The House assembled at 11.00 am. of Monday, the 20th December, 2004 in the Assembly Hall with the Hon’ble Speaker in the Chair.

MEMBERS  PRESENT:

            Hon’ble Chief Minister, 10 Cabinet Ministers, 1 Minister of State and 41 Elected Members.

 QUESTIONS:                      

(a)       Hon’ble Minister (T.D) made a reply to Starred Question No. 621, asked by
                        Shri P.S. Henry Paotei, MLA regarding the implementation of Sixth Schedule. 

            (b)       Hon’ble Minister (IFCD) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 622, asked by
                        Shri E. Biramani Singh, MLA regarding the widening of river bund banks. 

            (c)       Hon’ble Minister (Labour) made a reply to Starred Question No. 623, asked by
                        Shri N. Bihari Singh, MLA regarding the construction of Imphal East I.T.I. 

            (d)       Hon’ble Chief Minister gave a reply to Starred Question No. 624, asked by
                        Shri M. Nilchandra Singh, MLA regarding the policy for unemployed youths. 

            (e)       Hon’ble Minister (MAHUD) made a reply to Starred Question No. 625, asked by
                        Shri S. Gopal Singh, MLA regarding the inauguration of Moirang Bazar. 

            (f)        Hon’ble Minister (Health) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 626, asked by
                        Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA regarding the transfer & posting of doctors. 

            (g)       Hon’ble Minister (IFCD) made a reply to Starred Question No. 627, asked by
                       Shri S. Chandra Singh, MLA regarding the payment of compensation for construction
                       of Thoubal Right Main Canal. 

            (h)       Hon’ble Minister (Health) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 628, asked by
                        Shri M. Nabadwip Singh, MLA regarding the establishment of Japan Hospital. 

            (i)        Hon’ble Minister (Co-operation) made a reply to Starred Question No. 629, asked
                        by Shri S. Gopal Singh, MLA regarding the number of registered vendors association.

             (j)        Hon’ble Chief Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 630, asked by
                         Shri Erabot Yumkham, MLA regarding the payment of ex-gratia to three tribal students.

             (k)       Hon’ble Chief Minister gave a reply to Starred Question No. 631, asked by
                         Shri P.S. Henry Paotei, MLA regarding the construction of railway line from
                         Diphu to Karong.

            (l)        Hon’ble Chief Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 632, asked by
                        Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA in place of Shri B.D. Behring, MLA regarding
                        the construction of railway line from Jiribam to Toupul. 

            Answers to Unstarred Questions 48 & 49 were laid on the Table of the House as written answer.

 ZERO  HOUR:

During Zero Hour, Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA wanted a transformer, which had been out of order for some time to be repaired.

ANNOUNCEMENT  OF  BUSINESS:

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Leader of the House announced the business of the House for the current session. 

CALLING  ATTENTION:

            Shri O. Joy Singh and Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLAs jointly called the attention of the RD & PR Minister of State on the motion of No-confidence for the removal of Adhyaksha and Up- Adhyaksha of Imphal West Zila Parishad. 

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA said that the RD & PR Minister and the concerned officials flouted rules and democratic norms when application of seven movers for withdrawal of the No-confidence motion earlier moved by eight Members was endorsed. He observed that there was no provision in the Manipur Panchayati Raj Act for withdrawal of the motion of No-confidence. He asked whether any comment had been sought from the Law Department in this regard. He further commented that the democratic institution was not respected. 

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA said that the Minister’s act was a constitutional violation and that the matter was purely the jurisdiction of Imphal West Zila Parishad. 

            Md. Allauddin Khan, Minister of State, RD & PR replying to the motion said that he directed the Commissioner (RD & PR) to process the withdrawal application of the No-confidence motion submitted by seven Members as provided under rules and added that no rules were flouted. He wanted the Manipur Panchayati Raj Act to be amended to make it more comprehensive. 

            Shri O. Joy Singh read out a note of the RD & PR Minister and wanted it to be tabled in the House. 

            Hon’ble Chairman, Dr. M. Nara Singh requested the Chief Minister to enlighten the House on the matter. 

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister observed that local bodies being democratic institutions were just like mini governments and that there should be no interference from the government. Efforts would be made to make the local bodies to function more effectively. 

            Hon’ble Chairman, Dr. M. Nara Singh observed that as amendment of the Manipur Panchayati Raj Act was now necessary, he requested the movers of the Calling Attention to hold a discussion with the Minister concerned in the Chamber of the Speaker at a convenient time. 

GENERAL  DISCUSSION  ON  SUPPLEMENTARY  DEMANDS  FOR  GRANTS,  2004-2005 & DISCUSSION  AND  VOTING  ON  DEMANDS  FOR  SUPPLEMENTARY GRANTS, 2004-2005:

Hon’ble Chairman, Dr. M. Nara Singh clubbed the General Discussion & the Discussion and Voting on Demands for Supplementary Grants, 2004-2005 for a joint discussion.  

             Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA raising cut motions, initiated the discussion. He strongly stressed the need to control and monitor government expenditure with all transparency. Highlighting poor road conditions both in the hill and the plain areas, he expressed unhappiness over the lack of quality control in the construction of National and State Highways. He voiced concern over the deterioration and drying up of Loktak Lake with the fallout of affecting the power projects and the Keibul Lamjao National Park. Rationalisation and quality education in the Education Department and supply of safe drinking water were some suggestions he made.

(The Hon’ble Chairman adjourned the morning session at 1.15 p.m. till 2.15 p.m. of the day.)

(The afternoon session resumed at 2.15 p.m. with the Hon’ble Speaker in the chair)            

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA while moving cut motions pointed out the mismanagement and lack of proper control in the Secretariat. He stressed the need for employment generation and discontinuation of the present ban on appointment. He also drew the attention of the MAHUD Minister for timely clearing up of garbage and irregular allocation of fund under SJSRY. Regarding the failure in Public Distribution System, he expressed the need to streamline it. He further stressed the need of the Home Department to work wholeheartedly in order to effectively tackle the present law and order situation in the state. He suggested among other things rationalisation of education, placing of a white paper relating to the eviction drive, promotion of sports, revamp of Co-operative movement, introduction of medium-scale industries, etc. 

            Shri M. Nilchandra Singh, MLA  moving cut motions stressed the importance of framing  a clear cut budgetary policy in the state. He drew the attention of the Industry Minister to revive traditional based small-scale industries by upgrading its technology through credit system. He also made certain observations on educational policy and the irregularities found in the Home and FCS Department. 

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA also moved cut motions and observed that the plan fund needed to be increased and at the same time fund awarded by the Finance Commission should be properly utilised. He stressed the need for proper implementation of free and compulsory education and promotion of Meitei Mayek script. He observed that those 146 selected candidates for the post of Hindi teachers must be given appointment instead of appointing fresh ones. He further observed that no development was made in Technology Mission despite huge investment made by the National Horticulture Board. Regarding PWD, he pointed out the mismanagement in contract works particularly the non-depositing of the security deposits of contractors to the Government’s exchequer thereby wasting huge amount of income. 

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA raising cut motions, regretted for not summoning the Assembly Session during the recent uprising for the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958. He observed that the ban on appointment must be lifted for Health and Education Departments. He proposed to include Meitei Mayek script in school syllabus for promoting it and for replacing Bengali script by it. He pointed out various irregularities in PDS of SK. Oil. Regarding the Japan funded Sericulture Project, he pointed out misappropriation of fund by officials and other irregularities as per the Special Audit Report of the Accountant General of Manipur. 

            Shri E. Biramani Singh, MLA participating in the General Discussion for Supplementary Demands, observed that the three-tier systems of Panchayat might be implemented in the State as the criteria of population had been fulfilled. He sought clarification from the Minister concerned regarding the dispute in Thoubal Zila Parishad. He suggested streamlining the Public Distribution System for effective distribution of rice and SK Oil to the people. He drew the attention of the Government for implementing various schemes of fishery and pisciculture properly.            

            Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA participating in the discussion, observed that there was a gap in the Budget. He said that the law-enforcing agency of the State could hardly tackle the recurrent cases of kidnapping and the Chief Minister must have an iron hand in controlling the activities of anti-social elements. He proposed to form a House Committee to examine the alleged misappropriation of the Central fund for handloom development. He drew the attention of the Government to the bad condition of the road from Chakpikarong to Sajik Tampak. He proposed to implement the Triple Benefit Scheme for the approved teachers of Government-aided schools and also to give promotion to the three players of Manipur Police Department who participated in the recent Santosh Trophy football tournament. 

            Shri S. Natum Singh, MLA participating in the discussion, expressed that emphasis must be given on planning for proper allocation of fund to departments on priority-basis. He emphasised the need to allow the elected Councillors to exercise their powers and functions smoothly without any interference of the Minister and to look into the hardship faced by the employees of the Council. He further lamented that the Kabuis’ residing in the valley didn’t receive the facilities that the tribals were entitled to. He also urged the government to look into the problems of Loktak Lake and the various projects connected with the lake. He further emphasised the need to develop industries in the state and also protect the small scale and cottage industries of the state. Commenting on Sericulture, he stated the need to develop it in order to improve the economy of the state and generate employment opportunities. He critically commented on the irregularities in the distribution of Old-Age pension and stated the need to set up a monitoring cell of all the departments. 

            Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA participating in the discussion critically commented on the encashment of contractor’s bills. He further urged the government to take up action against erring officials. He further criticised the deteriorating law and order condition of the state. He also emphasised the need to chart out a new state policy so that the central funds could reach the needy. He stated the need to have a Transport Policy and take funds from the Centre and World Bank. 

            Shri Th. Devendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister (PWD) clarifying to the demand discussion appreciated the opposition for their constructive suggestions and admitted that the collection of revenue in the state is very low inspite of the government’s efforts. He informed the House that in order to enhance revenue collection instruction had been given to the concerned departments to take up the required steps. Highlighting the sanctioning of more fund by the Centre, he expressed hope that the Planning Commission could be pursued to sanction even more fund to repair all the bad roads. He assured the House that all the development works would be monitored and sought the co-operation of all for this purpose. Highlighting the various works of repairing roads taken up by the government he clarified that many pending dues of contractors have been cleared. He informed the House that the government was taking up steps to check unauthorised occupants of government quarters. He assured the House that  an overall improvement would be brought about in a few months.  

            Shri Francis Ngajokpa, Hon’ble Minister (Education) clarifying to the demand discussion said that education is the pivot around which development of the state revolves. He informed the House that the process of rationalisation of schools has been going on and further sought the co-operation of all MLAs in this exercise. He highlighted the introduction of job oriented vocational training programme to various colleges of the state by the government. Clarifying to accusation of appointing teachers on the sly by Hon’ble MLA, Shri O. Joy Singh, he said that the matter would be looked into including other irregularities in the department and disciplinary action would be initiated against erring officials. He further clarified that appointment of Hindi teachers were held up due to the ban on direct recruitment. Highlighting various achievements of the government he informed that Meitei Mayek had been introduced in the Class II and III and further assured the House that all the sound suggestions of the MLAs would be accommodated. He finally appealed to the movers of cut motions to withdraw it and allow the demand to pass smoothly. 

            Shri N. Mangi Singh, Hon’ble Minister in charge of Commerce & Industries and Sericulture etc. clarified that some of the public sectors industries of Manipur had to be wind up under a specific policy of the government. Taking into account the new liberalisation, globalisation and privatisation policy of the world, the Industrial Policy of Manipur, 1996 needed to be amended and upgraded, he said. Skill upgradation and encouragement of entrepreneurs would be the new role of the new government, he informed the House. He highlighted the various programmes and policies of the government including the Indo- Myammar Trade Policy. He informed that different small-scale industries are operating in the Industrial Complex, Takyel. He also informed the House that the government have a plan to establish a Food Park mainly for food processing units and also an Industrial Growth Centre. He further clarified that there was no irregularity in the implementation of Deen Dayal Project. Clarifying on the Sericulture project, he said that the project has no room for misuse of fund. Regarding the Special Audit Report, which Hon’ble MLA Dr. Nimaichand Luwang had raised, he clarified that the Vigilance Department had examined it and had cleared all misconceptions. Finally he appealed for co-operation of all in implementing the Sericul;ture Project very effectively and asked the movers of cut motions to withdraw and allow the demand to pass. 

            Shri Govindas Konthoujam, Hon’ble Minister incharge of PHED, Youth Affairs & Sports and Tourism clarifying to the demand discussion said that under the Sports Policy of the State facilities are given to meritorious sports persons. Clarifying to Hon’ble MLA, Shri S. Ibohal Singh, he informed that various water supply schemes in urban areas were functioning properly but some schemes in rural areas were not functioning properly due to failure of diesel pumps. He further clarified that CSSs are implemented properly. Regarding the Imphal Sewage Project funded by French Government, he said that construction work was in progress. 

            Shri Ngamthang Haokip, Hon’ble Minister in charge of FCS, Forest & Environment and Science and Technology, clarifying to the Demand Discussion on FCS, he said that a House Committee was currently investigating the public distribution system. He clarified that the irregularities in receiving monthly quota of kerosene may be due to the frequent bandhs and landslides. He assured the House that all the MLAs and Ministers would be consulted after the session for smooth public distribution system. He further stressed the need to monitor the agents and sought the help of all MLAs on this. He also informed the House that action to save Loktak lake would be taken up in consultation with the Chairman of L.D.A. Regarding the preservation of Keibul Lamjao, he informed that an action plan had been formulated and a project report had been submitted to the Central Government and that improvement works of Keibul Lamjao would be taken up after fund was sanctioned. Clarifying to Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, Hon’ble MLA, he said that Pollution Control Board was still functioning. He further appealed for the withdrawal of Cut Motions and allow the Demand to pass smoothly. 

            Shri Gaikhangam, Hon’ble Minister in charge of Power, I&PR and Horticulture while replying to the Cut Motion, clarified that the Technology Mission of the Horticulture Department had been launched in the state to bring about development of the farmers with modern technology. He said that four phases of Mini-Missions had been carried out in which Mini-Mission-2 was made specially for area expansion. He further clarified that there was no  act of misappropriation of fund because there were Evaluation Committee and Monitoring Committee to check any irregularities in it. He sought suggestions, co-operations from the Members for improvement and enhancement of the objectives of the Technology Mission. He appealed the mover of the Cut Motion to withdraw the motion. 

            Shri L. Nandakumar, Hon’ble Minister in charge of Health, Family Welfare and Labour & Employment clarified that lack of doctors in Hospitals would be filled up very soon and some specialised doctors had been posted to the Health Centres in hill districts. He said that sophisticated equipment would be procured for the hospitals and equipment worth Rs. 1 crore would be provided to 5 CHCs from funds of DONER. He said that lack of infrastructure was due to the constraints of fund in the state. However, steps have been taken up to provide facilities to the hospitals, he added. Regarding Demand No. 13-Labour &Employment, clarified that due to state financial position, the Department could not fully implement the objectives. 

            Smt.W. Leima Devi, Minister in charge of Co-operation and Social Welfare, while replying to the discussion said that a 10-Point Programme was underway for the strengthening of the state co-operative movement. She said that election of the Chairman of Manipur State Co-operative Union was under process and it would be finalised within February 2005. Efforts had been undertaken to streamline registration of societies and for their effective functioning, she informed the House. 

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister, while replying to the discussion, clarified that non-encashment of CDAs to the Contractors were due to the state financial constraints. For timely submission of utilisation certificate of the Centrally Sponsored Schemes and in view of a bigger plan allocation for next year, some CDAs were allowed encashment, he said. The other remaining CDAs would be allowed to encash, he added. He also said that salary and pension would be given to the employees regularly as the government received soft loan from the Centre. Regarding the law and order situation in the state, he said the Centre had decided to take special care of the law and order problem in Manipur as a national issue. He expressed concern about the rampant kidnapping and extortion cases in the state. He said that he would never compromise with such crimes and that they would be firmly dealt with. Regarding the promotion case of the three players of the Manipur Police Sporting Club representing Manipur in the 58th Santosh Trophy held at Imphal, two players had been promoted already and one case was under process, he said. Regarding the Imphal Municipal Council, he said that irregular payment of salaries were due to the illegal appointment of employees in the Council and, further assured that the Government would look into the matter.  

            Further clarifications were made to the queries of the Members.   

            All the cut motions were withdrawn by the movers and the Supplementary Demands for Grants, 2004-2005 were passed by the House unanimously. 

INTRODUCTION  OF  BILL:

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister moved for leave to introduce the Manipur Appropriation (No. 1A) Bill, 2004.

            The House granted leave and the Bill was introduced. 

            The Hon’ble Chairman, Dr. M. Nara Singh, adjourned the House at 8.53 pm till 11.00 am of Tuesday, the 21st December, 2004.