improving on

various parameters. In order to address livelihood issues of the wetland dependent communities, livelihood programmes and cultural heritage based tourism are proposed to be promoted.
Irrigation & Flood Control
Hon’ble Members, our State has about 2,30,000 ha. net cultivable area. For the development of irrigation facilities, my Government had taken up eight Major & Medium Im’gation Projects. The three on-going projects, namely, (i) the Khuga Multipurpose Project, (ii) the Thoubal Multipurpose Projects and (iii) the Dolaithabi Barrage Project are expected to create irrigation potential of 55,923 Ha., 15.00 MGD of water Supply and 9.00MW of power generation with the latest total approved cost of Rs.2181.82 crore. Upto the end of December, 2012, an overall Physical Achievements of the Khuga Project, Thoubal Project and Dolaithabi Projects are 98%, 79% and 36% respectively and the projects are now targeted for completion by March, 2013, March, 2015 and March, 2014 respectively.
My Government has constructed 5 Mini-barrages at Sangaiyumpham, Thoubal District, Kharasom, Imphal East, Langathel Chinglak, Thoubal District, Lama Camp Sumchinvum, Churachandpur District and Langpok village, Bishnupur District. Another 2 mini barrages are under construction, namely, across Wangjing river at Wangjing Canteen Lampak, Thoubal District, at a project cost of Rs.4.98 crores and across Itok river at Chandrakhong, Thoubal District, at a project cost of Rs.4.98 crores and both will create a potential of 1920 Hectares on completion. My Government has completed the
modernization of Kakching Ithei Maru and it is providing irrigation water to more than 2000 Hectares of paddy-field.
During the year 2012-13, three New CAD Projects namely (i) Cluster of 213 M.I. Schemes under Imphal East, Imphal West and Churachandpur (ii) Cluster of 125 M.I. Schemes under Thoubal, Ukhrul and Chandel Districts (iii) Cluster of 169 M.I. Schemes under Bishnupur, Tamenglong and Senapati Districts is being implemented to cover an area of 12182 ha.
Public Transport
Hon’ble Members, my Government accords top most priority to supporting construction of the Jiribam-lmphal Railway Line. Sanctioned in 2003-04, it was declared as a National Project in 2005. With an estimated project cost of Rs. 3,056.85 crores, it is targeted for completion by March 2015 for Jiri-Tupul section of 84 km and March 2016 forTupul- Imphal section of 27 km. So far 35.3% work has been completed on Jiri-Tupul stretch.
, My Government has implemented the High Security.Registration Plates (HSRP) of Motor Vehicles, Light, Medium and Heavy vehicles since 12th April, 2012 in Imphal West and Imphal East Districts.
Urban Planning
Hon’ble Speaker and Hon’ble Members, my Government is implementing three projects under Urban Infrastructure & Governance component of Jawaharlal Nehru Urban
Renewal Mission, namely, (i) Solid Waste Management for Imphal City, (ii) Improvement of Nambul Riverfront & Naga Nalla and (iii) Comprehensive Drainage project for Imphal City which are in progress. The physical progress of the projects is 72%, 70% and 50% respectively, and is targeted for completion during 2013-14.
Under Urban Infrastructure Development Scheme’for Small & Medium Towns, a component of JNNURM, water supply projects have been taken up for five towns, namely, Thoubal, Jiribam, Kakching, Moirang and Bishnupur. All the projects are in good progress and targeted for completion during 2013-14.
JNNURM is being successfully implemented in Imphal, Thoubal, Jiribam, Moirang, Bishnupur and Kakching. Under the Basic Services to Urban Poor component, construction of 1250 houses for urban poor households is in progress. Installation of 999 Solar Street Lamps has been taken-up within Imphal Municipal Area and the project is targeted for completion during 2013-14.
Social Welfare
Hon’ble Speaker and Hon’ble Members, under the National Social Assistance Programme, 4675 widows under Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme and 1341 Disabled Persons under Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme now receives enhanced rate of pension @ Rs.300/- per month w.e.f. October, 2012. Under the Manipur Old Age Pension Scheme, in addition to the existing 30,905 pensioners, another 15,000 pensioners will be benefited with the number of pensioners being raised to 45,905. The Old Age Pension amounts are now being transferred direct into the Bank
accounts of the beneficiaries under the financial inclusion policy. Assistance of the Banks has been mobilized and accounts in respect of 77% of the beneficiaries have been opened. The Department has proposed to set-up a State Rehabilitation Centre at Takyelpat and establish a Vocational Training Institute for the Disabled Persons.
My Government is implementing ICDS scheme in the entire State covering all the 42 Development Blocks. Keeping in view the welfare of minorities, one ICDS Project at Lilong Sub-Division has been sanctioned by the Ministry of Women & Child Development. Under the ICDS Project, 9507 Anganwadi Centres &298 Mini Anganwadi Centres have been operationalized through Anganwadi Workers & Helpers and Mini Anganwadi Workers respectively in each Centre.
Labour Welfare
Hon’ble Members, the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana, covering B.P.L. families among the unorganized workers, has been implemented in Imphal East, Thoubal, Bishnupur, Ukhrul and Churachandpur Districts so far and Smart Cards have been provided to 64,678 B.P.L. families of the workers in unorganized sector and the same ill be extended to the remaining districts shortly.
Skill Development Initiative Scheme has been taken-up from this year in association with five Vocational Training Providers from the private as well as public sectors and around 2000 trainees are being trained by the State Labour and Employment Department. Earlier the Manipur Skill Development Society has also taken-up skill development programmes in collaboration with reputed institutes and provided employment to all the successful trainees in reputed institutions.
Welfare of Minorities. Other Backward Classes and Scheduled Castes
Hon’ble Members, under OBC Scholarship Programme of the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, 31328 students under Post-Matric (100% Central share) and 163448 students under Pre-Matric (50:50- sharing basis between Center and State) have been benefited. Under the Scheduled Castes Scholarship Schemes, Govt. of India has launched the Pre-Matric Scholarship for Scheduled Castes students from this year. 414 students are targeted during 2012-13 under Post-Matric Scholarship for SC students.
Under Multi Sectoral Development Project for Minority Concentrated Districts, various programmes like Indira Awas Yojana, Infrastructure Development, Integrated Watershed Development Programme are continuing. The ITI at Lilong, Mairenkhong and OBC Boys and Girls Hostels at Kiyamgei, Imphal East District are targeted to be completed within this year.
Youth Affairs & Sports
Hon’ble Speaker and Hon’ble Members, we are extremely proud that five Olympians namely, MC. Mary Kom (Boxing), L. Bombayla Devi (Archery), L. Debendro Singh (Boxing), Ng. Sonia Chanu (Weight lifting) and Kh. Kothajit Singh (Hockey) represented India in the London Olympics. MC. Mary Kom won Bronze Medal and brought laurels to the country and the people of our State. My Government has allotted land for establishment of the Mary Kom Boxing Academy. The Academy is expected to be setup with assistance from the NEC. Mary Kom has also been promoted to the rank of SP (Sports) in the Police Department.

on’ble Members, construction of District Sports Complexes in all five hill districts and Thoubal including Cricket Stadium at Luwangsangbam, Multipurpose Sports Complex at Jiribam and Regional Water Sports Complex atTakmu have been taken up with SPA funding and Central Assistance from the Ministry of DoNER under NLCPR with a view to provide standard sports infrastructure.
Information Technology
Hon’ble Members, my Government is among the first in all the States to have set-up the four main core infrastructure under the National e-Governance Plan, namely, Common Service Centre, State Wide Area Network, State Data Centre and the State Portal – State Service .Delivery Gateway & e-Forms.
My Government has taken the initiative in co-ordination with Ministry of New & Renewable Energy to provide most Common Service Centres with Solar Power Units and VSATs for internet connectivity. Phase-l of the IT Park at Mantripukhri, with about 20,000 sq. ft. of floor space is targeted to be completed by July 2013. Phase-ll, with another 25,000 sq. ft., is expected to be completed by August, 2014. In addition to the IT Park, one Information Technology Special Economic Zone, the first of its kind in the North East, is proposed to be setup behind the IT Park at Mantripukhri. This has been formally approved by the Ministry of Commerce & Industries and is under process of Notification. The IT Park and IT SEZ, will generate employment and revenues for our I.T. savvy young boys and girls.

My Government has taken-up construction of the 50-seats Digital Planetarium under NEC shared funding at the cost of Rs. 2.45 crores at Manipur Science Centre, Takyelpat. My Government has installed 461 KW Solar Power Plant in the Offices of ADCs and SDOs through MANIREDA.
Culture and Tourism
My Government has installed two Integrity Pillars depicting the role of our rich cultural heritage in strengthening the unity among various communities of Manipur at the Art & Culture Directorate Complex.
The Manipur State Kala Akademi has been organizing All Manipur Drama Festival, Memorial Lectures, Painting Competition, Art Exhibitions, Solo Dance Festivals etc. every year, besides recognizing distinguished personalities of different forms of art. The Akademi also annually confers 23 Awards including two Fellowships on distinguished artistes, writers, artists and scholars who represent the highest standard of excellence and achievement in different fields of culture. Recently, the cash value of each Award has been enhanced to Rs. 50.000/- and that of Fellow to Rs. 1,00,000/-. The Imphal Art College is one of the oldest Art College of North East India and the College Building is being constructed at a cost of Rs. 4.00 crores and is now in the final stage of completion. The MFDC’s Cinema Theatre at the Palace Compound is fully functional now. International and National Level Film Festivals/Workshops have been organized in collaboration with the “Huntre”, Film Division and Children Film Society of India.
The Kangla Fort Board has taken-up many development works inside the Kangla Fort under the 13th Finance Commission Award. It has truly become a heritage complex in the heart of the capital city. This is an achievement we can all be proud of.
Hon’ble Members, the Manipur Sangai Festival is now an annual event hosted at Imphal from 21 to 30 November. We expect many tourists from outside to visit the State during the Sangai Festival. We should target the foreign tourists since the Ministry of Home Affairs has lifted restrictions on the entry of foreigners into Manipur.
Hon’ble Members, my Government fixed minimum Guidance Value for different categories of land in the State and it came into force with effect from the 1st of April, 2012 to curb the practice of undervaluation of land in land transactions. Revenue Department is undertaking computerization of Land Records and so far, 28 Revenue Circles out of 33 Revenue Circles in the four Valley districts have been computerized. The remaining 5 Revenue Circles are expected to be completed in 2013-14.
Hon’ble Speaker and Hon’ble Members, in conclusion I wish to state that my Government is conscious of the fact that the integrity of the State and communal harmony are two critical challenges. We should, therefore, all join hands and unitedly protect and preserve the territorial integrity of our State. I solicit the whole-hearted support, cooperation and understanding of Honorable Members to make Manipur a peaceful and prosperous state.
Jai Hind

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/governors-address-at-assembly/

Drugs worth Rs 24 cr seized

IMPHAL, Mar 6 NNN: Days after a hefty quantity of the banned drugs amounting to Rs 24 crore in the international market were seized from Army colonel Ajay Choudhury in Manipur, the security force personnel today seized drugs worth Rs 2.7 crore from a state government employee in Manipur’s Thoubal district. A joint operation of […]

IMPHAL, Mar 6 NNN: Days after a hefty quantity of the banned drugs amounting to Rs 24 crore in the international market were seized from Army colonel Ajay Choudhury in Manipur, the security force personnel today seized drugs worth Rs 2.7 crore from a state government employee in Manipur’s Thoubal district.
A joint operation of Manipur police commandos, IRB and Manipur Rifles was carried out in the areas of Sora, Moijing and Lilong of Thoubal district and arrested a drug smuggler from Lilong area identified as one Md Tahir Ali, s/o Jinat Ali from Lilong Sambrukhong and recovered Tetra DX (Pripolidine Hydrochloride and Pseudophedrine Hydrochloride) tablets from his granary at around 7 am today.
The seized drugs are worth Rs 2.7 crore in the international market, according to the police.
Md Tahir Ali is said to be working as a clerk in the Directorate of Fisheries Department, government of Manipur. The security force personnel also recovered Rs 34,800 from Tahir Ali.
The joint security team also arrested another drug smuggler from Sora who has been identified as one Ayub Khan (42), son of Yaima Khan of Sora Maning Leikai. They recovered 990 tablets of Spasmo Proxivon tablets fro Ayub Khan.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/drugs-worth-rs-24-cr-seized/

Assembly session begins, vote on account introduced

Mail News Service Imphal, Mar 6 :   Governor, Gurbhachan Jagat here today addressed the  4th Session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly. Addressing the House he said, “ My Government has been striving for equitable and inclusive development of our people residing in both Hill and Valley areas. My Government has once again obtained a […]

Mail News Service
Imphal, Mar 6 :   Governor, Gurbhachan Jagat here today addressed the  4th Session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly. Addressing the House he said, “ My Government has been striving for equitable and inclusive development of our people residing in both Hill and Valley areas. My Government has once again obtained a quantum jump in our Annual Plan, 2012-13 which rose to Rs. 3,500 crores – a growth of 9% over the previous year plan outlay of Rs. 3,210 crores. My Government has also obtained sanction from the Ministry of DoNER to a total of 150 NLCPR funded projects with a total approved cost of Rs. 1,206.40 crores. Most of these projects are located in the hill districts. As many as 66 projects have been completed with a total approved cost of Rs. 451.36 crores.”
He said the government  started this fiscal year with a negative opening balance of Rs. 495 crore. The Government regulated expenditure by placing a temporary ban on non-salary items of expenditure. He informed the House that on 13th February this year, three  insurgent groups  have entered into agreements with the Union and State Governments and  197 cadres and their leaders joined the Home-coming Ceremony with 138 weapons.
He added the government along with the Union Government has signed the extension of Suspension of Operations agreement with the United People’s Front and has offered to sign a similar agreement with the Kuki National Organisation. Under the MGNREGS, 474926 job cards have been issued upto 31st January, 2013. The total person-days generated in the current financial year as on 31st January, 2013 were 225.17 lakhs with a total investment of Rs. 46614.73 lakhs. The average number of person-days provided employment per household is 50 days.   Since 2001, a total of 317 habitations have been linked through inter-village roads.
The government has initiated the “Tribal Area Inclusive Growth Project” under SPA to construct integrated Block Offices, Bank Branches, Police Out posts and residential accommodation in 27 backward Blocks of the Hill districts in two phases. The work has already commenced.
An amount of Rs. 199.13 crores has been provided in the year, 2012-13 for implementation of various developmental schemes for assisting 2,900 Scheduled Tribe families under various income generating programmes, 500 tribal women societies/ organizations for carrying out various activities, 1,166 S.T. families foGCI sheets roofing of their dwelling houses and 57,096 Scheduled Tribe students under the Post-Matric Scholarship.
Infant Mortality Rate has improved to 11 from previous level of 16, while the All India average is 50.  The government has taken part in the North East Transmission Company for construction of the 400 KV D/C Pallatana – Silchar – Bongaigaon trunk transmission system for evacuation of power from the (a) Pallatana Gas Power Project having two units of 363 MW each and (b) Bongaigaon Thermal Power Project having three units of 250 MW each. These Plants are expected to be commissioned during 2013 and 2014 from which we have a share of 80 MW. A 400 KV Double Circuit line charged at 132 KV from Silchar to Imphal is under construction by the Power Grid Corporation of India as a part of the Associated Transmission System. The Government has formulated a State Hydro Power Policy, namely, the “Manipur Hydro Power Policy 2012”.
The Government is taking up 12 important works with Rs. 181.56 crores Plan funds and 103 other works with SPA funding during 2012-2013.
During the year 2012-13 afforestation was taken up in an area of 4250 hectares and rehabilitation of jhum land.   For the development of irrigation facilities, the Government had taken up eight Major & Medium Irrigation projects.
He concluded by saying that , “my Government is conscious of the fact that the integrity of the State and communal harmony are two critical challenges. We should, therefore, all join hands and unitedly protect and preserve the territorial integrity of our State. I solicit the whole-hearted support, cooperation and understanding of Honorable Members to make Manipur a peaceful and prosperous state.”
After the Governor’s address the House condoled the death of former member Th Achouba Singh. Chief Minister, O Ibobi presented supplementary demands for grants, budget estimate, vote for accounts for 2013.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/assembly-session-begins-vote-on-account-introduced/

Future of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan

IMPHAL, Mar 6 NNN: All Manipur School Management and Development Committee said it has identified the Manipur Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) department, the Manipur state Authority and the School Management and the Development Committee (SMDC) as predominantly responsible in deciding the future fate of SSA in Manipur. According to SMDC president Horngam Keishing and its […]

IMPHAL, Mar 6 NNN: All Manipur School Management and Development Committee said it has identified the Manipur Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) department, the Manipur state Authority and the School Management and the Development Committee (SMDC) as predominantly responsible in deciding the future fate of SSA in Manipur.
According to SMDC president Horngam Keishing and its geneneral secretary M Worthington, recently the committee had met the Union Minister (MHRD) and the key officials of Elementary Education and literacy department under the Ministry of Human Resource and Development (MHRD) who assured the SMDC convincingly that SSA Central guidelines shall be upheld at any cost and even emphasized on community participation, decentralization and enforcing of SSA funds as a separate entity aloof from the state fund.
“Thus our prime efforts prioritizing on safeguarding the future fate of SSA in Manipur has been achieved,” Horngam and Worthington stated.
It is noteworthy to mention that SSA contributes a substantial portion in developing the Education system all over India and Manipur state is no exception.
“We should make maximum use of SSA opportunity instead of indulging in activities that may place SSA at risk and put a permanent stop to the smooth fund flow of SSA from centre,” the SMDC leaders asserted.
Thus the State Mission Authority Manipur, the Manipur State Authority and the SMDC community hold equal and joint responsibility of deciding the fate of SSA in Manipur.
Horngam Keishing and M Worthington then warned each SMDC to properly monitor and implement its responsibilities henceforth.
“We have learnt of haphazard formation of SMDCs widely prevalent incongruous to the guidelines and many formation of SMDC are found to be engaged in fraudulent management and implement of SSA funds and schemes manipulating community mandate. This office shall not tolerate and Condon such activities in the future as failure on the part of the aforementioned three entities can jeopardize the fate of our children in Manipur and take a heavy toll on our children’s Right to Education (RTE) out of in competencies.
“While rigid on our stance on safeguarding the SSA regular norms and guidelines, we welcome suggestive inputs from any section including the influential section for working out modalities and mechanisms that encourage inclusive co-ordination in the interest of further enhancing the efficiency and productivity of SSA implementation overall,” the SMDC leaders added.
But erratic officials and fraudulent individuals shall be booked and punished under the law and SMDC intent to bear all odds to effectively check on the discrepancies and anomalies area of SSA functioning in Manipur state, Horngam Keishing and M Worthington stated.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/future-of-sarva-shiksha-abhiyan/

CM presents plan outlay of 2013-14

Imphal Mar 6 UNA : Manipur government was estimating its annual plan outlay for the year 2013-14 at Rs 8457 crore, said Manipur chief minister on Wednesday in the house of the Manipur Assembly while presenting a vote on account for amounting to Rs 3002, 98, 56,000 to enable the government to discharge its responsibilities […]

Imphal Mar 6 UNA : Manipur government was estimating its annual plan outlay for the year 2013-14 at Rs 8457 crore, said Manipur chief minister on Wednesday in the house of the Manipur Assembly while presenting a vote on account for amounting to Rs 3002, 98, 56,000 to enable the government to discharge its responsibilities and to meet all essential expenditure during the first four months of 2013-14 fiscal year.
While presenting the vote on account, Ibobi said that pending finalization of plan size for 2013-14, the full budget for the year would be presented in the House after the plan size was finalized.
Because of the non-finalisation of the state?s plan outlay for 2013-14, the provision under plan were tentative the chief minister said, informing that the state government was estimating receipt of Rs 8457 crore, which is an increase of 3 percent over 2012-13 of Rs 8187 crore.
The revenue receipts were estimated at Rs 8057 crore and capital receipts at Rs 493 crore. The revenue receipt and capital recepts under plan were tentative since the plan financing scheme for 2013-14 has not yet been finalized. Therefore, he said these estimates would change after the plan outlay for the year 2013-14 was finalized.
He said that the total estimated of state’s own tax and non-tax receipts assumed in the budget estimates were Rs 492 crore and Rs 430 crore respectively. Receipt from share in Central tax has been kept at Rs 1569 crore as per the Central Budget 2013-14 and non-plan grants from the Centre, including the non-plan revenue deficit under the 13th Finance Commission Award, was estimated at Rs 1447 crore.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cm-presents-plan-outlay-of-2013-14/

JAC demands punishment of killer rapist

IMPHAL, March 6: The Joint Action Committee for Khullem Tondon killing has demanded Manipur Government to arrest and punish the culprits involved in the alleged rape and murder case of the 16-year-old girl on Wednesday. Hundreds of protesters from Maklang village in Imphal West district congregated at Keishampat Lairembi Community Hall and there they planned […]

IMPHAL, March 6: The Joint Action Committee for Khullem Tondon killing has demanded Manipur Government to arrest and punish the culprits involved in the alleged rape and murder case of the 16-year-old girl on Wednesday.
Hundreds of protesters from Maklang village in Imphal West district congregated at Keishampat Lairembi Community Hall and there they planned to organise a rally and submit a memorandum to the Chief Minister.
However, Lamshang constituency MLA W Brajabidhu arrived at the site and pacified the demonstrators. Then, five representatives of the JAC along with the MLA submitted the representation to the Chief Minister O Ibobi late in the afternoon.
The culprits should be punished and chargesheet of the alleged rape and murder case be filed at the earliest, the memorandum demands.
A full-fledged forensic laboratory should be set up in the state with more experts, it further demands.
At the same time, the protesters at the community hall staged a sit-in protest and also organized a meeting which was  participated by several leaders of women civil organizations.
They held placards reading “Put the culprits behind the bar for life,”Police should file chargesheet promptly and “Hang the culprits,”
Tondon, a resident of Luker Mayai Leikai, Maklang village was mysteriously found dead in a rivulet in Imphal West district yesterday.
Police had said they believed she was raped and murdered. Her phanek (loincloth) was found lying in an open field over 100 metre from the spot where her body was found.
She had gone missing after she left home before three days after telling her family that she was going to her grandmother’s house at Maklang, her relatives had said.
Some villagers found the body floating in the Haorang Turel, a rivulet just before noon.
Several cut marks were seen in her head, lips and face.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/jac-demands-punishment-of-killer-rapist/

Kidnapped man released

IMPHAL, March 6 NNN: Abducted Nitin Masih from Madhya Pradesh was released by his kidnappers on Wednesday morning after over three months of captivity. Narrating the ordeal to reporters at the quarter of Kakching constituency MLA Y Surchandra in Imphal, Nitin said on November 24, 2012 he was kidnapped by some unknown persons from his […]

IMPHAL, March 6 NNN: Abducted Nitin Masih from Madhya Pradesh was released by his kidnappers on Wednesday morning after over three months of captivity.
Narrating the ordeal to reporters at the quarter of Kakching constituency MLA Y Surchandra in Imphal, Nitin said on November 24, 2012 he was kidnapped by some unknown persons from his wife’s parental village Kakching Pallel Lamkhai in Thoubal district in Manipur.
The kidnappers came in a van while he drove a scooter when suddenly they abducted him at gun point, he said. He was going to his father-in-law’s paddy field in the village on that day, he added.
He was put inside the van and then the kidnappers injected him with a drug which caused him unconscious. Then, he was inside a dark room when he came to his senses.
However, the kidnappers gave him proper food regularly during the over three-month long captivity, he said.
He said they spoke Hindi fluently and he always told them he was only a bread-earner of his family that he could not pay any kind of ransom. But, they told him that he was not the person they wanted to kidnap.
“They gave him tranquilizers most of the time so he slept nearly all the day,” he said.
On Wednesday morning, they took him out of the place in a van and released him by the unknown kidnappers near Kangpokpi along National Highway-2, Nitin Masih added.
He then came to Khuman Lampak in Imphal in a truck and from there he went to one of his friend’s house near Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) here. Later, he talked to his wife over phone and then came to the MLA’s quarter, he added.
Nitin, an x-ray technician by profession, is a native of Indore in Madhya Pradesh. His wife is a Manipuri.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/kidnapped-man-released/

New hope created

PWD Minister Kh. Ratankumar’s statement to develop entire state highway and other important roads in the state capital is soothing to ear. He mentioned the names of the roads that will receive immediate attention of the state Government. His statement reflects all that the state Government has in mind. The Government is paying the thrust […]

PWD Minister Kh. Ratankumar’s statement to develop entire state highway and other important roads in the state capital is soothing to ear. He mentioned the names of the roads that will receive immediate attention of the state Government. His statement reflects all that the state Government has in mind. The Government is paying the thrust to bettering road connectivity. Moreover these smouldering dusts mar the prestige of the state. Because the road is the face of the state, which cannot be spoilt. Residents at Lamphel areas expressed happiness when a team led by the Works Minister visited the area to see the progress of the road development works done at Lamphel areas. They said the suffocation caused by dusts will be eased. The residents at other areas where the Works Minister visited too made the similar expression. Having heard their comment and one knows the expectations the masses have from the Government. They want the Government to focus on road, the rests are secondary. Then the other problems like drinking water scarcity and power suplly can be taken up. Manipur has set on the path of development. The state Government has enough fund for taking up various programmes for the people of the state. Better days are ahead. The young ministers are competing in performing better works. If they cannot not perform their duties they must make way for others to come in. As the ministers compete in carrying out their duties they must keep in mind the educated unemployed youths. Thousands of educated youths are living in wilderness not knowing what to do? If thousands are applying for constables’ job there are thousand others, who hate to join active service. They look for other service and contract work. The Government has not created jobs for them. The major burden of an elected Government is the creation of jobs. Nevertheless if jobs are not created social turmoil and restlessness will be caused. Educated youths will be forced to opt for a way to enable themselves stand on their own feet. They must feel the happiness of having a Government that shows care for the hapless lots. In the past educated unemployed youths were granted financial assistance to enable them start business suited to them. Such policy or schemes are not heard these days. Initiative for extending financial assistance to the educated unemployed youths must come from the concerned department. It seems the concerned department is preoccupied with the other activities like development of Moreh as a new town. We all agree the new township at Moreh will create jobs for hundreds of persons. Let the educated youths reap the benefits of having world class market at Moreh. There may be manufacturing units at the new township being opened. The two day workshop held at Imphal might have evolved strategy where the focus is to be paid in the development of a new town at Moreh. Let us make Manipur a prosperous state. Everyone has a role to play to achieve this goal. Our young Ministers have created new hope. Manipur will reach the target it has set.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/new-hope-created/

2 PREPAK cadres held with 17 bombs

A combined team of Imphal East Police Commandos and 16 Assam Rifles arrested two cadres of PREPAK from Yumnam Khunnou Eshingthembi crossing and Mahabali Mamang, Palace Compound yesterday and recovered 17 Chinese made hand grenades from their possession…

A combined team of Imphal East Police Commandos and 16 Assam Rifles arrested two cadres of PREPAK from Yumnam Khunnou Eshingthembi crossing and Mahabali Mamang, Palace Compound yesterday and recovered 17 Chinese made hand grenades from their possession Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=28&src=070313

Budget session of Assembly underway

The 3 day long 4th session of 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly began from today with Governor Gurbchan Jagat Singh making a speech in the House highlighting achievements of the various developmental schemes taken up by different departments of the Sta…

The 3 day long 4th session of 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly began from today with Governor Gurbchan Jagat Singh making a speech in the House highlighting achievements of the various developmental schemes taken up by different departments of the State Government Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=26&src=070313

ATDUM wants disable friendly minisecretariat

Members of All Tribal Disable Union Manipur ATDUM and the local district disable union have visited the ongoing mini secretariat at Churachandpur today to obtain a first hand account on whether the Government had incorporated the demand they made dur…

Members of All Tribal Disable Union Manipur ATDUM and the local district disable union have visited the ongoing mini secretariat at Churachandpur today to obtain a first hand account on whether the Government had incorporated the demand they made during the last World Disable Day Source The Sangai Express S Singlianmang Guite

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=13&src=070313

Tongjei Maril to be repaired under NEC

Tongjei Maril Old Cachar road, which could serve as an important Highway connecting the State with Silchar in Assam via Nungba is all set to be repaired at an estimated cost of Rs 141 crores to be funded by North Eastern Council NEC Source Huei…

Tongjei Maril Old Cachar road, which could serve as an important Highway connecting the State with Silchar in Assam via Nungba is all set to be repaired at an estimated cost of Rs 141 crores to be funded by North Eastern Council NEC Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=24&src=070313

Antidrug campaigners stormed Assembly complex

Demanding the revelation of the identity of the owner of the drugs seized from Imphal Airport, women volunteers of All Manipur Anti Drug Association AMADA today stormed the Assembly Complex at Chingmeirong Source Hueiyen News Service

Demanding the revelation of the identity of the owner of the drugs seized from Imphal Airport, women volunteers of All Manipur Anti Drug Association AMADA today stormed the Assembly Complex at Chingmeirong Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=22&src=070313

Sitin protest

Demanding the immediate arrest of the culprits involved in the killing of Khullem Tondon, who was found dead at a canal under Lamshang PS yesterday, a sit in protest was staged today at Keishampat Lairembi Source The Sangai Express

Demanding the immediate arrest of the culprits involved in the killing of Khullem Tondon, who was found dead at a canal under Lamshang PS yesterday, a sit in protest was staged today at Keishampat Lairembi Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=11&src=070313

AR refutes attack report on Saibol post

Reports that PLA attack on Saibol Post and RPF claims killing two AR personnel published in newspapers on 22 Feb 2013 and 06 Mar 2013 were false and fabricated Source Hueiyen News Service

Reports that PLA attack on Saibol Post and RPF claims killing two AR personnel published in newspapers on 22 Feb 2013 and 06 Mar 2013 were false and fabricated Source Hueiyen News Service

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=20&src=070313

House mourns

Members of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly today paid rich tributes to its departed colleague namely Th Achouba, who represented Khangabok Assembly Constituency for three terms in between 1972 and 1980 Source The Sangai Express

Members of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly today paid rich tributes to its departed colleague namely Th Achouba, who represented Khangabok Assembly Constituency for three terms in between 1972 and 1980 Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=10&src=070313

Tondon killing JAC demands justice

The Joint Action Committee for Khullem Tondon killing has demanded Manipur Government to arrest and punish the culprits involved in the alleged rape and murder case of the 16 year old girl on Wednesday Source Hueiyen News Service Newmai News Network

The Joint Action Committee for Khullem Tondon killing has demanded Manipur Government to arrest and punish the culprits involved in the alleged rape and murder case of the 16 year old girl on Wednesday Source Hueiyen News Service Newmai News Network

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=18&src=070313

Grenades seized

A joint team of Imphal district police commandos and troops of 16 Assam Rifles have seized 17 Chinese hand grenades and four demand notes from two PREPAK cadres yesterday Source The Sangai Express

A joint team of Imphal district police commandos and troops of 16 Assam Rifles have seized 17 Chinese hand grenades and four demand notes from two PREPAK cadres yesterday Source The Sangai Express

Read more / Original news source: http://e-pao.net/ge.asp?heading=9&src=070313