The House assembled at
11.00 am of Monday, the 18th September,
2006 in the Assembly Hall with the Hon’ble Speaker, Dr.
Md. Maniruddin Shaikh in the
Chair.
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Hon’ble Chief Minister, 11
Cabinet Ministers, Chairman (Hill Areas Committee) and 46 Elected
Members.
QUESTIONS:
(a) Hon’ble Minister (Social
Welfare) made a reply to Starred Question No. 1021 asked by Shri M.
Nilchandra Singh, MLA regarding the number of Anganwadi Centres
allotted to a constituency.
(b) Hon’ble Minister
(Agriculture) made a reply to Starred Question No. 1022 asked by Shri
S. Natum Singh, MLA regarding the declaration of Agriculture Department
as a Technical Department.
(c) Hon’ble Chief
Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 1023 asked by Shri S.
Ibohal Singh, MLA regarding the total amount borrowed by Manipur
Government from financial institutions.
(d) Hon’ble Minister
(Social Welfare) made a reply to Starred Question No. 1024 asked by
Shri Erabot Yumkham, MLA regarding the implementation of Social Upliftment
Rural Education (S.U.R.E.) Programme.
(e) Hon’ble Chief
Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 1025 asked by Shri S.
Gopal Singh, MLA regarding the construction of shed under I.D.S.T.
Scheme.
(f) Hon’ble Minister
(Social Welfare) made a reply to Starred Question No. 1026 asked by
Shri N. Sovakiran Singh, MLA regarding the proposal for opening new Anganwadi
Centres.
(g) Hon’ble Chief
Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 1027 asked by Shri L.
Ibomcha Singh, MLA regarding the amount sanctioned for Storm Water
Drain.
(h) Hon’ble Chief
Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 1028 asked by Shri M.
Bhorot Singh, MLA regarding parking of vehicles in Khwairamband Bazar.
(i) Hon’ble Chief
Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 1029 asked by Shri N.
Bihari Singh, MLA regarding plan for opening of S.B.I. Branch in Imphal
East District.
(j) Hon’ble Chief
Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 1030 asked by Shri M.
Nabadwip Singh, MLA regarding list of surrenderee.
(k) Hon’ble Minister
(Power) made a reply to Starred Question No. 1031 asked by Dr.
Chaltonlien Amo, MLA regarding the villages electrified within Tipaimukh
sub-division.
(l) Hon’ble Minister
(Works) made a reply to Starred Question No. 1032 asked by Shri P.S.
Henry Paotei, MLA regarding progress of construction of Maram Purul Lakhamai
Road and others.
Answers to Unstarred
Question Nos. 74, 75, 76 & 77 were laid on the Table of the House.
ZERO HOUR:
During Zero Hour, Shri M. Bhorot Singh,
MLA drew the attention of the Chief Minister for awarding the cash
incentives of Rs. 20,000/- each as announced by the Chief Minister to
the players of the Manipur hockey team who won the 11th Sub-Junior
Hockey Championship held in Khuman Lampak in February, 2005.
Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA
drew the attention of the Chief Minister to the reported quit notice
being served to the Meetei Community by Hmar National Assembly and the
subsequent response from the UCM as appeared in the September 17th
Edition of Poknapham, daily and also appealed to all for safeguarding
the integrity and identity of the state.
Shri I. Hemochandra Singh,
MLA, raised for reassessing the value of building compensation with
respect to the widening of N.H-39 at Singjamei and Yaiskul area and also
for payment of ex-gratia to the victims of the building that collapsed
during demolition drive as part of the road widening process.
Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA
drew the attention of the Works Minister to the deteriorated condition
of Uripok-Kangchup Road. He also drew the MAHUD Minister’s attention to
the dumping of garbage on the road sides at Nagamapal area and lack of
proper drainage system at RIMS road.
Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA
raised for releasing the MSF students and three other students arrested
on the charge of burning of government files and self immolation bid
respectively in connection with the agitation launched by the teachers
of the Aided Colleges. He also suggested for providing extra classes to
the students of the aided Colleges who had suffered due to the cease
work strike of the teachers. He also highlighted that rice meant for
rural and hill areas didn’t reached there and that they were all sold
out at Imphal.
OBITUARY REFERENCE:
The Speaker, Manipur Legislative Assembly moved a resolution
on obituary reference on the demise of Shri T. Tualchin, ex- Member of
Manipur Legislative Assembly (Pre-merger) 1948-49.
Shri Phungzathang Tonsing, Minister (T.D.)
participated in the Obituary Reference.
The following resolution was adopted by the House:-
“That, this House expresses its deep sense
of grief and sorrow at the demise of Shri T. Tualchin, ex- Member of
Manipur Legislative Assembly (Pre-merger) 1948-49. And, that the
Members of this House observe 2 (two) minutes’ silence by standing as
a mark of respect to the departed soul.”
ANNOUNCEMENT OF BUSINESS:
Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Leader of the House
announced the business of the day.
PRESENTATION OF COMMITTEE REPORT:
Shri Songchinkhup, Chairman of Hill
Areas Committee, Manipur Legislative Assembly presented the 2nd
Hill Areas Committee Report of
the 8th Assembly.
CALLING ATTENTION:
Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA called the
attention of Education (S) Minister on the reported ransack of Govt.
Schools in 4 (four) Hill Districts of Manipur in connection with the
demand for affiliation of private schools in Hill districts to the
Nagaland Board. He pointed out that schools in Ukhrul district were
deserted and ban had been imposed on Manipuri films, songs and Meetei
Mayek scripts in the hill districts furthering their agitation. He opine
that the elected members of the hill districts need to pay attention to
the issue and talked to the agitators. He also suggested for forming a
team to look into the issue.
Shri L. Nandakumar Singh,
Minister (Education) replying to the calling attention said that this
issue was unacceptable and necessary steps had been taken up to counter
this agitation. The government would extend all possible help to those
students wishing to avoid the present turmoil, he said. He further said
that this issue was part of the propaganda for Naga integration which
was not feasible. He appealed to all to help resolve the matter in the
interest of the student community.
SHORT DURATION DISCUSSION:
Shri M. Nilchandra Singh, MLA raised a
discussion on the non-release of compensation to the land owners
affected by the Loktak Hydro Electric Project. He pointed out that the
area was affected since 1980 as construction work of the project was
started then but compensation was yet to be given inspite of various
association being formed and filing petitions to the High court
demanding the release of compensation to the affected land owners. He
wanted a definite time frame to be given for giving the compensation and
also inquired whether those affected land owners who neither had filed a
case nor claimed compensation at that time could be given compensation
after proper verification.
Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA
participating in the discussion said that though reports of the expert
Committee had been submitted and NHPC being fixed part of the
responsibilities no compensation has been paid till date. He enquired as
to whether the state government, the NHPC or the Government of India was
to give the compensation.
Shri Francis Ngajokpa,
Minister (Power) replying to the discussion said that the Report of the
Expert Committee was with the government and the government was taking
up steps for payment of compensation in accordance with the ruling of
the court.
(Hon’ble Speaker, Dr.
Md. Maniruddin Shaikh adjourned
the House at 1.00 p.m. till 3.00 p.m. of the day).
(The afternoon session
resumed at 3.00 p.m. with the Hon’ble Speaker, Dr. Md. Maniruddin Shaikh
in the Chair).
RAISING OF A MATTER WHICH IS NOT A
POINT OF ORDER:
(i) Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA raised
a discussion on the appointment of Addl. C.E., S.E. and E.E. in excess
of the sanctioned post in Electricity Department. He said that still the
electricity department could not finalise its seniority list which
hindered promotion. He charged the government that it failed to comply
with the Supreme Court’s directives to prepare a fresh seniority list
and conduct proper DPC for promotion. Such noncompliance of Courts
directives which led to contempt of court was not a sign of efficient
administration of the government, he added. There were no posts of
Financial Advisor and Administrative Officer for smooth running of the
department, he further observed and wanted the government to look into
the matter. He also mentioned, among other things, low voltage power
supply, lack of conductors, procurement of tampered transformers etc. He
urged the Minister concerned to fix responsibilities to the officers who
were involved in the purchase of tampered transformers.
Shri Francis Ngajokpa,
Minister (Power) replying to the discussion said that following the
Supreme Court’s directives, a notification for preparation of final
seniority list in the department had been made on 16th September, 2006
and DPC would be conducted only after the publication of the seniority
list, he added. Regarding conductors, he said that the department had no
adequate number of conductors and informed the House that he would try
his level best to make available of conductors. He further said that
purchase of tampered transformers in the department was very unfortunate
and that the guilty ones would be booked. Experts would be consulted in
such matter in future, he added.
(ii) Shri S. Ibohal
Singh, MLA raised a discussion on the continuing movement for revival of
appointment under Die-in-harness Scheme. He said that as the State
finance was in a better position, the government might revive
die-in-harness schemes in the interest of the aggrieved families. He
expressed unhappiness on the lack of a clear-cut policy of the State
governments despite the various memoranda submitted to the Chief
Minister. Due to the delay in the implementation of such schemes,
widespread protests were forthcoming with the apprehension of destroying
public properties by All Manipur Die-in-harness Demand Committee, he
added and wanted the government to expedite the matter on humanitarian
ground. He also asked whether there was any special consideration on the
appointment of the son of one deceased IGP in the State as an Arts
graduate teacher.
Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief
Minister replying to the discussion said that the government had no
intention to abolish the die-in-harness scheme in the State. The
non-implementation of the scheme was due to the financial position of
the State, he added. He informed the House that a Committee headed by
the Chief Secretary was constituted to re-implement the scheme on a
priority basis upto 2002. The appointment under die-in-harness scheme
would be in the category of class III and IV respectively under direct
recruitment, he further informed. Regarding the appointment of the son
of the slain IGP as an Arts graduate teacher, he clarified that the
government considered the matter on the ground that the deceased ended
his life in an attack and that such appointment would boost the morale
of the security personnel.
(iii) Shri L. Ibomcha
singh, MLA raised a discussion on the deteriorating and worsening
condition of roads within imphal and Greater Imphal and rural areas. He
observed that roads in Imphal areas were worse than the roads in rural
areas. He mentioned, among other things, Uripok- Kangchup road, RIMS
road, Naoremthong road, etc. He also drew the attention of the minister
on the bad condition of Mayang Imphal road and Irong Road. He said that
the government failed to repair roads despite availability of adequate
bitumen in the State and wanted the government to clear contractor’s
bill.
Shri Govindas Konthoujam,
Minister (Works) replying to the discussion said that as the fund
allocation for the construction of roads in the State awarded under 11th
Finance Commission was too meagre, roads in the State could not be
repaired properly. It is hard to repair roads with a length of 7640 kms
with Rs. 3 crores only, he added. However, he maintained that with the
award of 12th Finance Commission which allocate a larger fund, the roads
in the State could be repaired properly. He informed the House that the
department was closely examining the feasibility for blacktopping of
roads.
DISCUSSION ON A MATTER OF PUBLIC
INTEREST:
(i) Shri B.D. Behring, MLA raised
a discussion for providing pension to Ex-MDCs and Ex-Municipal
Councillors. He said that like Ex-MPs and Ex-MLAs, the Ex-MDCs and
Ex-Municipal Councillors deserved pension benifit being elected persons.
Even the distinguished sports persons, freedom fighters, etc. were
extended pensions, he added. He informed the House that the Hill areas
Committees had already recommended to the Government for giving pension
to the Ex-MDCs but no concrete step was made by the Government so far.
He said that the state of Mizoram and Meghalaya had already extended
pension benefits to their Ex- councillors and wanted the government to
consider the matter in the larger interest of the elected Councillors of
the State.
Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief
Minister replying to the discussion said that the Government would spend
a huge money in giving pensions to Councilors because of the large
number of local bodies in the state. On the other hand, Municipal
Councillors were also demanding for enhancing their remuneration which
were also a burden to the government, he added. He informed the House
that there were no instances on providing pension to the Ex- Councillors
in other neighbouring states. The government was ready to consider the
matter only after a thorough study by a competent authority.
(ii) Shri O. Joy
Singh, MLA raised a discussion on the following
motion:
“That this House condemns
the frequent plantation of bombs in public places.”
Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA, initiating the
discussion, said that subsequent to the incidents of bomb blast in
ISKCON complex and indiscriminate firing at a church at Churachandpur,
many bombs were found being planted at several places in and around
Imphal. Expressing grief for the loss of innocent lives, he said that
the frequent plantation of bombs had caused apprehension to the public.
Such kind of atrocious acts should be thoroughly investigated, he said
and sought clarification from the government on the steps taken to
tackle it. He emphatically said that such act should be condemned by the
House.
Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief
Minister replying to the discussion said that such acts of bomb
plantation was not a new phenomenon in the state and expressed that it
was very unfortunate. Apart from attacking the security forces, he said,
the motive of the underground cadres might be terrorising the public to
show their power. Mentioning the number of IEDs planted at several
places in the past few years and loss of lives he informed the House
that precautionary measures were being taken up.
Shri O. Joy Singh moved the
motion for passing.
The House adopted the
motion.
REPORT BY THE SPEAKER:
Hon’ble Speakers announced that three
visitors whose visitors’ pass were signed by L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA were
being detained for shouting slogan on the gallery of the House. He
placed the matter to be decided by the House.
Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA
referring to rules 78 and 91 of Rules of Procedure and Conduct of
Business in Manipur Legislative Assembly, expressed that the matter was
an instance of Breach of Privilege and Contempt of House. Regarding the
penalty to be given to the visitors, he suggested to reprimand and
detain them till the end of the session.
Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA
observed that the House might decide whatever befitting action would be
taken against them.
Shri BD Behring, MLA wanted
to know the actual words shouted by the visitors and said that the
deserving penalty should be decided by the House.
Hon’ble Speaker clarified
that the actual words or slogan was not mentioned in the report put up
by the Secretary.
Shri S. Ibohal and Dr.
Nimaichand Luwang, MLAs expressed their opinions.
Hon’ble Speaker announced
the three visitors would be detained till the end of the sitting and be
released with a warning.
CONSIDERATION AND PASSING OF GOVERNMENT BILLS:
(i) Shri O. Ibobi
Singh, Chief Minister moved the Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in
Posts and Services (for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Amendment
Bill, 2006 for consideration.
Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA
participating in the consideration of the bill said that the bill was a
good one despite the procedural lapse of introducing and referring it
to the HAC on the same day. He made suggestion to amend some sections of
the Bill.
Shri B.D. Behring, MLA
supporting the bill said that the bill required amendment.With the
passing of the amendment bill the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes
would be more benefited, he observed. He also suggested for amendments
relating to some sections.
Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA
participating in the consideration pointed out some technical flaws.
Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA
participating in the consideration, observed that there was an
apprehension of a clash between SC/ST Reservation and OBC Reservation
because there is a central government guideline that the reservation
quota must not exceed 50%. He also suggested to maintain the minimum
limit of pass mark for SC/ST candidates.
Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA
participating in the consideration, observed that the bill might be
passed by the House but there would be room for litigation because of
the procedural lapse.
Shri S. Chandra Singh, MLA
participating in the consideration, suggested for identifying schedule
caste areas to check irregular issue of certificates of scheduled
castes.
Shri Phungzathang Tonsing,
Minister (Tribal Development) clarified that the bill had been put up by
the Chairman, HAC after a thorough discussion. Pointing out the
importance of the bill, he appealed to the House to pass the bill.
Hon’ble Chief Minister moved
for passing the bill.
After Clause by Clause
consideration, the Manipur Reservation of Vacancies in Posts and
Services (for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Amendment Bill,
2006 was passed unanimously by the House.
(ii) Md. Alauddin
Khan, Minority and Other Backward Classes Minister moved the Manipur
State Commission for Other Backward Classes (Amendment) Bill, 2006 for
consideration.
Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA
sought clarification regarding the grammatical and typographical
mistakes in the bill. He criticised that there were many shortcomings
and mistakes in the bill.
Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA
pointed out some irregularities and vagueness in the date of enforcement
of the bill and suggested for modification.
Shri Th. Debendra Singh,
Minister (Law & Legislative Affairs) clarified that despite the Supreme
Court’s verdict of constituting the Commission for OBC immediately, the
state government took some years in constituting the Manipur State
Commission for OBC due to some difficulties.
Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA
participating in the consideration made some observations.
Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief
Minister appealed to pinpoint the mistakes and expressed that the
reservation policy was a delicate issue and the government had taken all
possible steps to make the bill adaptable to the state. He appealed to
the House to support and pass the bill so that the long cherished dream
of the OBC might be fulfilled.
S/Shri S. Ibohal Singh and
M. Bhorot Singh , MLAs sought clarifications.
Shri Th. Debendra Singh made
further clarifications.
Md. Allaudin Khan, Minister
MOBC moved for passing the bill.
After Clause by Clause
consideration, the
Manipur State Commission for Other
Backward Classes (Amendment) Bill, 2006
was passed unanimously by the House.
CONSIDERATION AND PASSING OF PRIVATE MEMBERS’ BILL:
Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA
moved the Manipur Loktak Lake (Protection) (Amendment) Bill, 2006 for
consideration. Moving the amendment motion, he said that the Act didn’t
protect the three revenue villages, Thanga, Karang and Ething which fall
inside the core zone within which various restrictions were imposed. He
also expressed the apprehension of the villagers of these three villages
that they would be eventually evicted from their homestead land on which
they had been settling for several centuries. He therefore, wanted some
amendment in the Bill for the protection of these three villages so that
the villagers could live peacefully.
Shri Th. Debendra Singh,
Minister (Law & Legislative Affairs) replying to the amendment motion
said that the core zone as mentioned in the Bill refers to only the
water bodies surrounding the villages and that the three revenue
villages would not be disturbed. He further said that necessary changes
could be done during the time of framing rules.
Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA
and Shri N. Mangi Singh, Minister (Fisheries) made certain
observations.
Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief
Minister said that the Bill was for the protection of Loktak
Lake, for the interest of the
people residing in and around Loktak Lake and also for the state at
large. He, therefore, appealed to the mover to withdraw the amendment
bill.
Dr. M. Nara Singh, MLA
suggested for a decision of the House.
The mover of the Bill
pressed for passing of the Bill and the Bill was defeated by a voice
vote.
Hon’ble Speaker, Dr.
Md. Maniruddin Shaikh
made a valedictory speech and adjourned the House sine-die at
8.15 p.m.
T. Joute
Secretary,
Manipur Legislative Assembly.
