Day: March 4, 2015

IMPHAL, March 4: A one-day community mobilisation programme to develop elementary education at the grass roots level was launched for the Bishnupur District at the Balaram Khul Upper Primary School in Balaram Khul, Nambol today.

Talking to the media, Sagolsem Rajendra, a member of the resource group created by SCERT and DIET, said the community mobilisation programme aims to discuss the state of elementary primary schools of state under the aegis of the Union Human Resource Development Ministry and National Educational Development (NED) through the SCERT, Manipur.

The programme is initiated under the guidance of SCERT director Meenakumari to develop elementary education and its infrastructure with the active participation of communities.

Rajendra said the State Education minister believes in developing education at the grass roots which means through the elementary and primary level. The programme is conducted for first time in Bishnupur District under Zone IV of Bishnupur ZEO blocks and such awareness programme will continue all across Bishnupur District as per the schedule.

The programme will give awareness about the various problems at the elementary school level and the main focus area is on monitoring the various schemes implemented in the State like whether the universalising of elementary education has succeeded or not etc.

The programme is not only meant for improving the schools but also to lay a foundation for grooming children into a new generation of well behaved and disciplined individuals as the first step of education, Rajendra said.

Meanwhile, the head master in-charge of the Balaram Khul Upper Primary School, Oinam Basanta said the programme is to give awareness to the guardians of students studying in the school. The school was upgraded to an upper primary school but the school is able to conduct classes for those from Class I to VI instead of VIII. The school has 91 students registered while we have eight teachers among whom only two are upgraded teachers, ideally it should be 14 teachers.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/03/mobilisation-programme-to-develop-elementary-education-launched-at-bishnupur/

IMPHAL, March 4: A man with symptoms of swine flu came for treatment at RIMS today.

Dr Ratan, who did the check up on the patient at the Casualty Ward at RIMS said, the man`™s wife had earlier been taken for treatment for an ailment at MAX hospital in Delhi.

During the couirse of the treatment, besides her other ailments, his wife also tested positive for swine flu. However, after curing her of swine flu they returned home to Imphal.

However, after reaching here the man had fallen ill and started showing symptoms of swine flu. He complained of having fever, joint pain, body ache etc.

This morning he was taken for check up at the RIMS OPD, the doctor said.

After hearing his complaint, the doctor at RIMS referred him to the Directorate of Health Services, Government of Manipur, to screen for swine flu as there was no facility for this at RIMS.

IFP contacted Dr Sachi Mangang, an Epidermologist at State Directorate of Health Services, to enquire about the case.

Dr Sachi informed that the man`™s wife was suffering from `Auto-immune disease` and they went to Delhi for treatment.

His wife tested positive for swine flu and the diagnosis was done on Feb 13, 2015.

She was treated there only and after she was cleared of the flu virus they came returned home to Imphal.

But as there was suspicion that the man might have caught the flu virus from his wife, doctors at RIMS referred him to the Directorate.

However, the doctors at the Directorate did not see any possible sign of swine flu and he was sent home. His name and address etc were recorded in the log book of the office.

IFP also contacted the Director of Health Services, Dr Okram Ibomcha to enquire about the case.

The Director said the man who came here for check up had already been administered with anti swine flu vaccine during his stay at Delhi for treatment of his wife.

He said his ailment was probably a reaction to the vaccine he was administered.

However, as a precautionary measure he will be under observation for a week starting from the day he came back to Imphal on February 28 till March 7, the Director said.

He was sent home with the advice to stay at home only during this period, he said.

Director Dr O Ibomcha Singh further informed that the symptoms of swine flu are divided into three categories and it is not necessary to test for category A and B. But it is compulsory to test for category C and also needs to be kept at isolation ward, he added.

He said the Directorate had already informed all the hospitals in the State including JNIMS and RIMs to provide isolation wards for treatment of swine flu.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/03/health-alert-as-man-suspected-to-be-infected-with-swine-flu-brought-to-rims/

IMPHAL, March 4: In keeping with the demand made on March 1 at a joint press meet by Janata Dal (United) and Aam Aadmi Party to extend the Assembly session for a few more days if the ILP Bill is not introduced in the ongoing session of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly, the assembly session has been extended for two more days, stated JD (U) general secretary Len Gangte.

JD (U) expresses gratitude to the State government for its decision to extend the session for two more days to discuss the introduction of the ILP Bill or the Manipur Regulation of Visitors and Tenant Bill, 2015. JD (U) appreciates the decision of the government taken in the interests of the State`™s indigenous people, and welcomes it, he said.

The special Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Okram Ibobi, also the leader of the house, know the opinion of the people of the State and JD (U) hopes that the Bill will be introduced and passed in the interests of Manipuri people, he added. He said though the Bill is different from the draft Bill of the All political Parties Committee on ILP, JD(U) hopes that the Bill will be in the interests of the people, adding that it was the JD(U`™s main demand that the Bill be passed without any further delay.

He further condemned the Union Home Ministry for rejecting the Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee report on AFSPA. The committee submitted the report on AFSPA giving hope to the people of the North East on June 6, 2005 that the report may help in getting the draconian and inhumane act repealed.

The State unit of JD (U) condemns the dismissal of the report by the NDA government upon which people have vested a lot of hope when it came to power. The NDA government must reconsider its decision on the report, and it`™s our main demand, he said.

Civil societies, women folks, scholars and students`™ organisations have pressurised the previous UPA government to repeal the draconian act from the NE region and J&K, he said, adding the Jeevan Reddy Committee report gave hope to the people that AFSPA could be repealed. However, it is unfortunate that the NDA government after coming to power has taken a stance which the UPA government maintained for more than a decade, he laments.

The much publicised focus on the NE states is meaningless if the BJP led NDA government vehemently opposes the repeal of AFSPA, he observed.

Meanwhile, Len Gangte also extended his warm wishes on the eve of the Yaoshang festival to all the people of Manipur.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/03/no-further-delay-in-passing-ilp-bill-jdu/

IMPHAL, March 4: A government statement dated March 3 has said that the Governor has ordered a comprehensive inspection of all UGC projects implemented in all government and aided colleges in the State by a committee of officers.

The committee will consists of the Director of University & Higher Education, Govt of Manipur; the Joint Secretary (Higher & Technical Education), Govt of Manipur; the CE, SE or EE of Education Engg Wing (EEW), Manipur; the Joint Director of University & Higher Education, Govt of Manipur and the OSD of University & Higher Education, Govt of Manipur.

The committee is going to inspect all UGC projects implemented in all government and aided colleges and submit detailed reports work-wise indicating the maintenance of standards, specifications, name of contractor or work agency, who awarded the work orders, who gave the technical sanctions and how it was obtained, who gave the A/A & E/S for the works/amounts who sanctioned the amounts.

Further, role of Principals/i/c Principals, copies of sanction orders for each works executed/under execution, who authorised payments, cheque signing authorities/signatories, whether Bank A/Cs are operated with Govt/FD`™s approval, whether joint A/C holding of Bank A/Cs as per Govt instructions are followed, find out the veracity of the alleged nexus/middlemen between the Colleges and UGC NERO, Guwahati in getting UGC Projects sanctioned, etc. including any other related points relating to irregularities/violation of norms pertaining to the works.

The statement has asked the committee to submit its reports college-wise, within a period of 30 days from the date of issue of this order.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/03/committee-of-officers-to-inspect-all-ugc-projects-implemented-in-state/

IMPHAL, March 4: The Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System has in a press statement said it is not completely happy but welcomes the government`™s last minute decision to table a bill for enactment of a law for safeguarding the indigenous population of the State by extending the assembly session.

The release said, JCILPS came to know that the Business Advisory Committee report does not have an agenda to discuss the ILP issue and realized that the government was tryimg to neglect the demand of the people for enactment of a law by passing a bill in the ongoing 10th session of tenth Manipur Legislative Assembly.

Following this various forms of agitation were launched with the support of the public to press the demands. Sit-in-protests were staged at various places in Imphal on March 2 demanding to discuss the issue in the ongoing assembly session, it further said.

It said the people are now waiting for the government to see if it going to keep its commitment by understanding the sentiments of the people as well as considering the opinions of the experts.

JCILPS has also demanded the government to consider the five points, which was submitted to the government earlier, while framing the law for safeguarding the indigenous population.

`By seeing the way it is acting, we cannot completely trust the government. We are preparing to launch various forms of agitation if the government fails to come up according to the wishes of the people,` it added.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/03/jcilps-welcomes-govt-decision-to-extend-assembly-session/

IMPHAL, March 4: In reaction to the Union Home Ministry`s recommendation for the rejection of the Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee report suggesting the repeal of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Power) Act, a one- day consultation on `the Armed Forces Special Power Act, Democracy and the Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee Report, 2005`™ was held at the Manipur Press Club today.

A conglomerate of 15 civil organisations based in Manipur made a series of recommendations during the consultative meeting and condemn the latest development while terming the MHA`s move as an `ignorant attitude` and jointly urging the MHA to reconsider its decision.

The consultation was jointly organised by Human Right Alert, Human Right Initiatives, UNMM, EEVFAM, CARC, REACHOUT, JPF, NEDF, PAD, PPS, SDF(Trust), LSF, VWCOC, CRAM and CDC respectively.

The joint recommendations made in the day`s consultation include the sending of letters to UN Special Rapporteur on counter-terrorism and other relevant special Rapporteurs, and to invite MPs of the Union government and the European Union to visit Manipur to give them a firsthand account of the situation. The consultation also resolved to launch a series of protest and rallies against the MHA`™s decision.

Today`s consultation was also attended by OJ Meitei , consultant of UNMM`s; K Ranjit of FIDAM; Sect. of CRAM, Y Jiten; Y Ratan of HRI, Babloo Loitongbam, the HRA executive director.

Opposing the imposition of the draconian act, Y Jiten, speaking at the consultation, lamented the unexpected and sudden rejection of the Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee Report by the Union Home Ministry. He added the recent decision of the Union Home Ministry was made against the wishes of the people without listening to the people`s voice which should not be done in a democratic country. He appealed to the people of the State to stay united to root out the notorious AFSPA.

It may be recalled here that the Committee, which submitted its report to the Centre in 2005, described AFSPA as a `draconian law` and `a symbol of oppression`. The committee was set up in 2004, in the wake of intense agitations in Manipur following the killing of a woman, Thangjam Manorama, while in the custody of Assam Rifles and subsequent indefinite fast undertaken by activist Irom Sharmila.

The five-member committee, headed by Justice Jeevan Reddy, a former Supreme Court judge, had submitted its report on June 6, 2005.

The then Defence Minister, AK Antony, as well as all the Army Chief had taken a stand against the Committee`™s recommendation for repealing AFSPA. At one point of time, the then Home Minister P Chidambaram had spoken against the tough provisions of the Act, which was shot down in the Cabinet by Antony and the then Minister Pranab Mukherjee. Both had argued in favour of the Armed Forces, stressing that no dilution of the AFSPA would be entertained at any cost.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/03/civil-bodies-to-launch-agitations-against-mhas-rejection-of-jeevan-reddy-committee-report/

R Lester Makang

UKHRUL, March 4: Taking cognizance of the importance of guiding students on choosing the best career option, the Zingtun Tangkhul Katamnao Long (ZTKL)in tandeem with the Somdal Katamnao Long (SKL) today organized a day-long seminar on career guidance under the theme “Choosing the right goal” at Vaomalan Hall, Somdal village in Ukhrul district.

As resource persons of the day, Ningshen Vashum, SP Ukhrul; Worshang Hungyo, SDO Ukhrul; Semmi Ramror, SDPO Chingai and career consultant AC Tamyo took it in turns to share their valuable advice drawn from their own experiences to a throng of participant students crammed in the hall.

Terming the present day as the age of quality, SP Vashum convinced the participants of the need to strive for quality in their studies no matter what hurdles come in the way. He also recolected how he faced problems due to lack of career guidance even after passing matriculation in 1984. He then testified that despite poverty he persevered to succeed in life.

Calling for grit and determination in pursuing careers, SDO Hungyo clearly got the message across to the young participants that early drug abuse and underage marriage amongst today`s youngsters are a big hindrance to success in life. He then advised the students to be sure of their choice of study streams they wish to persue after matriculation, while also advocating establishment of close relationship with God.

SDPO Ramror heartened up the participants asserting that it takes years of struggle to achieve one`s goal, while sharing his experience of years of striving to crack myriad of different competitive exams before attaining his goal.

Bringing up a conglomeration of a wide range of career choices open to students in the present day education scenario, career consultant Tamyo elaborated that career oportunities are endless; apart from civil services students could also opt for entrepreneurial careers like fashion, business, sports, mass communication and so on. He cautioned that student exercise utmost care in choosing their careers as it would once chosen, become a life long profession.

The day`s discussion was punctuated by special numbers from student participants from among the 300 students from different schools.

Revd Aping Khamrang, pastor, Somdal Baptist Church also invoked Almighty`s blessing for the candidates who are appearing the ongoing HSLC 2015 at Somdal centre.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/03/ztkl-brainstorms-on-students-career-path/

IMPHAL, March 4 (NNN): VL Vohra led five member expert team constituted by the government of India camping in the state to study the ground reality of various issues confronting the state has started recording opinions of civil and students organizations.

The delegation led VL Vohra, a retired IPS officer and comprising retired IAS AK Mago, retired IAS BS Lamba, journalist Kishalay Bhattacharjee and associate professor of Jamia Milia University New Delhi Dr M Amarjeet Singh arrived at Imphal on March 1 last.

During the last three days, the expert team has collected statistical data of security scenario of the state like cases related with Armed Forces (Special) Powers Act, activities of insurgencies, corruption charges, social issues arising out from time to time, etc. during the last few years.

A highly place source said the expert team was giving emphasis to the cases related with corruption charges and social issues coming from time to time besides studying ground reality of the developmental programmes being taken up in the state.

The expert committee has to compile a report about Manipur state for onward submission to the Central government, the source maintained.

With the completion of collection of data, the expert committee started recording opinions and comments of the civil and student organizations from today.

As part of it, an interaction programme was organized at Hotel Imphal this afternoon. Representatives of the Democratic Students`™ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), HERICON, Women`™s Wing of JCILPS, and Women Association for Socio-Economic Development were among others who attended the programme.

The interaction was concentrated on government response to public issues arising out from time to time in the state.

The team is scheduled to visit Senapati district tomorrow (Thursday) where they were scheduled to hold separate meetings with representatives of various civil and student organizations at two places.

The team will hold a meeting with students and youth leaders from Senapati District Students Association, ANSAM, ATSUM and women leaders of the district at SP Senapati office.

This will be followed by another round of meeting with leaders of Kuki Inpi, local leaders from Kuki association and women leaders at the office of the additional SP of Kangpokpi.

The team will also hold interaction with students and teachers of some schools in Kangpokpi area after the meeting with students and civil leaders at the same office of the ASP Kangpokpi, the source said.

On March 6, the expert team is scheduled to visit Moreh, the border town of Manipur at the border with Myanmar where they will hold separate meeting with officials of the Assam Rifles, Border Road Organisation BRO and Customs.

The meetings is expected to focus on the issues and problems facing by the AR in guarding the international border, BRO in taking up border fencing work and road development works and Customs in dealing with the cross border trade activities.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/03/centres-expert-team-begins-taking-public-opinions/