Author: Imphal Free Press

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 27

Altogether five demands for grants amounting to Rs.1412,71,29,000 for the year 2017-18, were unanimously passed by the House on the seventh day of the ongoing budget session today.

The demands passed by the House are demand No. 7 police Rs. 1359,72,11,000, demand No.24 vigilance Rs. 3,92,62,000, demand No. 31 fire protection and control Rs. 13,85,45,000, demand No. 32 jails Rs. 19,61,58,000 and demand No.33 home guards Rs. 15,59,53,000.

Motion for disapproval of policy cut was moved by the Opposition bench on four of the five demands except jails.

The demands were unanimously passed by both the benches after the cut motion moved by the Opposition bench was withdrawn after deliberate discussion.

The MLAs participated in the discussion and voting for the grants were K Ranjit, Yamthong Haokip, Kh Joykishan, Abdul Nasir, K Meghachandra, Okram Henry and Surjakumar Okram.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 27

In a shocking incident, a lady who came to avail medical treatment in JNIMS was allegedly turned away for “no reasons” by an attendant.

The patient, identified as M. Thaba Devi (55) a resident of Konung Mamang, who has complaint of thyroid went to see the doctors at JNIMS today.

Like everyone else, Thaba accompanied by her sister-in-law, reportedly got herself a ticket after standing a long queue from 9am.

As per the ticket she was to see a medicine doctor in room No.117 and the same was also directed by the clerk in the counter.

Subsequently, Thaba and her sister-in-law approached an attendant of room No.117 and submitted the tickets and waited for her turn.

After a long wait, Thaba who was in serial number 33, was finally called at around 3.30 pm in by a lady attendant.

To her surprise, Thaba was reportedly asked by the attendant to produce previous papers of consultation with the doctor in the room.

Thaba alleged that she was asked to leave the doctor’s room after being informed that a referral paper from another doctor is needed if she is to see the present doctor (in room 117). The doctor was also present in the room.

She strongly resented on the attitude of the staff of the JNIMS depriving the right of a patient.

“We came to JNIMS for we cannot afford to go to private hospital. Is this the way a patient should be treated in a government hospital? We have waited for our turn since early morning and we even skipped our lunch only to be turned away for reasons not known to us”, she lamented.

She appealed to the authority concerned to look into the matter in the interest of poor people like me.

IMPHAL | July 27

In a reply to a question of MLA, Okram Henry on the seventh day of the ongoing Assembly session, Labour minister Th. Radheshyam said that under the department, the Manipur Skill Development Mission has been set up to monitor and implement various skill development programmes.

The minister further relying to a question from the same MLA regarding various steps and schemes taken up to give employment to the youths, said, under the Pradhan Mantri Kausal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) which is being implemented by the Manipur Society for Skill Development (MSSD) targets to give skill training and job replacement link to 32,472 youths.

In another question raised by MLA, D. Korungthang pertaining to the present status of the alternate route to the National Highways from Wangjing to Khudengthabi via Heirok and Machi, Works minister Th. Biswajit replied that feasibility study is in progress by NHIDCL.

Answering to Wangkhei A/C MLA, Okram Henry’s question, Textiles, Commerce & Industries minister, Th. Biswajit  stated that DPR (Detailed Project Report) is under preparation in consultation with the technical committee constituted by the government and that the modality for running the Manipur Spinning Mills will be decided in due course.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 27

The Integrity Protection Day was observed today by ACOAM-Lup, Kangleipak in coordination with various social activities and academicians at Manipur Press Club, Imphal.

Speaking as presidium member of the function, United Committee Manipur (UCM), president, Johnson Elangbam said that militant groups under the suspension of operation (SoO) have become a threat to the general public as they killed many innocent people and conducted many extortion from the innocent public.

The government has not taken up any action against violation of SoO ground rules, he charged.

He said safeguarding the state’s territorial integrity and communal harmony is firm stand of the people of the state but militant groups under SoO like KNA and UPF are trying to break up the state’s integrity and unity.

The UCM president blamed the state government for allowing the SoO groups to exercise their power to the civilians by breaking the ground rules.

He urged the state government to take up action and operation against such SoO militant groups if they violate the ground rules.

Stating that SoO groups pressured Kuki brothers and sisters to demand separate Kuki homeland and Kuki territorial council, which will affect the integrity of the state Johnson warned that the state government should be responsible if any communal riot breaks out.

A two minute silence was observed to honour the 18 martyrs.

The function was attended by ACOAM-Lup, Kangleipak president, Ksh. Somorendro, national awardee, H. Ibotombi Khuman, PANDM  president, Y. Dilipkumar, IPSA president, Kh. Chingkhei Luwang, Kanglamei president, Y. Leirikleima and KIL president, R.K. Sanahanbi as presidium members.

IMPHAL | July 27

Comptroller and Auditor General of India report for the year ended March 31, 2016 said that annual programme implementation plan of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) to improve the nutritional and health status and non-formal pre-school education of children in the age-group of 0-6 years with a view to reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school dropout was not realistic and several deficiencies were noticed in the planning process.

As per report the social welfare department prepared annual plans for three years (2013-14 to 2015-16) but it did not prepare for the preceding two years (2011-12 to 2012-13), it said.

The report said the state could not utilize the available fund under the scheme during 2011-12 to 2015-16. Further, the state share was not fully released during the last five years. The report also said that there were delay in release of ICDS fund, violation of provision of Central Treasury Fund (CTR) by depositing fund under the major head 8449, Detailed Countersigned Contingent (DCC) bills submitted without vouchers and irregular withdrawal of Fully Vouched Contingent bills.

The report further said that construction of 336 Anganwadi Centre (AWC) buildings was not started in spite of payment of Rs. 5.52 crore. According to the report, there were 645 AWC building against 2709 AWCs. Out of these, 180 were pucca buildings, 127 were semi-pucca and remaining 336 were kutcha buildings. The audit report also could not find assurance on quality service in view of inadequate space and furniture at the AWCs.

Moreover, lack of hygiene and sanitation was noticed in the test checked AWCs. As per report, none of the test checked AWCs had drinking water facility, weighing machines and medicine kits, and also, Pre School Education (PSE) kits were inadequate. 

Supplementary nutrition was interrupted by up to six months in a year and instances of providing supplementary nutrition below the required 25 days in a month were also noticed. Such interruptions would also have adverse impact on other components of the scheme such as PSE as children are likely to be discouraged to attend for PSE in the absence of supplementary nutrition, the report added.

There was a loss of scheme fund of Rs. 5 crore due to excess engagement of UDC/LDC(96 regular clerical staff for the 43 ICDS projects) the social welfare department against the prescribed norms and infructuous expenditure of 4.24 crore on idle staff (29 drivers).

Furthermore, there was lack of monitoring and supervision of AWCs by ICDS officials. The report said coordination of policy and implementation amongst the various departments to promote child development was not achieved. Also, there were irregular implementation of Management Information System (MIS) in ICDS and implementation of Kishori Shakti Yojana (KSY) scheme.

The report recommended that the government may consider to assess infrastructure requirement and take appropriate steps to ensure provision of adequate infrastructure facilities to implement all the components of ICDS in an effective manner, to augment the capacity of the scheme functionaries to the required standards through timely training and in consonance with the targets fixed under state training action plan, to take up adequate steps to test the quality of supplementary nutrition items and strive for uninterrupted distribution, to strengthen monitoring of the construction of AWC buildings so as to ensure quality and their timely completion and strengthening and streamlining regular monitoring and supervision of ICDS projects and AWCs to facilitate effective follow-up.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 27

The cyber crime unit, Imphal west arrested two persons yesterday for uploading a group photo on Facebook with a caption “leimaramda hidak ngaorambi police na faraba nupi sing” on 24 July which later went viral in social media.

The two arrested persons are identified as Moirangthem Dorendro (26) son of late M. Babumacha of Charangpat Mamang Leikai and Sorokhaibam Opal (38) son of S. Temba of Oinam Awang Leikai.

They were arrested following a complaint filed to the police stating that one Dorendro Moirangthem and one person with Facebook profile name Sorokhaibam Opal uploaded a group photo caption with “leimaramda hidak ngaorambi police na farba nupising” on his Facebook page.

The complained also stated that the act outraged the modesty of her in various way by using electronic media and moreover it created problems in her family life thereby causing bad reputation and outraging the modesty of the women in society.

The complaint was forwarded to cyber crime unit, Imphal West and accordingly the cyber crime unit, Imphal West conducted an inquiry regarding the matter and were able to arrest the two accused persons.

The police team also seized their mobile phones with SIM cards which were used in the commission of the crime.

The arrested persons were produced before the chief judicial magistrate, Imphal West and the court remanded both the accused to five days police custody for further investigation as prayed by the investigating officer of the case.

IMPHAL | July 27

The Manipur Government Services’ Federation has strongly condemned the statement given by deputy chief minister on the floor of the House about implementation of 7th Pay Commission on July 25.

A release said the deputy CM, Y. Joykumar, who is also the finance minister should understand that all other states have already implemented 7th Pay.

“It should be recalled that the BJP’s vision document published during last Assembly electioneering might have not been gone through by the deputy CM as he responded with a half-baked knowledge,” the release allged. “The immature and incapable minister should be excluded from the Council of Ministers so as to find a clean and ideal governance in the state.”

The federation has stated that they are not in the mode of agitation as per understanding made with the chief secretary on July 13 and further warned that if the government fails to implement the recommended 7th Pay, there will be a strong outrage from different types of employees across the state.

The Joint Administrative Council (JAC) of All Manipur Trade Union Council (AMTUC) and All Manipur Government Employees Organisation (AMGEO) also condemned the statement of Kh. Joykumar, finance minister in-charge, in which the state has not yet prepared for implementing 7th Central Pay in the Manipur Assembly session of July 25.

Khaidem Mani, president of AMTUC and AMGEO, said the organisations will launch agitation such as mass casual leave, pen-down strike and work to rules with black badge if the matter is not brought up in the ongoing Assembly session. 

Mani said, “effective functioning of the government needs the help of its employees.” He added that the organisations are disappointed as the government does not pay heed to the matter despite suspension of their strike.

He further said the employees of central government have already enjoyed 7th pay commission.

On 17th November, 2016 in the chamber of chief secretary, government of Manipur, the chief secretary had committed to the core committee and executive council members of AMTUC and AMGEO for positive response of 22 points charter of demands. Among the legitimate 22 points charters of demand submitted to chief minister on October 10 2016, 7th central pay is one of the important points, he added.

1. Biken Singh, secretary general, AMTUC and AMGEO, said that members of the organisations have discussed the implementation of 7th Pay with the government in April this year. But there is no sign of positive response from the government till now. He added that if there is communication gap between the government and its employee then, it will not be called as good governance. He also said that the government has acted contrarily on the demands made by the organisations.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 27

In the hope to get more help from the state government in protection of women in the state, a one-day consultation cum public meeting was held today at Lamyanba Shanglen.

It was organised by civil society organisations including Women Action for Development (WAD), Naga Women Union (NWU), Centre for Women Development (CWD), United NGOs Mission-Manipur among others.

Secretary of WAD, Sobita Mangsatabam giving the keynote address highlighted that there is an increase of crimes against women in the state which is really disturbing. She said that as per data collection, there are 186 cases of violence against women from January 1 to July 25 this year.

The reports itself speaks volumes of the state situation and a remedy should be brought soon to tackle violence against women, she continued.

Chinglen Maisnam, economist of MU said that the daily reports of crime against women in the newspapers are now habituated by people. Such news items do not make people curious anymore, he continued.

He also said that Manipur has a report of one crime against women in every nine days. But despite this, it also has one of the lowest submissions of charge-sheet and that means there is no conviction and many cases go unsolved.

He also mentioned one of the amazing facts of the country that while the reports of crime against women are increasing, as many as 24 members of high government officials have cases against them and still they run the government.

1. Jibanmala Devi, secretary of CWD, briefing media persons said that “we are thankful to the present state government that they have responded well to our demands and for setting up fast track court to deal cases against women and a women helpline number”.

She pointed out that holding such consultation programme may not affect immediately but “it may at least reach the ears of the MLAs and ministers of the state so that they would extend their possible help in fighting crime against women in the state”.

This is also an awareness programme plus punishment demands to the culprits plus the teaching of socialisation process to the public to live by morals and values, she added.

The meeting was also attended by Romeo Yuhlung, secretary of United Tribal Development Programme (UTDP), Okram Ranjita, secretary of Singjamei Apunba Chanura Sintha Lup, L. Pisak, director of Childline Bishnupur, Lalam Mate, president of All Tribal Women Development Organisation Chandel among others.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | July 26

Village chief of L. Tangnaum, previously known as Haraothel expressed his apprehension over the controversial issue of the construction of National Sports University, which could affect hill-valley relationship.

Vaiphei, Chief of L. Tangnaum village also blamed the state government and the authority concerned for the unwanted development and the alleged intimidating policy of acquiring land for the proposed university.

He continued that recently some persons from the neighbouring villages have been destroying the hills and forest plantation of L.Tangnaum (Haraothel) without any official authorisation. On July 23 a large track of hills and forest plantation was damaged by using heavy machineries taking away all the timbers without any authority and ran way with their machineries when L.Tangnaum villager chased them, he said.

He said that establishment of National sports varsity at Koutruk, Senjam Chirang and Sejam Khunou which will be an asset to the sports lover of the state is under threat of an early extinction even before the bill for the establishment of the varsity has been introduced in the Parliament owing to the highhandedness of some vested individuals.

He recalled that initially everybody welcome the idea of establishing the sports varsity at Koutruk, Senjam Chirang and Sejam Khunou and even they offered to donate land for the same but when large area of the location falls within the village of L. Tangnaum (Haraothel) the villagers raised strong objection against donating their land.

The villagers of L. Tangnaum are not against the establishment of the varsity but if any portions of their lands are to be affected, they demand the government to follow due process of law and go for land acquisition, H. Vaiphei said while adding that the villagers of L. Tangnaum had been unfortunately portrayed as anti-sports varsity. 

While accusing the state government for the entire misunderstanding by playing with the emotion of the innocent people, H. Vaiphei elucidated that the government had stealthily issued an allotment orders on December 28, 2016 allotting 325.60 acres of land to the director, Youth Affairs & Sports, Manipur which include 137.62 acres of village land of Haraothel, now L.Tangnaum under Dag.No.1 of village No.47-Koutruk.

He also alleged that the allotment orders were never published in the official gazette and its existence has been kept in the dark while adding that L.Tangnaum is a recognised hill village within Sadar Hills, now Kangpokpi district and any allotment is subject to the provision of Section 4(1) of the Manipur Legislative Assembly (Hill Areas Committee Orders, 1972 and the provisions of Section 29(1) (xiv) of the Manipur Hill Areas District Councils Act, 1971.

In fact, the revenue department has no authority regarding allotment of lands of Hill villages but it can acquire the same, H. Vaiphei asserted while cautioning that the government’s policy could ultimately lead to animosity between the people of hills and plain which could also derail the establishment of the sports varsity at the present location.

He asked the government as to why the allotment orders is not publishes in official gazette and on what ground the land of hill villages has been included in the allotment Orders issued by the revenue department in violation of the provisions of the related laws instead of going for land acquisition process.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 26

Youth affairs and sports minister, Letpao Haokip, today informed the House that the department will take befitting action against any individual if found using fake sports certificate to get government jobs.

The minister stated this while responding to queries raised by the Opposition bench during the voting and discussion hours for grants on the sixth day of the ongoing budget session.

Letpao said there has been complaint of certification done by an order of department of personnel in the year 1998. However the case has not been officially proved.

Clarifying on the lack of proper policy for sports, he said that the sports policy which was framed in 1984 in consonant with the Sports Authority of Manipur is very much alive.

The policy has been upgraded in 2003, he said and added that under which an Olympian medalist will be awarded with cash incentive of Rs. 2 crore and 25 lakhs for the participants.

He further revealed that altogether 70 meritorious persons have been provided with government jobs and a requisition has been sent to MPSC to recruit 21 coaches.

To further encourage sports in the state, he said, the department is planning to take up new schemes and projects under Khelo India project a vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi including development of local playgrounds across the state.

With regards to the status of the proposed Sports University, he said that a total of 325.90 acres of land have been acquired by the revenue department at Haraothel and the fencing for the same has been started.

In his response to measure taken to preserve indigenous games, the minister informed that the department has been providing financial assistance to altogether 53 sports association.

He further informed the House that the department is actively considering the establishment of Sports Governing Body.

The chairman of the body will be the chief minister, the YAS minister as vice chairperson with sports personalities as the members, he said adding inclusion of sports curriculum as schools syllabus be the responsibility of the body.

Responding to queries raised by the Opposition bench with regards to community and rural department (C&RD), the concerned minister Th. Bishwajit Singh, divulged that road connectivity in rural areas will be improved with the launch of PMGSY-II due to be launched by 2019.

Clarifying on the inability of the government to properly implement PMGSY, he pointed out that the Phase 11th of the PMGSY is categorized in two batches.

He said that the detail project report (DPR) for the first batch sent by the previous government was not approved due to some technical error. As a result, the government had to send another DPR and convinced the concerned minister, he said.

Bishwajit informed the House that the DPR was approved by the Centre and a sum of Rs. 587.70 crore has been sanctioned for construction of 121 roads with total length of 1,199.225 km including 6 long span bridges.

The DPR for the second batch for construction of 163 roads with total length of 1962 km including 45 long bridges with an estimate of Rs 1044 crores has been completed, said Bishwajit.

According to him, once the amount for the second batch is sanctioned the development works for rural areas can be improved without any delay.

With regarads to Pradhan Mantri Awaj Yojna Grameen (PMAYG) a DPR of Rs. 495 crores have been submitted to the ministry, he said.

Bishwajit, who is also holding the portfolio of power department, said a state policy for power has been framed in line with the promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to make the country power sufficient by March 2019.

Stating that the state has now enough power Bishwajit expressed his confidence that the vision of the present government to electrify the rural areas by December 2018 will surely be achieved.

As per 2001 census altogether 2582 un-electrified villages were identified by the department out of which 2362 has been electrified, he said adding that process to electrify the remaining 220 villages is under active consideration.

Of the total 220, 63 villages from December Chandel, Senapait, Churachandpur, Ukhrul, Tamenglong have been included in the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana while the 113 villages will be included in the off grid plan and 39 in grid plan under the funding of Rural Electrification Corporation (REC), said Bishwajit.

Moreover, he informed that for the procurement of 330 numbers of transformers of different capacities tender has been floated besides procurement of other relevant equipments to further enhance the electrification work.

In his response to queries relating to minority and other backward classes (MOBC) and scheduled Castes department, chief minister, N. Biren Singh, contended that the beneficiary list of the year 2016 was incomplete a reason for the inability to distribute the loan.

He further pointed out that none of the applicants who applied for housing loans during the same government did not give any formal applications but only appeared on the list which made the identification process almost impossible.

Nevertheless, fresh preparation has been started to provide loans to beneficiaries under PMAY.

Of the total 3000 students who applied for scholarship only ten percent genuine beneficiaries was found despite the fact that repeated publicity through advertisement have been made for the same.

The chief minister further informed the government is mulling to implement widow scheme.

The Manipur Legislative Assembly passed four more demands for grants for the year 2017-18 amounting to Rs. 1727,37,73,000 on the sixth day of the ongoing budget session today.

The Opposition MLAs who participated in the discussion are N. Loken, K Ranjit, D. Korungthang, Kh. Joykishan, Md. Abdul Nasir, AK Mirabai, RK Imo, Md Fajur Rahim, K. Meghachandra, DD Thaisii.

MLAs from treasury bench, P. Sarat and TT Haokip, also participated in the discussion.

After deliberate discussion and submission of observations from both the benches, the cut motions were withdrawn before passing it unanimously.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL July 26

Revenue minister Karam Shyam today announced on the floor of the House that a district boundary commission would be constituted to demarcate boundaries of the districts after ongoing budget session is over.

Replying to a question from Opposition Congress member R. K. Imo Singh the minister said the matter has been consulted with the law department and the process for setting up of the boundary commission is almost complete and it will be headed by a retired judge.

The state government will demarcate the district boundaries according to the report of the commission.

Manipur government created seven more districts last year increasing the number of districts in the state to 16.

 

Pony

The veterinary minister V. Hangkhalian told the House that the government has no plan as of now to shift the ponies loitering along Imphal streets. He was replying to a question put up by Opposition Congress member K. Ranjit Singh.

The minister said as per 2012 livestock census Manipur’s pony population is 1101. He said in 2015 the government provided financial assistance of Rs. 9,417 at an average to each of 15 selected pony clubs.

 

Organic farming

The minister of state for agriculture V. Hangkhalian informed the members of the Assembly that the Centre had released Rs. 3.8 crores to department of horticulture and soil conservation, which is the nodal department for implementation of organic farming for the year 2016-17.

Responding to a question raised by Congress member Abdul Nasir the minister said black aromatic rice (chak-hao) is cultivated under organic farming in four valley districts of Manipur for the year 2016-17.

 

VIP expenditure

The chief minister N. Biren Singh, who is also the leader of the House, informed that the state government spent about Rs. 41.82 lakhs in between March 15 and July 15 in connection with visits by VVIP and VIPs to the state.

The amount includes Rs. 25,04,620 for hotel accommodation, Rs. 13,49,284 for state dinner and cultural programmes and Rs. 3,28,875 for fuel, he said.

 

Recruitment

The social welfare minister Nemcha Kipgen said her department is recruiting 11 posts of child development project officer through Manipur Public Service Commission.

THOUBAL | July 26

 A clash between two groups of prospective candidates for Panchayat elections took place today around 2.30 pm at Yaripok Tulihal village.

One group was led by Md Abdulkalam (42) son of Rafiq Ali while the other group was led by Md Kamal Hasan, (22) son of Md Sirajuddin. Both are residents of Yaripok Tulihal. Tension erupted between the two groups while discussing the nomination for the ensuing panchayat elections.

A brief scuffle took place between the groups but no injuries were sustained by any person. Supporters of Md Abdulkalam called the police immediately and the matter was settled. In this regard a FIR was filed by Md Abdulkalam in Andro PS against Md. Abdul Hasan.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 26

Students and volunteers of KSA today tried to storm the Manipur State Assembly from three different directions demanding legislation to prevent non-indigenous people from contesting elections and casting votes. They also demanded reservation of eight Assembly seats for the indigenous people.

The student’s marched towards Assembly from the western gate of DM College, who were stopped by the City police from reaching the Assembly near THAU Ground.

The students came out with the slogan “Yelhou Meegi Hak Kangadabani” and “Meetop na vote leppa yaroi.”

Later they were pushed back towards the campus and a little scuffle broke out between the police and students at the western gate and afterwards the situation was brought under control.

Students of Manipur College and Lilong Higher Secondary School staged a sit-in protest at Manipur College and later took out a rally, which was stopped them at Singjamei Yumnam Leikai from reaching the Assembly.

The same scenet was created when students of Mayai Lambi Zonal Council were stopped from reaching Assembly at Singjamei Yumnam Leikai. A confrontation between the police and student took place and later Zonal Council Akbar Boggi was detained by the police and released afterwards.

Bishnupur District Council students also marched towards Assembly from Thangmeiband Muzi Khul and were later stopped by the police from reaching the place.

Also the students of Alpha BCI Academy Thangmeiband, St. Savio English Higher Secondary School, and St Patric Higher Secondary School Thangmeiband also staged a sit-in protest and formed human chain.

Later, a press meet was held at Kangleipak Students’ Association (KSA) at Takel Leikai wherein Moirangthem Lakshman president KSA said their demands should be considered by the government within the on-going Assembly session.

The demands are drafting of a law against non-indigenous people from contesting election in eight different constituencies for first phase i.e  Wangkhei, Kangpokpi, Jiribam, Thangmeiband, Sagolband, Sugnu, Bishnupur and Uripok and to reserve it for the indigenous people.

“If the government fails to respond to our demand within the ongoing Assembly, then the organisation is all set to take up against strong agitations,” he concludes.

In a related development students of Churachand Higher Secondary School also demanded withdrawal of the FIR against students at the earliest.

General secretary of the school’s students union, Samson Longjam condemned chief minister N. Biren for registering FIR against students. Students of the school today boycotted classes in protest. He threatened to launch severe form of agitation.

Due to demonstration by the students the road adjacent to CC school was blocked for some hours. A team of Imphal East police led by SP K. Kabib rushed at the spot and pacified the agitators.

IMPHAL | July 26

The people of Manipur can live better without the Loktak Project. But we cannot develop without the Loktak. The Loktak Hydro Electric Project and Ithai dam have been disastrous projects and they must be decommissioned.

This was stated by M. Asnikumar, who is the vice chairman of Manipur Infrastructure Development Agency (MIDA) and also the state vice president of BJP Manipur unit in a statement handed out to the media.

The statement continued that Ithai dam has been the main reason for flash flood in an around the Loktak lake. Since the commissioning of Ithai Barrage in 1983, there have been disastrous flash floods in and around the lake. These floods have severely affected the socio-economic life of the people of Manipur, it said.

Since the construction and commissioning of this dam, there have been drastic overnight changes in the hydrological path of Loktak that have in turn adversely affected the environment and socio-economic condition of the people of Manipur, Loktak dwellers being the most affected, it added.

The statement further said the dam has blocked the course of Manipur river that drains Loktak Lake. This blockage has brought irreversible losses to the health of this rich fresh water lake in the Northeast, it said, adding many flora and fauna have become scarce and on the verge of extinction. These are evident by the dwindling varieties of native endemic species, including fishes, edible plants like heikak yelli, heikak, Taothabee paddy, etc, it said.

Another major threat to the health of the lake is the uncontrolled use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the catchment areas of the lake. Within minutes of use, these toxic chemicals poison the water body and affect all who depend on it, the release maintained.

Moreover there has been excessive deforestation in the catchment areas of the lake, dumping of plastic and other non-degradable objects in the lake directly or through its tributaries. The distortion has caused excessive eutrophication causing unprecedented pollution of the lake, it added.

The fact that the lake is systematically being destroyed is proven beyond all reasonable doubts by now. In just 34 years, the destruction of the lake has brought untold sufferings to the people, it said.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR |July 26

Huskha Yepthomi, working president of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) in his presidential address, to the CEC members during the ‘emergency’ meeting lamented that Nagas have elected “unprincipled” people as their representatives who could not remain faithful to the party.

 He expressed his anguish on the “habitual” visit of Kaziranga by the Naga MLAs whenever any disagreement emerges among themselves which is an unbecoming for matured leaders, according to NPF in a press release today.

 “This is the third time that Naga MLAs tried to solve their internal problems at Kaziranga and, therefore, after 2018 general election, the government of Nagaland should construct a guest house at Kaziranga”, Huskha Yepthomi mused.

He also expressed his anguish that the Naga MLAs were “huddled” into three buses and dispatched to the one of the “infamous” Kaziranga resorts after pick-and-choose dinner organised by T.R.Zeliang in his residence at Dimapur.

“On their return to Nagaland, en route to Kohima, the public welcomed them with slogans and insults along the road, which was a disgrace for a leader,” the NPF leaders said, adding, “With what kind of face they shall go to church and other political platforms?” he asked. 

T.R. Zeliang was running the government smoothly when public uprising compelled him to step down from the chief minister’s post, a consequence of conducting ULB election in February where two innocent lives were lost, the NPF Working President stated.

“The Joint Inquiry Commission (JIC) set up in the aftermath of the incidents is yet to submit its report, and therefore, T.R.Zeliang should not be the chief minister till the report is submitted and action taken therein,” he asserted.

According to him, Shürhozelie Liezietsu has announced that Nagaland Municipal Act shall be rewritten, however, even before the matter has been initiated; T.R. Zeliang has taken over the chief ministership through “backdoor”.

“It is an insult to the people of Nagaland. Now, the MLAs do not regard such important issues. All these ugly things took place under the patronage of the governor of Nagaland, P.B.Acharya”, Huskha Yepthomi said.

He reminded the members that suspension and expulsion of some MLAs from NPF party were the decision taken by the party on the recommendation of the Disciplinary Action Committee (DAC) in the interest of the party, and called upon all the party men to remain calm.

JIRIBAM | July 26

A man was found dead under mysterious circumstances inside a room of Star Hotel of Babupara, Jiribam today.

The deceased is identified as Konsam Chandrakriti Singh (24), son of (Late) K. Chandrakanta Singh of Ramnagar Tuko Silchar, Assam.

The hotel staff  became concern when Chandrakriti failed to open the door when they went to inform about the travel agent who came to receive him. He was supposed to leave for Imphal today morning.

Later, the hotel staff called Jiribam police and the police broke the door which was locked from inside and found the man hung in a doubtful position. The reason of his dead is yet known. The body was sent to Jiribam hospital for post-mortem and a case has been filed at Jiribam police station for further investigation.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 26

The Audit Reports of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) of Government of Manipur for the year ended March 31 2016 have been released today by accountant general D. Jaisankar.

Three reports on social and general sections, economic and revenue sectors and on state finances 016 were released today. The reports have also been placed on the table of the state Assembly on July 21.

Addressing media persons in a press conference held at conference hall of the office the Accountant General (Audit), D. Jaisankar said the audit report is characterised by much negativity because many of the state’s departments failed to keep up with the target.

Along with him in the conference were Nirmala Maisnam, senior deputy accountant general, Aditya Rajendra Bhojgadhiya, deputy accountant general.

Jaisankar had highlighted almost every department’s development status since 2011-2012 to 2015-2016 reports. “Except for pulse polio immunisation, the state could not achieve the set target”, he continued.

One of the significant points amongst them is about the IFCD which can be related to the present flood situation of the state. He noted that planning for management of flood was not effective and comprehensive master plan for the state is not prepared.

He added that the Flood Plain Zoning Act, 1978 was not operationalised and the action plan of the National Disaster Guidelines was not complied with till the date of audit.

The accountant general reiterated that in spite of execution if 22 flood management projects and procurement of flood fighting materials during the period 2007-2016, the quantum of flood damage in terms of area, population and value of flood damage is in the ascending trend.

Giving the report on state finances, Jaisankar pointed out that the state government managed to earn only Rs. 15,000 during 2011-16 after investing Rs. 175.24 crore in companies, corporations and co-operative societies.

IMPHAL | July 26

A Monitoring Cell Help Line for swine flu, dengue, Japanese Encephalitis and scrub typhus has been opened in the medical directorate and it will function from 6 am to 10 pm on all working days, said a release by health services, Manipur.

The monitoring cell will be fully under the control of state epidemiologist Dr Thangpa Serto, medical directorate, and the help line will be connected to Elangbam Ajay, pharmacist, CMO Imphal East in mobile number 8794386732, R. K. Basumani, pharmacist, CMO Imphal West in 8794391551 and Th. Ashu, pharmacist, CMO Imphal East in 8794386503.

House passes four demands for grants

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 25

The Manipur Legislative Assembly today unanimously passed four more demands for grants for the year 2017-18 amounting to Rs. 1271,13,79,000 during the fifth day session.

The demands medical, health and family welfare Rs. 605,80,68,000, labour and employment Rs. 54,20,91,000, department of tribal affairs and hills development and animal husbandry and veterinary including dairy farming  Rs. 106,63,85,000.

Deputy chief minister Y. Jokumar Singh, who is also finance in-charge, moved the four demands for grants for discussion and voting.

Although motion for policy cut was moved by the Opposition bench, the demands were unanimously passed by the House after the Opposition withdrew the cut motions.

Opposition MLAs who participated in the discussion include Kh. Joykishan Singh, Lokeshwar Singh, N. Loken, K. Meghachandra, K. Ranjit, Surjakumar Okram, D. Korungthang, DD Thaisii, Md Fajur Rahim, Alfred Kanngam Arthur, Yamthong Haokip, AK Mirabai, Henry Okram.

Responding to queries raised by the Opposition bench, health minister L. Jayentakumar, said the department is taking all the measures to control epidemic in wake of the recent flood.

He maintained that there is no report of any death so far due to dengue which is gripping Churachandpur district and certain parts of Imphal urban centre.

The total number of persons affected by Dengue is 51 including 34 male and 17 female and the number of villages are 16.

With regards to the reports of death by Scrub Typhus and H1N1 influenza (swine flu), he said that the cases are yet to be officially confirmed and under investigation.

Spelling out the preparedness of the department, the minister informed the House that a rapid action team of doctors has been constituted to detect and confirm any suspected cases of contagious diseases.

He further revealed that any patient found positive with any of the diseases mentioned will be vacated at RIMS and JNIMS where they will be closely monitored by the department.

Highlighting long term measures, Jayentakumar informed that the department is mulling over free drug policy in addition to various welfare schemes taken up like free testing facilities.

In his clarification regarding lack of staff quarters, Jayentakumar revealed that a proposal of Rs. 200 crore have been submitted to the planning department adding that expressed his optimism.

In his reply labour and employment minister, Th. Radhesyam said that a total of 60,000 labour cards have been issued by the department and that the card holders can claim many welfare schemes.

Any labourer can apply the card from the department for Rs. 170 by producing a certificate from a register contractor to identify oneself as labour or either Adhaar, or voter card, he informed.

1. Kayisii, minister of tribal affairs and hills development, said that the welfare of tribal people of Manipur is assured through formation and implementation of various policies at the level of government of India and state government.

The department is working for the critical area for the protection of the rights of ST people, forest rights, right to land, prevention of atrocities etc. Moreover, he said that socio-economic schemes are also taken up under the assistance of Centre.

Since the fund available under Central assistance is not adequate the department has been approaching the NEC, DoNER etc for more fund, he said.

He further said for education promotion for the ST the department has been awarding scholarship to ST students besides Manipur Commission for ST has been established to look after the welfare of the ST people. To preserve the right, culture, tradition etc Tribal Research Insitute (TRI) has been upgraded to directorate level, he continued.

Kayisii further pointing out that the state and Centre have been reviving various policies to improve and assured their welfare.

In connection with queries on possibilities for separate budget for Autonomous District Council, the tribal affairs minister said the matter can only be decided by the Cabinet. Nevertheless, Kayisii said that he would put the matter before the chief minister.

He further pointed out that there is a lapse of Rs. 174 lakhs for the year 2016-17 during the previous government and the amount is yet to be released by the finance department.

The minister further revealed that the finance department has allocated Rs. 504 crores for TD department for the year 2017-18 out of which 340 crores is for salary, allowances and scholarship payment. A sum of 68 crores will directly go to district council and the remaining 74 croes to tribal affairs, he said.

Veterinary and animal husbandry minister, V. Hangkhalian said as per 2012 livestock census pony population is 1101 and pony has been declared as endangered species.

He said that for conservation of Manipuri ponies the government has established Manipur pony conservation and development policy on November 29, 2016.

Moreover, he informed that the government had also submitted DPR for Rs. 39 crores for conservation of pony in the natural habitat for opening a sanctuary at Marjing, Heingang.

The minister further said that the animal science division of Central Agriculture University, Eroisemba in association with National Bureau and Genetic Resources has taken characterization programme of Manipur pony for selection of Manipuri pony pure breed.

Further proceeding with the agenda of the day, three bills were also introduced.

The first bill was introduced by finance minister Y. Joykumar, namely “the Manipur Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (Amendment) Bill, 2017.

Education minister, Th. Radheshyam introduced two bills – The Manipur Private School (Registration and Regulation) Bill, 2017 and the Manipur Coaching Institute (Control and Regulation) Bill, 2017.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 25

Comptroller and Auditor General of India report for the year ended March 31, 2016 said the state government did not plan and allocate adequate budgetary resources to accommodate the actual number of children attaining the age of enrollment due to non-preparation of database of children who had attained the age of elementary education while implementing RTE Act, 2009,which covered the period of 2010-11 to 2015-16.

The report further said there were 4,670 teachers who did not have the minimum academic qualification. Text books and uniforms were not distributed to the students on time. The creation of basic infrastructure for school suffered due to non-release of fund, diversion of fund and non-utilization of fund.

No action was taken to close the 106 unrecognised un-aided private schools as per provisions of the Act. State government was yet to issue an order for reservation of 25 per cent of seats in class 1 for children belonging to weaker section and disadvantage groups in aided private schools.

The audit covered implementation of various aspects of the ACT at state, district/block level and local level.

The excess of child population from the anticipated number of children who had attained the age of enrolment as per Annual Work Plan & Budget(AWPB) was ranged from six to 55 per cent. Also, during 2010-16, out of total functioning unaided private schools, 11.04% to 13.62% were un-recognised schools, it said.

Around  4,670 teachers in the state does not have minimum academic qualification as on date of audit. 76 are under Class 10, 1664 are class 10 pass only and 2,930 are 10+2 only without other qualification as envisaged in the notification.

The details of free books distribution by the State Mission Authority (SMA) found out that distribution of text books to the districts of Manipur was delayed in all the years (2010-11 to 2015-16) under reference and the period of delay was in the range of more than one month to more than six months.

 Sarba Shiksha Abhiyan(SSA) stated that Board of Secondary Education, Manipur (the supplier) did not supply the text books on time.

Furthermore, there was delay in release of fund directly to the SMA by the government of India ranging from 4 days to 365 days in release of Central share and 175 days to 246 days in release of State share.

The audit report stated that State Project Officer diverted Rs. 3.31 crore meant for construction of school buildings without any authorisation which adversely affected creation of basic infrastructure in schools.

Audit scrutiny revealed that SSA, Manipur retained heavy bank balance during 2010-11 to 2015-16. Whereas the State Project Director, SSA stated that the reason was due to release of major part of fund at the end of the financial year.

During 2010-11 to 2015-16, the numbers of seat required for students to be reserved in Class 1 for weaker and disadvantaged group in recognized unaided private schools was 48,894. However, till the date of audit there were no reimbursement claims from these schools.

The state is yet to issue orders regarding 25% of reservation of children belonging to weaker section and disadvantaged group in private/unaided schools and reimbursement of expenditure incurred by the schools.

The report recommended that the state government should prepare a reliable database of children who had attained the age of enrolment and update it periodically to ensure that all eligible children are brought under the RTE Act, ensure early completion and adequacy of infrastructure as mandated under the RTE Act, prepare action plan to provide training to teachers not having minimum educational qualification; ensure timely distribution of text books and uniforms to students, prepare a well laid action plan and implement it to regularize the un-recognised schools in a time bound manner, and ensure the provision of 25 % reservation in private unaided schools as per Section 12(1) of the Act.