The House assembled at 11.00  am. of Monday, the 28th 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 were not asked.

ANNOUNCEMENT  OF  BUSINESS:

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

STATEMENT  BY  THE  CHIEF  MINISTER:

            After seeking the permission of the Speaker, the Hon’ble Chief Minister stated that in a democratic country both the Opposition and the Ruling had major roles to play. He appealed to the House to sort out and resolve the silent protest of the Opposition before the afternoon session in the interest  of the State. He earnestly sought the co-operation of all the members in resolving the present standoff.

            The Hon’ble Speaker adjourned the House for 10 minutes to chalk out a solution to the ongoing protest of the Opposition members in the interest of the House and the State. He also invited both the Ruling and  the Opposition Members in his Chamber for resolving the problem.

            (The House was adjourned for 10 minutes at 11.05 am. and resumed at 11.15 am.)

            The Hon’ble Speaker announced that as the discussion to resolve the standoff would take time, the House was adjourned till 2.00 pm.

            (The  afternoon session was resumed at 2.07 pm.)

ANNOUNCEMENT  BY  THE  SPEAKER:

            The Hon`ble Speaker Shri T.N. Haokip made an announcement regarding the settlement of the impasse due to some misunderstanding in the House. He regretted the inconveniences caused to the Hon`ble Members. He expounded the rules of Business and Conduct of the House with special reference to the allotment of time as fixed by the BAC( Business Advisory Committee) and appealed to all the Members of the House both Ruling and Opposition, to stick to the allotted time with some slight variation here and there. He further appealed to the Ministers to be concise while replying and clarification should be to the point. He also informed the House that participation in demand discussion would be limited according to party-wise position. He strongly emphasised the need to maintain parliamentary decorum and discipline in the House by one and all including himself.

CALLING ATTENTION:

            Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA called the attention of the House on the reported outbreak of an unknown disease in Bishnupur and the suspected traces of a rare disease of epidemic nature found in the blood samples of the affected persons. He informed the House that eight women died of unknown disease. He further sought a clarification from the Minister to the result of the blood samples collected from the sick persons being sent to NICD (National Institute of Communicable Diseases) New  Delhi, for examination. He also explained the lack of attention being given by the Medical Department to the sick persons. The most baffling thing , he said, was that most of the infected persons were young and healthy women. He wanted the department to take up extra steps like quarantine to ensure that the disease was not spread out. He further wanted to know the steps being taken up by the Government and the report of the blood samples from NICD.

            Dr. Chaltonlien Amo, Minister (Health) replying to the call attention informed the House that utmost care and precautionary measures had been initiated by the Government as soon as the news of the strange disease was received. He further informed that the result of the first blood samples sent to NICD had come and the report indicated the cases to be Japanese encephalitis. The report of the second blood sample was being awaited, he said. He also said that it was not epidemic and not related to SARS. Various steps like spraying DDT, use of mosquito net and maintenance of a close vigil by the concerned authorities were being taken up, he informed the House. He assured the House that there was nothing to panic as all the developments were closely monitored.

DISCUSSION AND VOTING ON DEMANDS FOR GRANTS:

             The Hon`ble Chief Minister, Shri O. Ibobi Singh moved Demand No. 15- Food and Civil supplies, Demand No. 17- Agriculture and Demand No. 43- Horticulture and Soil Conservation for discussion.

            All the demands were clubbed for a joint discussion.

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA moving cut motions initiated the demand discussion. He pointed out various irregularities in the selection of agents and the failure in the public distribution system. He questioned the Minister (FCS) to the reason why orders after orders were issued. Distribution of Rice and SK Oil had failed to reach the common people in the Thoubal district, he criticised. He wanted the Government to book those involved in the pilferage of Rice and SK Oil and he furnished some documents in these respect. He strongly urged the Government to take up stern action against corrupt and erring officials of FCS Department. Regarding Agriculture Department he further reiterated his earlier stand that only Agro- based Industries could flourish in the state and wanted the Government to take up necessary steps.

            Shri Y. Erabot, MLA moving a cut motion pointed out the various irregularities in the selection of BPL and AAY beneficiaries. He criticised the Minister for not taking any action inspite of various allegations regarding manipulation in the selection process. He also asked the Minister to give a clear picture of the selection procedure of beneficiaries. He questioned the Minister’s wisdom for excluding the concern MLA in the selection of beneficiaries. He also pointed out various loopholes in the distribution system of Rice and SK Oil. He further said that the actual allotment of Rice and SK Oil could not reach the people and wanted the Minister to look into that gap. He further suggested that a House Committee should be constituted to look into those irregularities.

            Shri I. Hemochandra, MLA moving a cut motion, said that many Starred Questions had been raised regarding the FCS department and regretted that the required document as demanded was not received. He critisised the Minister for the lack of transparency and accountability. He said that a proper explanation  regarding the irregularities in the selection of agents, the nonfunctional of the consumer commission, appointment of transporter agent etc. should be given by the Minister. He also pointed out instances of one agent drawing SK Oil quotas of many agent at a time and tabled relevant documents to prove the point.

            He wanted the Minister to conduct an enquiry and place the action taken report in the House. He further stated that the Minister was accountable to the grievances of the people and that sincere and honest action was needed. He also wanted a House Committee to be constituted to examine the various malpractices in the FCS department.

            Shri N. Bihari Singh, MLA moving a cut motion stressed the importance of the FCS Department and observed that the targeted mark was not reached in the distribution of Rice under various schemes. He asked why the state quota of SK Oil was reducing instead of increasing. He pointed out irregularities in the distribution of SK Oil in his constituency and wanted one of the agents to be blacklisted. He further enquired about the selection of transport contractors and the repairing of the trucks of the department. He opined that agents should not be selected and the Government itself should distribute the Rice and SK Oil of FCS. He further enquired about the reason for cancellation of rationing depots in his constituency and also on the non-distribution of state quota of wheat. He also suggested for a House Committee to be constituted to check the various irregularities in the FCS department.

            Shri L. Ibomcha singh, MLA moving the cut motions enquired about the various schemes in the Agriculture Department and the lapse of fund sanctioned for the revival of the Magfruit Factory. He questioned the selection and the role of the transport contractors and the payment of margin money. He pointed out various malpractices by some officials in the FCS Department. He further emphasised that wrong policy should be rectified and transparency to be  inducted in the new policy.  A  House Committee should be constituted to look into the various irregularities of the department, he said. He also highlighted the various inconveniences faced by the agents while drawing their quota of Rice and SK Oil from the depots.

            Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA  pointed out the failures of the Agriculture department to implement schemes under CSS. He drew the attention of the Minister to properly maintain public distribution system of FCS department. Regarding Horticulture, he charged the department for not implementing some of its schemes under National Water Shed Development Project. He expressed concern over the failure in installing Cold Storage at Mantripukhri and Mini Cold Storage in all the districts.

            Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA moving a cut motion sated that the problem of Rice and SK Oil should be controlled as it was duly meant for the poor. He expressed regret on the working system of the FCS Department and expressed desire to privatize it. He pointed out irregularities in the FCS Department in the selection of agents on the basis of polling station of a constituency. No rice was received after depositing the money and wanted a strong commitment from the concerned Minister. He expressed a desire to check Mini kits which were reported to contain expired seeds. He wanted Horticulture Department to amalgamate with Agriculture Department for saving economy and also for a co-ordinated approach.

            Shri B.D. Behring, MLA participating in the discussion drew the attention of the House to table the report regarding the attack on the Chief Minister’s convoy on 27th July 2003 at Wangjing. He also wanted the constitution of a House Committee to look into the irregularities of the FCS Department.

            Shri P. Parijat Singh, Minister (FCS) replying to the discussion said that the main function of PDS was to make available the essential commodities to the beneficiaries in time. Regarding the allegation from the Opposition that frequent orders had been issued by the FCS department  regarding the appointment of PDS agents which created confusion among the public, he said that it was to properly streamline the public distribution system in the state. He informed the House that the rice quota for April and May had been issued to the interim agents due to the non selection of new agents. Refuting the charges of the Opposition Members, he clarified that  there was no question of politicalisation of the appointment of rationing agents and SK Oil agents. Regarding the non-receipt of rice just after depositing money, an order had been issued to check it, he further said. The respective DCs had been instructed to chart out a list of beneficiaries of AAY and BPL within this month and informed them to  issue an order to distribute the required quota to the beneficiaries. Selection of beneficiaries would be re-examined and updated, he said. He informed the House that rice for the month of June and July were yet to be released to the public due to failure of selecting agents. Regarding the constitution of a House Committee as insisted by the Opposition Members, he said that he welcomed such a step.

            Shri Erabot Yumkham, MLA sought clarification and drew the attention of the Minister to involve MLAs in the selection of  BPL and AAY beneficiaries.

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister, participating in the discussion said that FCS department had been facing many problems while distributing essential commodities to the public. The state Government had also asked the FCI authority to directly unload the goods lifted from the FCI godown at Guwahati at the district principal distribution centres.

            S/Shri Erabot Yumkham, O Joy Singh, I. Hemochandra, Ningthoujam Biren and L. Ibomcha Singh MLAs sought further clarifications.

            All the Opposition Members wanted  to constitute a House Committee for an enquiry into the irregularities in the FCS department.

            Hon`ble Chief Minister, Shri O. Ibobi Singh opined for forming the same after a departmental enquiry.

            The House decided to constitute a House Committee  which would be announced on the following day.

            Shri K. Ranjit Singh, Minister (Agriculture) stated that Agriculture is a backbone of the society but  he regretted the inadequate fund for development of Agriculture. Powertiller, pumping sets etc.. would be distributed at subsidised rate to farmers, he added. He clarified that there was no discrimination in the distribution of seeds. In reply to the queries of S/Shri N. Biren and O. Joy Singh, he said that seeds were distributed through District Agriculture Officers and lime was distributed as per the report of soil testing. He assured to Table a detailed information later.

            Shri R.K. Thekho, Minister (Horticulture and Soil Conservation) replying to the discussion opined that a bigger budget allocation was necessary for Horticulture. He said that Magfruit Factory would be revived as and when fund was available. He also denied the allegation that Technology Mission was not implemented. He informed that the Integrated Watershed Development Project was being implemented with the technological support of the Horticulture department. He highlighted many achievements of the department, such as  nursery plantation, production of vegetable and fruits, training of officers and farmers etc.

            Clarifications were made to the queries of S/Shri L. Ibomcha Singh and N. Biren, MLAs.

            All cut motions on the Demands were withdrawn with the leave of the House.

            The Chief Minister moved Demand No. 15- Food and Civil Supplies, Demand No. 17- Agriculture and Demand No. 43- Horticulture and Soil Conservation for passing and the House unanimously passed the Demands.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE CHIEF MINISTER:

            The Chief Minister observed that there might have been some lapses in security arrangement regarding the ambush to his convoy at Wangjing Bazar on 27th July 2003 resulting to the death of 2 securities personnel and injury to some others. He informed the House that one man Administrative Enquiry Committee had been constituted and the report would be submitted within a fortnight.

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA raised a point of order and said that the incident might have happened through negligence of security and that responsibility should be fixed. He wanted a Short Duration Discussion on the matter the next day incorporating the Calling Attention Motion listed for the next day.

            The Hon‘ble Speaker said that the proposal of Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA was noted.

HALF AN HOUR DISCUSSION :

(i)         Shri Erabot Yumkham, MLA raised a discussion on the area of land allotted to Dumbra Singh Anath Ashram arising out of Starred Question No. 335 of 16th July 2003. He traced the historical background of the area and described the allotment as irregular.

             Revenue Minister, Shri E. Biramani Singh, replying to the Half- an -Hour Discussion said that the said land was gifted to Shri RK Sanajaoba for the sole purpose of the Dumbra Singh Anath Ashram by the State Council on 28th April 1948. He informed the House that nowhere it was mentioned that if the said land was not used for the purpose it was allotted, the land should be reverted to the Government. Out of that land some portion was gifted to the All Manipur Womens’ Association  without the need to pay premium, while for some portion allotted to the Eastern Motor Transport Cooperative Society , premium had been taken, he added. He said according to the MLR & LR Act 1960, the SDO  have the power of allotment of land. He asserted that the matter was quasi-judicial.

             Further clarification was made by the Minister on the query by Shri Erabot Yumkham.

            (ii)        Shri Samuel Jendai, MLA raised a discussion on the targeted time for the commencement and completion of the Loktak Downstream Project arising out of Starred Question No. 396 dated 23rd July 2003.

             He said the project was part of a package announced by the then Prime Minister Deve Gowda. As per the recommendation of the Shukla Commission for the project to be taken up by NHPC, an MOU was signed between the State Government and NHPC on February, 1999, and according to the agreement all cost were to be borne by NHPC, he added. He enquired why the Government had signed a supplementary agreement in April, 2003 with the NHPC where the state government had to bear an amount to the tune of Rs. 100 crores for construction of approach road, afforestation and land compensation.

             Shri T. Phungzathang, Minister (Power) replying to the discussion said that the process for execution of the project was hindered due to the killing of the Chief Engineer (NHPC) and the recommendation of Rs 68.65 crores land compensation by the survey team. As the energy unit cost was calculated at Rs 5.62 per unit, the NHPC was unwilling to undertake the project, he said. He added that the State Government had been pursuing the Government of India, the NEC and DONER to bear this cost for the construction of approach road, land compensation etc. The project would be started in September this year and targeted to be completed by February, 2010, he informed the House.

              Further clarification sought by Shri Samuel Jendai, MLA were made by the Minister.

               Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister supplementing to the reply said that due to the escalation of price, the project had become economically unviable. In order to undertake the project the NHPC had placed a condition, either the state government bear Rs 100 crores or forfeit the 12% free power of the total output of the project the State was to get, he informed the House. The State Government had been pursuing the NEC and DONER to bear the Rs 100 crores, if not, in order to undertake the project the State Government had to bear, he added.

            The Hon‘ble Deputy Speaker adjourned the House at 9.15 pm, till 11.00 am of Tuesday the 29th July, 2003.