The House assembled at 11.00 am. of Friday, the 1st August, 2003 in the Assembly Hall with the Hon’ble  Deputy Speaker in the Chair.

MEMBERS  PRESENT:

            Hon’ble Chief Minister, 25 Cabinet Ministers, Chairman (Hill Areas Committee), 9 Ministers of State and 21 Elected Members.

QUESTIONS:

            (a)        In reply to Starred Question No. 469, asked by Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA regarding the refund of security deposits, the Hon’ble Minister (Works) made a reply.

(b)        In reply to Starred Question No. 470, asked by Shri B.D. Behring, MLA regarding the works under Border Area Development Programme, the Hon’ble MOS (Planning) gave a reply.

            (c)        In reply to Starred Question No. 471, asked by S/Shri Ningthoujam Biren and Samuel Jendai, MLAs regarding the work programmes of Kangchup- Haochong road, the Hon’ble Minister (Works) made a reply.

            (d)        In reply to Starred Question No. 472, asked by Shri S. Gopal Singh, MLA regarding the construction of Churches within the compound of Government Quarters, Lamphel, the Hon’ble Minister (Works) gave a reply.

(e)        In reply to Starred Question No. 473, asked by Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA regarding the recovery of skeleton remains at CRPF camp, Langjing, the Hon`ble Chief Minister made a reply.

            (f)         In reply to Starred Question No. 474, asked by Shri N. Bihari Singh, MLA regarding the construction of Veterinary Hospital, the Hon`ble MOS (Vety. & A.H.) gave a reply.

(g)        In reply to Starred Question No. 475, asked by Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA regarding the investigation to the killing of Th. Robikanta Singh, the Hon`ble Chief Minister made a reply.

            (h)        In reply to Starred Question No. 476, asked by Shri Samuel Jendai, MLA regarding the amount allocated by Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the Hon’ble Minister (Works) made a reply.

            (i)         In reply to Starred Question No. 477, asked by Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA regarding the Mineral Water Company in the State, the Hon`ble Minister (Health) gave a reply.

Answers to Starred Question Nos. 478, 479 & 480 and Unstarred Question Nos. 29, 30 & 31 were laid on the Table as written replies.

ZERO - HOUR:

Shri Samuel Jendai, MLA raised a matter regarding the denial of the Chief Minister’s statement given on July 29 on the death of Shri Th. Indrakumar Singh, an IRB personnel, by his sister as reported in the local dailies. He expressed that such contradictory report mislead the House.

             Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA drew the attention of the House regarding the inconveniences faced by the residences of Jiribam due to bad condition of the New- Cachar Road, excesses of security forces, disruption of telephone link etc. He also mentioned the threat on Shri Moirangthem Oken’s life (Guinness Book of World Record holder) and wanted to provide him security cover.

            Shri M. Bhorot Singh. MLA expressed grave concern on the negligence of the doctors in dealing with the patients in hospitals.

            Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA drew the attention of the IFCD Minister on the flooding of houses at Tairenpokpi and Sarengkhul villages due to heavy rain.

PRESENTATION  FOR  DEMANDS  FOR  EXCESS  GRANTS:

Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister presented the Demands for Excess Grants, 1997-98 &1998-99.

CALLING   ATTENTION:

Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA called the attention of the Chief Minister on the strike called by the Home Guard volunteers as reported in the local dailies.

            He quoted the 29th July, 2003, Huiyen Lanpao and 1st August, 2003 editions of local dailies and said that the Home Guards decided to stay away from duty demanding cancellation of physical verification drive and posting of a full- fledged Commandant General. He expressed that the agitation would have an adverse impact on the Manipur Police Department. He also highlighted the grievances and difficulties of the Home Guards in the process of the physical verification. Due to the strike, the Home Guards were not performing their duties, thus affecting the law and order situation, he added.

            Chief Minister, Shri O. Ibobi Singh, replying to the motion said that the verification was done to find out whether their services were utilised or not. He expressed that the irregular system like the non-existence of records for Home Guards caused problems and needed to be systematically examined. He added that Government have no intention of termination of their services at present despite the excess of 350 personnel. He informed the House  that an order was issued the previous day that the Home Department would bear the entire expenditure of medical tests and photographs. He informed that  an Additional DGP was presently  looking after the affairs of the Home Guards and said that the appointment of the Commandant General  and subordinate staff would be examined.                                                                                                                                                                    ! ;                      

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

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister  moved Demand No. 37- Fisheries for discussion in the House.

            Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA moving a cut motion stressed the important role of the Fisheries Department in spite of being a minor department, various schemes were implemented but the result were not satisfactory, he said. 70% of the total population ate fish but only 1600 hectares were under pisciculture causing a great imbalance to the growing demands, he added. He stressed the need to survey 40,000 more hectares to increase the area of pisciculture. He further highlighted the pathetic condition of the fishermen, especially the phumdi dwellers and the necessity of launching rehabilitation schemes for their welfare. He expressed concern over the decline in the production of indigenous rare species of fishes.

            Certain rectifications should also be made in the administration of the department and mode of payment of license to the fishermen should be looked into, he said. He mentioned a pilot project was launched in 1993 but the funds were misused by the department. Emphasizing the need to improve the Fisheries  Department, he said that the Government should try to procure new schemes and projects from the Central Government.

                                    The Hon`ble Deputy Speaker adjourned the House at 1.00 pm of the day.

The afternoon session resumed at 2.15 pm.

           Shri M. Bhorot Singh moving a cut motion stated that fish was relished by most of the people of Manipur but the Fisheries Department had been neglected by successive governments. He also referred to various schemes like National Fishery Welfare Schemes, Fresh Aqua Culture etc. which were not properly implemented and sought the strong initiative of the department. He also suggested certain steps to enhance the production of fish and bridge the existing gap of production and consumption. He further sought the intervention of the Minister in the proper functioning of the Cold Storage and Ice Production Plant located at Lamphel and Refrigerated Van of the department. He further suggested the department to bring out a new policy and implement the various Centrally Sponsored Schemes to increase the production of fish in the state.

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA participating in the discussion highlighted the need to preserve and utilise the existing lakes of the state for fishery schemes. He further expressed that the culture of rearing fish could generate self employment and income of the state. He also wanted a new fishery  Act to be implemented in the state.

            Dr. Maniruddin Shaikh, Minister ( Fishery) replying to the demand discussion said that fish being the cheapest and easiest available first class source of protein, fishery schemes should be encouraged by one and all. He said that the Government would introduce a modern technology of fish rearing in the state. He also reiterated the fact that rearing of fish would generate self employment and income of the state. He even felt the need to take up fish farming as an Industry. He cited various constraints of the department like finance in the development process. But in spite of various constraints, he highlighted various programmes and steps being initiated by the department like Research, Training and spread of awareness in the field of rearing and breeding of fish in the state. He also expressed concern over the slow disappearance of indigenous fish and hoped that the department could bring those back in the market again. He further assured the House that the cold storage and Ice plant at Lamphel would be upgraded and proper use of refrigerated van would be looked into. He also announced in the House that Mr. Surchandra of Khurai won the National award for the best fish farmer. He said that various new programmes like induced method breeding, fresh water prawn culture, incentives to farmers, a new bank loan system to fish farmers and various centrally sponsored schemes etc. would soon be introduced by the department. He also expressed the need for coordinated effort of various departments to save Loktak Lake. He assured the House that irregularities, if any, while implementing CSS would be looked into.

            Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA sought certain clarification from the Minister and the Minister gave an answer.

            The Chief Minister, O. Ibobi Singh moved the Demand for passing.

            The cut motions were withdrawn and the House unanimously passed Demand No. 37- Fisheries.

ADOPTION  OF  COMMITTEE  REPORT:

            Shri Nongthombam Biren, MOS (Planning & Vigilance) in place of Dr. M. Nara Singh,  Chairman of the House Committee to examine for inclusion of Sanamahi Religion in the Census Record moved ;

            “ that the House do agree with the report which was presented to the House on 25th July 2003”.

The House agreed.

PRIVATE  MEMBERS’  RESOLUTION:

            (i)         Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA moved a Private  Member’s Resolution to urge the Government of India for starting a regular Bus service from Imphal to Mandalay.

            He expressed the need for such a resolution to enhance international peace and to have closer ties with the neighbouring country. He also quoted the example of Dhaka to Calcutta and Delhi to Lahore bus services. He further said that it would also be in the interest of the Manipuris residing in Myanmar.

            Shri T. Manga Vaiphei, Minister (Transport) in reply to the resolution said that this resolution was appreciable but the decision must be taken by a mutual understanding of both the Government of India and Myanmar Government. He added that he had no objection to this but as it was beyond the purview of the State Government, the Central Government must be urged.

            Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri O. Ibobi Singh supplementing to the reply said that the State Government had been urging the Central Government to extend the Super Highway from Silchar to Moreh and also make reference of the proposed Trans- Asia Highway. He also appreciated the spirit of the resolution.

            The House unanimously adopted the following resolution:

            “The  House unanimously resolves to urge and pursue the Government of India to start a regular bus services from Imphal to Mandalay”.

(ii)        Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA moving a Private Member’s Resolution traced the historical background and the importance of Hicham-Yaicham Pat, the cremation ground of Bir Tikendrajit, who was hanged by the British. He said that the site at first had a well demarcated bigger boundary but at present it had been reduced to a meagre area due to subsequent allotment. State celebration of the 13th August as Patriot’s Day was held annually at the site, he said and stressed the need for development of site by re-acquiring the land earlier allotted to private individuals. He moved the following Private Member’s Resolution:

            “The House unanimously resolves that Government of Manipur re-acquires some portion of the land of ‘Hicham -Yaicham Pat’ where Bir Tikendrajit was cremated after being hanged, allotted earlier to private individuals”.

Shri E. Biramani Singh, Minister (Revenue) in reply said that the area had .257 acres as per record of 1960, but some portions were allotted to one Achom Gouradas and a resurvey was made in 1990. At present the site had only an area of .07 acres , he added. He said that the Government was seriously examining for reacquisition of the allotted land to expand and develop the Hicham -Yaicham Pat where State function was annually observed  in memory of Bir Tikendrajit. He observed that some difficulties would arise in reclaiming the land.

            Shri O. Joy Singh further insisted that compensation amount could be raised by adjusting or deducting from Local Area Development Fund of Members and he wanted the Government to reacquire the land before the 13th August, 2004 and make an announcement accordingly.

            S/Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, Nimaichand Luwang, MLAs also supported the resolution.

            Hon’ble Chief Minister said that the sentiments of the Hon’ble Members were noted and the matter would be examined for reacquisition.

            Shri P. Parijat Singh, Minister (FCS) expressed some views.

            Hon’ble Chief Minister expressed the opinion that the resolution would be passed.

            Then the House unanimously adopted the Resolution in toto.

            (iii)       Dr. Nimaichand Luwang and Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLAs moved the following Private Member’s  Resolution:

            “The Manipur Legislative Assembly unanimously resolves to establish a Directorate of Development of Meeteilon and Meetei Mayek under the Department of Education and to allot an annual budget of not less than Rs. 20 crores for the said purpose”.

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA  highlighting the importance of the development of Meeteilon and Meetei Mayek made references to the history of the movement for revival of Meetei Mayek since the enactment of the Manipuri Official Language Act 1979. Meetei Mayek had been taught to schools and teachers had been given re-orientation training, he said. He also mentioned the demands of various organisations for promoting the Meetei Mayek by setting up a separate Directorate as reported in local dailies. He expressed regret that the Manipuri Language was not inscribed on Indian currency notes.

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA mentioned the growing importance and popularity of the Meetei Mayek in the state. He said that Meeteilon was being spoken by a large population in  and outside Manipur including foreign countries and gave a detailed figure in that respect. He highlighted the demands of several organisations who declared to take up drastic actions if the Government didn’t adopt a policy of development of Meeteilon and Meeteimayek  He said that the Centre should be urged to allocate more fund  for development of the Meeteimayek.

            Shri Y. Mani Singh, Minister , Education (S) in reply to the resolution stated that there would be no controversy in introducing the Meeteimayek to schools. He informed the House that teachers were train during off seasons or summer vacations for teaching it . A resolution had been made by the House on 25th September, 1996 and a language Cell had subsequently be opened in 1998 in the Department of Education (S), he added. He further said that instructors from 6 organisations had been teaching Meetei Mayek. He further expressed  the hope that if more fund and extra manpower were provided to the present Language Cell, it would be able to take up the required development of the Manipuri Language. He further added that he had already consulted the Chief Minister in this regard.

            Shri Erabot Yumkham, MLA raised a point of order that since the decision of the number of the Meetei Mayek was still pending in the court, passing a resolution would be sub-judice.

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang And Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLAs observed that the question of sub-judice didn’t arise.

            Dr. T. Meinya, Minister, Education (U) made an observation that it would be better to reaffirm the resolution which had already been passed on the 25th September ,1996. He informed the House that Rs. 6.5 lakhs had been earmarked for the Language Cell for the year 2003-2004.

            Hon’ble Speaker Shri T.N. Haopkip observed that since the issue was a sensitive one, it would be better to go in the line of the observations  made by the two Education Ministers.

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA wanted the words ‘Meetei Mayek’ to include in the resolution  contrary to the views of Dr. T. Meinya, Minister, Education (U).

            Since the mover of the resolution pressed for the passing of the resolution, the Hon’ble Speaker decided to take the decision of the House.

            The resolution was defeated by voice vote.

           The Hon‘ble  Speaker adjourned the House at 6.12 pm. till 11.00 am. of Monday, the  4th  August, 2003