The House assembled at 11.00 am. of Thursday, the 23rd December, 2004 in the Assembly
Hall with the Hon’ble Speaker in the Chair.

MEMBERS PRESENT:

            Hon’ble Chief Minister, 10 Cabinet Ministers, Chairman (Hill Areas Committee), 1 Minister of
State and 44 Elected Members.

QUESTIONS:                      

(a)       Hon’ble Minister (Revenue) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 657, asked by Shri Erabot Yumkham, MLA regarding the land compensation.

            (b)       Hon’ble Minister (Works) made a reply to Starred Question No. 658, asked by Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA regarding the repairing of Churachandpur- Tipaimukh road.

          (c)       Hon’ble Minister (PWD) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 660, asked by Shri M. Nilchandra Singh, MLA regarding the scheme for construction of bridges.

          (d)       Hon’ble Minister (Works) made a reply to Starred Question No. 661, asked by Shri Samuel Jendai, MLA regarding the status of Khongsang- Tamenglong road.

          (e)       Hon’ble Minister (RD & PR) made a reply to Starred Question No. 663, asked by  Shri N. Sovakiran Singh, MLA regarding the implementation of PMGSY Phase II.

          (f)        Hon’ble Minister (Works) made a reply to Starred Question No. 664, asked by Shri L. Tomba Singh, MLA regarding the completion of Thoubal-Mayang Imphal Road..

          (g)       Hon’ble Minister (PWD) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 665, asked by Shri Z. Mangaibou, MLA regarding the improvement of I.T. Road & Khongsang Road.

          (j)        Hon’ble Minister (Commerce & Industries) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 666, asked by Shri Th. Tomba Singh, MLA regarding the establishment of trade promotion centre.

         (k)       Hon’ble Minister (Vety. & A.H.) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 667, asked by Shri S. Gopal Singh, MLA regarding the dairy farming in Moirang.

         (l)        Hon’ble Minister (PHED) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 668, asked by Shri S. Chandra Singh, MLA regarding the water supply in Andro Constituency.

SHORT  NOTICE  QUESTIONS:

            (a)       Hon’ble Minister (Works) gave a reply to Short Notice Question No. 4 asked by Shri Th. Tomba Singh, MLA regarding the laying of foundation stone for the construction of bridge.

           Answer to Starred Question Nos. 659 & 662 were laid on the Table of the House as written answers.

 ZERO HOUR:

            During Zero Hour, Shri N. Sovakiran Singh, MLA drew the attention of the Co-operation Minister on the recovery of loans of the Imphal Urban Co-operative Bank, which was conducted unfairly based on favouritism.

           Shri M. Nilchandra Singh, MLA highlighted the plight of the women vendors of Khwairamband Bazar and stressed the need to bring about an amicable solution soon.

           Shri P.S. Henry Paotei, MLA drew the attention of the Hon’ble Chief Minister on the missing of a person from Kangpokpi in Ranchi.

           Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA drew the attention of the Hon’ble Education Minister regarding non- admission of National Open School passed out students in the recruitment of Manipur Police. He also said that Patriot’s Day and Republic Day celebration should now be held at Kangla.

           Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA gave a reminder to the Health Minister regarding laying of the rule of transfer and posting of doctors. He also raised the matter regarding revenue collection at Sekmai.

CALLING ATTENTION:

(a)       Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA called the attention of the PHED Minister on the inadequate drinking water in the Imphal city.

            He said that the water distribution system needed to be upgraded by timely repairing and replacing the pipes. He made a comment on the negligence and lack of supervision of the concerned officials and favouritism while laying pipes. He pointed out the failure of the water supply scheme and stressed the need for resource mobilisation.

           Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA also made observation on the non-distribution of water in Thangmeiband Assembly Constituency.

            Shri K. Govindas Singh, Minister (PHED) replying to the motion said that to achieve the target requirement, it would take time. He mentioned the various augmentation programmes taken up under NLCPR. He further highlighted the efforts made by the department regarding resource mobilisation which even exceeded the target and the problems faced in the distribution of water. He gave assurance to solve the problem soon and sought the co-operation of the public.

            Necessary clarifications were made on the queries of S/Shri L. Ibomcha Singh and M. Bhorot Singh, MLAs.

           (b)       Shri N. Bihari Singh, MLA called the attention of the Youth Affairs and Sports Minister on the failure of the Government to take action against those employees in the Department with fake certificates.

            He quoted the December 20th 2004 publication of the ‘Sangai Express” regarding the irregularities in the YAS Department. He alleged that the government was keeping quite despite knowing that many officers had extended their services by producing fake certificates. He demanded to conduct a departmental enquiry and take stringent action against the erring officials. He pointed out some particular cases in this respect.

            Shri K. Govindas Singh, Minister (Youth Affairs & Sports) replying to the motion said that a departmental enquiry had been initiated against the 15 employees of the Department. He informed the House that legal action would be taken against those found guilty. He further informed a Maintenance Committee headed by the Chief Secretary was also constituted.

STATEMENT BY  THE  REVENUE  MINISTER:

Shri Th. Devendra Singh, Minister (Revenue) made a statement relating to the Calling Attention raised by Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA on 17/12/2004. He said that promulgation of CrPC 133 and 144 should have been done in the name of SDM instead of SDO. Regarding Shri O. Joy Singh’s arrest, he said that it was unfortunate and the Singjamei Police Station had been instructed to withdraw the FIR.  Affected persons in the eviction drive of the Manipur University Campus would get necessary relief and compensation, he informed the House.

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA observed that he did not mind the arrest but wanted the Law & Legislative Affairs Minister and the Speaker to note the point that the elected representatives be given the due respect.           

ELECTION OF MEMBERS TO FINANCIAL COMMITTEES:

The Hon’ble Speaker directed the Secretary, Manipur Legislative Assembly to announce the Members of the Financial Committees of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

            Shri Th. Chourajit Singh, Secretary, Manipur Legislative Assembly announced that the following members had been declared elected as member of the Financial Committees of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

            (1)       Committee on Public Accounts:

1.         Shri R.K. Dorendra Singh,

                        2.         Shri M. Nilchandra Singh,

                        3.         Dr. Nimaichand Luwang,

                        4.         Shri C. Doungel,

                        5.         Shri Erabot Yumkham,

                        6.         Shri E. Biramani Singh, and

                        7.         Md. Abdul Salam.

            (2)       Committee on Estimates:

1.         Shri S. Ibohal Singh,

                        2.         Shri L. Ibomcha Singh,

                        3.         Shri S. Natum Singh,

                        4.         Shri Vivek Raj Wangkhem,

                        5.         Dr. Maniruddin Sheikh,

                        6.         Dr. S. Budhichandra Singh and

                        7.         Shri Thangso Baite.

            (3)       Committee on Public Undertakings:

1.         Shri M. Bhorot Singh,

                        2.         Shri S. Gopal Singh,

                        3.         Shri N. Sovakiran Singh,

                        4.         Shri T. Manga Vaiphei,

                        5.         Shri R.K. Thekho,

                        6.         Shri W. Brajabidhu Singh and

                        7.         Shri M. Nabadwip Singh.

SHORT DURATION DISCUSSION:

            Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA raised a discussion on the eviction of land occupied by M/S Surana Motors at Palace Compound.

            He pointed out the historical significance of the demolished building and that they should have been preserved. He condemned the hasty action of the government and demanded an explanation on the violation of the Hon’ble High Court’s direction. Regarding the injustice done by the government, he sought a comprehensive clarification from the Chief Minister.

            Shri Th. Devendra Singh, Minister (Revenue) said that the direction of the Gauhati High Court was not violated in the land acquisition for construction of the Cultural Complex. He observed that balance of public and private interests was minutely considered and that it was in favour of public interest. He made an assurance that due compensation would be made.

            The Hon’ble Chief Minister said that the acquisition was undertaken under due process of law. He observed that the demolition of buildings was done due to exigencies however regrettable it was and that compensation amount was already deposited to the Art & Culture Department. He informed the House that development of ancient monuments would be undertaken.

            (The Hon’ble Chairman, Dr. M. Nara Singh adjourned the morning session at 1.15 p.m. till 2.30 p.m. of the day.)

        (The afternoon session resumed at 2.30 p.m. with the Hon’ble Speaker in the chair).

CONSIDERATION AND PASSING OF GOVERNMENT BILL:

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

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA initiating the consideration drew the attention of the government to prevent the misuse of dendrite by children. He sought clarification from the Revenue Minister regarding irregularities in the Revenue and Settlement Department pointing out one case in which a person took loan on production of a fake patta. He stressed the need to overhaul the Revenue and Settlement Departments and to book the erring officials. He drew the attention of the government to the bad sewage
system in the suburb of Imphal city including his constituency and also to take up measures for preventing recurrent inundation in those places. He wanted the Ministers and officials to be more sincere and have good response to the demands of the public.

            Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA participating in the consideration sought clarification regarding the financial gap between non-plan and plan expenditure. He suggested to reduce the non-plan expenditure and also to take up concrete steps for resource mobilisation. Highlighting the deteriorating law and order situation of the state, he sought clarification from the government about the steps taken up to prevent the interference by the underground outfits in the government’s development works. He reiterated
controlling non-plan expenditure to bring about an economic regeneration in future. Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA participating in the consideration specifically drew the attention of the Power Minister to repair a transformer in his constituency, which had been out of order for a long time. He charged the government for favouritism in providing transformers. He expressed unhappiness over the delay in the construction work of Singjamei Bridge and for winding up of Manipur Agro Industries and Manipur Plantation Crops. He drew the attention of the government to probe on the purchase of some items in the Veterinary Department.

          Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA expressed apprehension for fund mismanagement in the implementation of various programmes. He sought clarification from the government regarding the accurate area to be acquired by the government for the Capitol Project and the buildings to be constructed for the project. Regarding the levelling work of Cheirao Ching foothill, he asked whether the government had consulted Ministry of Forest and Environment, Government of India. He asked whether
the government would give compensation to the people of Tarung Village, which had been evicted recently for the purpose. He drew the attention of the Chief Minister to the delayed work of construction of the Fly over Bridge and the prolonged strike by women vendors of Khwairamband Bazar. He sought clarification whether the complex of old District Hospital, which had been demolished recently, could accommodate all the women vendors of Khwaramband bazar as well as those of Nagamapal Bazar.

           Shri S. Natum Singh, MLA participating in the consideration stressed the need of proper utilisation of the money invested by the Central Government by giving priority in thrust areas. He also endorsed O. Joy’s view for checking misuse of dendrite by children. He drew the attention of government to complete the construction work of a half built culvert on Tidim road to avert accidents. He suggested to pay specific attention to transport department and also to streamline it in view of revenue generation. He
wanted the government to extend special facilities to meritorious sports persons.

           Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA drew the attention of the government to fill up the vacant 7 post of IPS, which had been lying vacant since 1998. He sought clarification regarding the provision of giving compensation to victims injured by unknown persons and the exact area to be demarcated along Tidim Road. He urged the government to improve the bad drainage system in Imphal city and also to initiate setting up of a separate High Court for Manipur.

            Shri Th. Devendra, Minister Revenue giving clarifications, said that taking advantage of the burning of DC Office at Lamphel, some persons had altered the patta numbers and procured fake pattas or jamabandis. He assured the House that he would probe the matter. Regarding the Capitol Project, he said the estimated cost was around Rs. 300/- crores.

           Shri P. Parijat Singh, Hon’ble Minister Agriculture clarified that the reasons for abolishing Manipur Agro Industries Corporation and Manipur Plantation Crops are their nonviability and incurring deficits. He further said that the Centre would bear the financial involvement for retrenchment of employees of the said public undertakings. These units could be revived someday, he informed the House.

          Shri Gaikhangam, Minister (Power) replying to Shri I. Hemochandra’s statement assured that the new transformer would be installed in that area as soon as it was available.

           Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister replying to the consideration of the Bill said that abolishing the defunct corporations was a remedial measure for bridging the non-plan and plan financial gap and also that retrenchment of employees of the said corporations was underway. He observed that resource mobilisation had accelerated recently in comparison to the past few years. The failure of on-line lottery and non-lifting of prohibition in the state, as pressurised by the public, also reduced the income of the state, he added. He emphasised on the need of the people to pay taxes specially power tax for improving the financial position of the state. He further observed that the prevailing law and order situation became an obstacle in utilising the fund for all construction works and all people must co-operate with the government in this respect. He gave justification for eviction of Tarung village on security point of view. He pointed out that the project required a large area to accommodate a multiple building complex. He informed the House that the construction work of a culvert at Tiddim Road was delayed due to a controversy among the local people. The vacancy of some IPS had arisen due to the deputation of the officers outside Manipur, he added. Recruitment of employees in different departments including MCS/MPS would be made soon, he further informed the House.

         Hon’ble Speaker took up the Bill clause by clause for passing and the Bill was passed
unanimously by the House.

DISCUSSION  ON  THE  REPORT  OF  THE  VIGILANCE  COMMISSION:

           Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA raised a discussion on the Annual Report of the Vigilance Commission, 2003-2004.

          While initiating the discussion, he observed that the report was one of the best reports ever made. He said that he wanted a government having accountability and credibility. He observed that it fully exposed irregularities in government departments. Highlighting the recommendations of the Commission, he appealed to the Government to implement the recommendations of the Commission.

          Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA participating in the discussion, charged the government for not taking up actions against the cases reflected in the reports of the Vigilance Commission and added that the report was meaningless. He appealed to the government to find out ways and means for converting the recommendations into action by opening a separate cell.

         Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister clarifying to the discussion said that the State Vigilance Commission was purely an autonomous body not related to the Home Department. If more autonomy was given to this Commission, the irregularities in all types of government institutions could be checked more effectively, he said. He appealed to the Members to cooperate for the effective functioning of the Commission.

PRIVATE  MEMBER’S  RESOLUTION:

            (i)        S/Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, O. Joy Singh and I. Hemochandra Singh, MLAs jointly moved a Private Member’s Resolution for urging the Government of India to repeal AFSPA.

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA observed that the AFSPA was more dangerous than the Ordinance enacted during the British Raj to control the Indian independence movement. He expressed unhappiness over the imposition of this Act only in the North East region. He said that the AFSPA gave the power of “licence to kill” to the Armed Forces. Other Acts and P rovisions were operating other than AFSPA to tackle the law and order and that the enforcement of AFSPA only made this law and order situation worse, he said.

            Dr Nimaichand Luwang, MLA said that many recommendations had been made by various human rights organisations against the imposition of AFSPA.  Repealing of such a cruel Act was not related with the dealing of insurgents, he further said and added that insurgency problem could not be controlled by arms only but through peaceful dialogue. He expressed the need to submit memorandum to the AFSPA Review Committee while visiting Manipur on 27th December 2004, and further appealed to the Members to pass the resolution unanimously.

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA observed that passing of the Resolution did not mean that the Members supported the insurgency movement. He said that the fundamental rights of the people in the state had been deprived since the imposition of this Act. He observed that AFSPA, instead of tackling the insurgency problem, rather became an instrument to alienate the people of Manipur from the mainstream of India.

            Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA while giving observations said that it would be wrong to say that the protest for repealing AFSPA was prompted by insurgents. He expressed regret that a special session was not convened for discussion on AFSPA. He appealed to the government to withdraw the disturbed area status from the entire state and to pass the resolution unanimously by the House. 

            Shri R.K. Dorendra, MLA participating in the Private Member’s Resolution commented that the Armed Forces Special Power Act needed to be withdrawn as the Act could not bring any improvement in the law and order situation, rather it had aggravated the situation. He was of the opinion that if the Centre so desired, only an amendment was required by deleting the word Manipur. He appealed to all the Members to pass the resolution in the larger interest of the people of this state.

            Shri Th. Devendra , Hon’ble Minister (Law and Legislative Affairs) participating in the discussion said that a Review Committee had been constituted and he was of the opinion that the views and grievances of the people regarding this Act needed to be expressed to the Committee. He was also of the opinion that a good relationship with the Centre is the need of the hour. So, he appealed to all to wait for the Committees decision before passing the resolution.

            Shri P. Parijat Singh, Hon’ble Minister (Agriculture) also participating in the discussion said that this was a very complex issue. This Act, being a Central Act, the State needed to have a very cordial relation with the Centre, he said. He appealed to all the Members to wait for the outcome of the Review Committee before passing the resolution.

            Shri C. Doungel, MLA also participating in the discussion said that the resolution should not be taken due to the existing law and order situation. Since this issue was a complex issue, no hasty decision should be taken, he said.

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister replying to the discussion observed that the Act needed further examination and that the disturbed area status had been withdrawn from the Imphal Municipal Area on experimental basis, he said. Therefore, he urged all the Members to take their time and wait for the Review Committee’s decision, as the Committee was constituted specifically for the purpose.

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA further commented that the Act was enforced because of the disturbed area status, which was within the purview of the State Government. He further said that the Central Government was not the sole authority as the State Government should be consulted regarding the matter. Thus, he appealed again for passing the resolution.

           (As no consensus could be attained, voting took place and the Chairman gave the ruling that the resolution was lost. But Shri O. Joy Singh and Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLAs, challenged the ruling of the Chairman under Rule 360(3) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Manipur Legislative Assembly and demanded division. When the division was conducted 16 Members raised their hands in favour of the resolution and 36 Members raised their hands against the resolution. Thus the resolution was defeated.)

           (ii)       Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA moved a Private Member’s Resolution to replace Bengali script by Meitei Mayek in all the Government educational institutions from academic session, 2005.

           Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA moving the Private Member’s resolution stated that Meitei Mayek, which was the original script and related with the tradition, culture and history of the State had been replaced by the Bengali script when the wave of Hinduism came in the 18th century. He further commented that though the Manipuri language was included in the Eighth Schedule, the script used was the Bengali script due to the non-development of the Meitei Mayek script. Therefore, he appealed to all the Members to pass the resolution of introducing the script in all educational institutions from the academic session of 2005 in order to develop the script.

           Shri Erabot Yumkham, MLA participating in the discussion expressed his willingness to pass the resolution but was of the view that since a case was pending in the High Court regarding the script, the matter should not be discussed in the House as it was sub-judice.

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA participating in the Private Member’s Resolution said that steps should be taken up to introduce Meitei Mayek from the school level. He suggested the idea of starting dual class in the beginning of its introduction and also to have a separate department of developing the language.

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA participating in the discussion lamented that other new languages had developed more than our language. He also suggested for a separate Directorate for Meitei Mayek and other major tribal dialects.

             Shri Th. Devendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister said that the process of introducing Meitei Mayek had begun long time back but discontinued due to various factors. He stated that the script should be a consensus script of all the people of Manipur. He further endorsed the idea of gradual introduction of the script and giving training to existing schoolteachers rather than appointing new teachers but added that all disputes on the script should be settled first of all.

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister, replying in the discussion, said that though he supported the spirit of the resolution, opening a separate directorate overnight was not possible and added that introduction of the script from the next academic session would not be possible, but assured that necessary steps would be taken up to introduce the script at the earliest.

           Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA further supplementing to his resolution appealed for entrusting an officer of Education (S) to examine all aspects so that the script could be introduced from the 2006 academic session and sought an assurance in this regard from the Chief Minister.

          Dr. M. Nara Singh, Hon’ble Chairman gave suggestion that after Christmas the movers of the resolution could had a discussion separately with the Chief Minister and the Education Minister.

          Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Hon’ble Chief Minister further added that a separate cell called the “Language Development Cell” had already been opened in the Education (S) Department for the development of the local languages.

         The Private Member’s Resolution was withdrawn.

          (iii)     S/Shri M. Nilchandra Singh and S. Natum Singh, MLAs jointly moved a Private Member’s Resolution.

         Shri M. Nilchandra Singh, MLA raising a Private Member’s Resolution regarding the giving of permanent settlement status to the villagers settled on the mole hills of the valley districts said that agricultural land was decreasing with the increase in population. He further said that the resolution was necessary to prevent conversion of cultivable land into homestead land and also to enhance the collection of revenue of the state. He, therefore, urged the government to include the mole hills in the valley
districts in the geographical boundary of the existing districts and allow offices and buildings to be constructed on it and save the cultivable lands since agriculture was the main occupation of the state.

        Shri S. Natum Singh, MLA co-mover of the Private Member’s Resolution said that the resolution should be adopted to save the agricultural land of the state and for better administrative convinience. He further emphasised that if the agricultural land were decreased then problems like unemployment etc. would be on the rise.

        Shri Th. Devendra Singh, Hon’ble Minister (Revenue) clarified that there was no need to adopt the resolution since permanent settlement status to the villagers residing on the mole hills in the valley had already been given and added that Hill Areas Committee too had approved it and cited the example of constructing Game Village at Langol Hill.

       The Private Member’s Resolution was withdrawn.

        After a brief valedictory speech, the Hon’ble Speaker, adjourned the House sine-die at 9.12 pm.