The House assembled at 11.00 am. of  Wednesday, the 16th June, 2004 in the Assembly Hall with the Hon’ble Speaker in the Chair. 

MEMBERS  PRESENT: 

            Hon’ble Chief Minister, 22 Cabinet Ministers, Hon’ble  Deputy Speaker, 7 Ministers of State and 5 Elected Members. 

            (All the Opposition Members  left the House before the Hon’ble Speaker took the chair.) 

QUESTIONS: 

            Starred Question No. 577, 578, 579, 580, 581 & 582 and Unstarred Question No. 47 were not asked. 

GENERAL DISCUSSION ON BUDGET ESTIMATES, 2004-2005: 

            Initiating the General discussion on Budget Estimates, 2004-2005, Shri P. Parijat Singh, Hon’ble Minister (FCS), stated that the proper use of the budget allocated to different departments was the target of the government. The discussion would have been fruitful if the Opposition Members participated the discussion, he added. He made observation on law and order and economic condition in the state underlining high expectations on these two major fronts. 

            Shri C. Doungel, MLA, while participating in the budget discussion concentrated upon two thrust areas i.e, employment opportunity and improvement of law and order in the state. He wanted the government to make a concerted effort to bring normal life to all sections of the people. Stressing the need to seek sufficient fund from  the Centre, he observed that the State Government should find a realistic approach on resource mobilisation. 

            Shri Erabot Yumkham, MLA participating in the discussion mentioned the issue of part-time Lecturers and wanted the government to rationalise their services according to their qualifications. He emphasised the need to constitute a House Committee to probe  fake pattas and encroachers in the state. Touching upon the drainage system in the state, enforcement of the  Armed Forces Special Powers Act and implementation of work programmes, he said that a solution must be found out to tackle these issues. 

            Shri N. Mangi Singh, Hon’ble Minister (IFCD), participating in the discussion highlighted the stability and achievements of the SPF Government. He further pointed out the progress of the government in the field of rural electrification, water supply, etc. He further highlighted the various works taken up by the IFCD. He reaffirmed the commitment of the government to safegaurd the territorial integrity of the state by actually taking up development works in the far-flung hill areas. He also pointed out that the Common Minimum Programme of the UPA Government in the Centre included the protection of territorial integrity of the North Eastern states.  

            Shri Abdul Salam, Hon’ble Minister (Co-operation and Minorities & OBC), highlighted the steps taken up for the formation of a “One-Man Commission” headed by Shri Halim Choudhury for the welfare of different minorities. He also expressed the idea of afforestation on river banks and protection of lakes.

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister rounding up the discussion said that the budget was a tentative budget due to the non finalisation of plan size and added that the non-plan sector would be revised again. He expressed regret over the non-participation of the Opposition Members in the discussion and added that a threadbare discussion with them would have been very democratic. He further appealed to all Ministers and Officials to implement the various schemes and works very sincerely and effectively.  

CHIEF MINISTER’S PROPOSAL: 

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Hon’ble Leader of the House, made a proposal under Rule 271 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Manipur Legislative Assembly for modification of the Tenth Report of the Business Advisory Committee, 2004 which was adopted by the House on 14-06-2004 as followed: 

17.06.2004                  1) Discussion & Voting on Demand for Grants 2004-05.

                                      Demand Nos. 1 to 47 (All Demands under the Budget 2004-05).

                                    2) Introduction of the Manipur Appropriation (No.3) Bill, 2004. 

18.06.2004

19.06.2004                  No sittings.

20.06.2004 

21.06.2004                  Consideration and Passing of the Manipur Appropriation (No.3) Bill, 2004-05.             

                                    The election of Members for each of the following Committees:

                                                (i)         Commitee on Public Accounts.

                                                (ii)        Commitee on Estimates.

                                                (iii)       Commitee on Public Undertakings.

                                    slated for 5th July, 2004 was indefinitely postponed.           

            The House adopted the modified schedule as proposed. 

The Hon’ble Speaker, Shri T.N. Haokip  adjourned the House  at  12.55 pm till 11.00 a.m of Thursday, the 17th June, 2004.