The House assembled at 11.00  a.m. of Friday, the 18th July, 2003 in the Assembly Hall with the Hon’ble Speaker in the Chair. 

MEMBERS PRESENT: 

            Hon’ble Chief Minister, 25 Cabinet Ministers, Chairman (Hill Areas Committee), Hon’ble Deputy Speaker, 9 Ministers of State and 20 Elected Members. 

QUESTIONS: 

(a)        In reply to Starred Question No.354, asked by Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA regarding the number of   IVRs and ODRs in Singjamei A/C, Hon’ble Minister (Works) made a reply. 

(b)        In reply to Starred Question No. 355, asked by Shri B.D. Behring, MLA regarding the amount of fund
granted for flood relief by the Central Government, the Hon’ble   Chief Minister gave a reply.

(c)        In reply to Starred Question No. 356, asked by Shri P.S. Henry Paotei, MLA regarding the progress of Senapati- Phaibung road under NLCPR and the amount sanctioned, the Hon’ble Minister (Works) made a reply. 

(d)        In reply to Starred Question No. 357, asked by Shri S. Gopal Singh, MLA in place of  Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA regarding the present status of MANIDCO, the Hon`ble  Minister (Commerce & Industries) gave a reply.

 (e)        In reply to Starred Question No. 358, asked by Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA regarding the  inclusion of Singjamei-Kakwa and Lilong-Hiyangthang roads under the approved work programme of PMGSY, the Hon`ble Minister (RD & PR) made a reply.

 (f)         In reply to Starred Question No. 359, asked by Shri S. Chandra Singh, MLA regarding   the improvement of roads in Andro, the Minister (Works) gave a reply. 

(g)        In reply to Starred Question No. 360 asked by Shri N. Bihari Singh, MLA regarding the non-payment of Khadi loan after selection of beneficiaries, the Hon`ble Minister (Commerce & Industries) made a reply. 

(h)        In reply to Starred Question No. 361 asked by Shri S. Gopal Singh, MLA regarding the improvement of the Staff strength of Moirang Police Station, the Hon`ble Chief Minister gave a reply.           

            Answer to Starred Question Nos. 352, 353 and Unstarred Question No. 22 were laid on the Table as written replies. 

ZERO HOUR 

            Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA drew the attention of the Hon`ble Minister (PHED) regarding the scarcity of drinking water in some areas of Sagolband and Keisamthong Constituencies.

CALLING   ATTENTION: 

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA called the attention of the Education (S) Minister on the alleged withdrawal of money of the Education (S) Department without the provision of L.O.C. 

            He quoted the June 26, Sangai Express publication and said that an amount of 60 lakhs was withdrawn in the month of May without the provision of L.O.C. in connivance with some Education (S) and Treasury department Officials, there was no contradiction from the Government so far, he added. A detailed information regarding the misappropriation of money was sought from the concerned Minister. He enquired if any official was booked in relation to the matter. 

            The Hon`ble Minister Education (S) informed the House that official investigation had been completed and disciplinary proceedings were taken up. A vigilance case had been registered and instruction had been issued for the suspension of some officials involved directly in the matter. 

            The Hon`ble Chief Minister stated that those officials who were directly involved would be booked after the full report was received. He said that the copy of the suspension order would be tabled today.

DISCUSSION AND VOTING ON DEMANDS FOR GRANTS, 2003-2004:

             The Chief Minister, Shri O. Ibobi Singh moved Demand No. 45- Tourism for discussion in the House.

             Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA participating in the discussion emphasized the need to improve the Tourism infrastructure for making it a viable industry. Regarding the restricted area permit imposed by the Indian Government, he said that the Centre should be pursued strongly for its lifting to allow free flow of Foreign tourists in the State.

             Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA made a reminder of the assurance of the Hon’ble Chief Minister to table the District Magistrate Report on Dzuko Valley. Referring to earlier Central allocations for construction of tourist homes and development of amenities, he asked the Government where the fund had gone.

             Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA stated that the Protected Area Permit should be totally lifted to increase the economy of the State. He expressed the need to promote tourism by proper utilisation of fund and implementing various schemes successfully. 

            Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA made suggestion to constitute a Consultative Committee for the development of tourism in the State. Due to poor infrastructure, restrictions and the present law and order problem, tourism industry was not flourishing in Manipur, he added. He stressed the need for relaxation for the restrictions as a first developmental step. 

            The Hon’ble Speaker observed that tourism being the future of Manipur, the imposed restriction was a total discrimination. 

                         (The Hon’ble Speaker adjourned the House at 12.55 p.m.. till 2.00 p.m. of the day).

                                                           Afternoon Session resumed at 2.00 p.m.

             Shri C. Doungel, Minister (Tourism) replying to the motion cited several reasons like law and order situation, protected area permission etc. for the backwardness of tourism in the State. Regarding the alleged Dzuko Valley boundary dispute, DC Senapati had been instructed to make a report, he said. The State Government was making efforts to relax the restriction of Foreign tourists in consultation with the Centre and Nagaland Government, he added. On the preservation and development of heritage sites as tourist spots, he said that necessary action would be taken and added that other tourist spots would be modernised.

             The Demand No. 45- Tourism was moved for passing and the House passed it unanimously.

PRIVATE MEMBERS’ RESOLUTION:

             Shri  O. Joy Singh, MLA moved a Private Member Resolution for urging the Government to set up the Manipur Youth Development Authority.

             He observed that given the proper channelisation and guidance, the problem of the Youth like unemployment, drug-addiction, sex problem etc. could be solved. He suggested that youth programmes and sports festivals should be extensively organised. Necessary funds could be sought for such activities; he said and stressed the need to establish the Manipur Youth Development Authority.

             Shri A. Aza, Minister (Youth Affairs and Sports), replied that the role of the youth in the building of the nation was very crucial. he said that the Youth population being 37% of the total population of the state, various youth development programmes and sports activities were taken up. He, however said that the coordination and involvement of departments of the state Governments was necessary for effective implementation of the programmes. He said that a Youth Policy was in force for the present and that a more comprehensive Youth Policy was being examined. He further said that the proposed establishment of the Development Authority could be examined and requested the mover to withdraw the Resolution. 

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA said that he would not withdraw the Resolution, as there was no assurance of any concrete step like the constitution of a Committee. 

            The Hon`ble Chief Minister said that efforts would be made for exploring and exploiting the full potential of the Youth in the state. He welcomed all suggestions and said that the suggestion would be accommodated in the proposed Youth Policy, which was being drafted.

             Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA wanted the draft policy to be tabled in the House.

              The Resolution was defeated by voice vote.

             Shri L. Lala Singh Hon`ble, Deputy Speaker announced that copies of the Government orders for the suspension of 10 DDOs and 9 Treasury officers in connection with the irregular drawal of around Rs. 55 lakhs in the Education (S) Department were tabled in the House.

             Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA wanted the copies to be made available to all the Members of the House.

             The Hon`ble Deputy Speaker adjourned the House at 3.35 pm  for the purpose.

             The House resumed at 4.20 pm and copies were distributed.

                        The Hon`ble Speaker adjourned the House at 4.22 p.m.  till 11.00 a.m. of Monday, the 21st  July, 2003.