The House assembled at 11.00  am. of Tuesday, the 5th 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. 492, asked  by Shri  S. Gopal Singh, MLA regarding the delay in Cash Loan Housing Scheme from PDA, the Hon’ble Minister                       (MAHUD) made a reply. 

            (b)       In reply to Starred Question No. 493, asked  by Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA regarding  the post of O.S.D in the Directorate of Education (U), the Hon’ble                       Minister Education(U)  gave a reply.                             

            (c)       In reply to Starred Question No. 494, asked by Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA  regarding  the promotion to the post of Nursing Sister, the Hon’ble Minister                       (Health) made a reply.

            (d)       In reply to Starred Question No. 495, asked by Shri S. Chandra Singh, MLA  regarding the Thongkhong Lakshmi Bazar, the Hon’ble Minister (MAHUD) gave a                       reply. 

            (e)       In reply to Starred Question No. 496, asked by Shri B.D. Behring, MLA regarding the establishment of Fast Track Court,  the Hon`ble Minister (Law) made a                       reply. 

            (f)        In reply to Starred Question No. 497,  asked by Shri L. Tomba Singh, MLA  regarding  the Thoubal Sabaltongba Water Supply Scheme, the Hon`ble MOS                       (PHED) gave a reply.                                    

            (g)       In reply to Starred Question No. 498, asked by Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA regarding the proposal for conversion of Manipur University to Central University,                       the Hon`ble Minister, Education (U) made a reply. 

            (h)       In reply to Starred Question No. 499, asked by Shri Nigthoujam Biren, MLA  regarding  the up-gradation of Aided Schools, the Hon’ble MOS, Education (S)                       made a reply.

            (i)        In reply to Starred Question No. 500, asked by Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA regarding the construction of PHCs under R.C.H Project, the Hon`ble Minister                       (Family Welfare) gave a reply. 

            (j)        In reply to Starred Question No. 501, asked by Shri S. Chandra Singh, MLA regarding the payment of loan for PDA beneficiaries, the Hon`ble Minister                       (MAHUD) made a reply. 

            (k)       In reply to Starred Question No. 502, asked by Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA regarding  the guidelines for Government College Lecturers, the Hon`ble Minister                       Education (U) gave a reply. 

            (l)        In reply to Starred Question No. 503, asked by Shri S. Gopal Singh, MLA regarding the Manipur Hill and Backward Development Co-operative Bank, the                       Hon`ble Minister (Co-operation) made a reply.             

             Answer to Unstarred Question No. 33 was laid on the Table as written reply.

POINT  OF  ORDER:

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA raised a point of order regarding a notice of Privilege motion he submitted jointly with Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA  on the previous day. As the matter was not being taken up by the Chair just after the Question Hour, he brought it up to the notice of the House, he said. The notice related to a statement made by Shri M. Chandramani Singh, Deputy Secretary, Education (S) as reported in the 28th July, 2003 edition of Thoudang, he informed the House. While the House was in Session, the announcement of Government policies outside the House by Ministers or Government officials breached the privileges of the Members and amounted to the Contempt of the House, he said. He further remarked that the said official flouted the Civil Service Conduct Rules too. 

            The Hon’ble Speaker admitted the motion and it was referred to the Committee of Privilege for examination and report. 

PAPER  LAID  ON  THE  TABLE: 

            Dr. Chaltonlien Amo, Minister (Health) laid on the Table of the House a copy of the Manipur State Pharmacy Council Rules, 2003. 

CALLING  ATTENTION: 

            Shri B.D. Behring, MLA called the attention of the Chief Minister on the damages caused to the Khunkhu Naga Villagers by the constant field firing and artillery practice of the Leimakhong Army authorities near the village. 

            He gave a brief record of inconveniences faced by the villagers of the area. He said that the manoeuvres of Field Firing and Artillery Act was not observed by the Army authorities. After every three years, the firing place should be shifted but they continued in the same place, he added. He also highlighted the damages caused to the surrounding areas and disturbances caused to students and other health hazard. Due to fear of complaining, some of the villagers fled to Nagaland and other places and a case had been filed to the Gauhati High Court for compensation, he said. He informed the House that the hon’ble High Court ruling to give compensation was not yet implemented. He made suggestions to consult the Law Department and to inform the Defence Ministry. 

            Chief Minister, Shri O. Ibobi Singh said that the villagers were being informed by putting up red flags prior to the conducting of firing and artillery practice. Regarding the inconveniences caused by it, no formal complaints had been registered, he said and assured to look into the matter as soon as  possible. He further stated that a joint survey would be conducted by the Revenue Department and the Army authorities for taking up necessary action. 

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

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister moved Demand No. 27- Election, Demand No. 36- Minor Irrigation and Demand No. 39- Sericulture for discussion in the House. The Demands were clubbed for a joint discussion. 

            Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA raising a cut motion expressed the importance of Minor Irrigation in the villages to increase agricultural production. He suggested acquire funds from NABARD and other financial institutions for effective and extensive implementation of M.I. Schemes. He stressed the need to streamline the organisation existing in the Department to make it effective. He referred   to the Sericulture Project aided by Japan and stressed the need to expedite its implementation. He emphasised the importance of increasing mulberry silk output, which was a production-oriented area of earning. He pointed out the lack of initiative on the part of the Government while keeping up tangible steps. 

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA participating in the discussion made a query regarding the up-gradation of a post in the Election Department. 

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA made certain observations on the Election Department and the necessity to take up the Photo Identity Cards (PIC) Scheme soon. Regarding Sericulture, he said that, inspite of being a hopeful venture initially, it was not implemented. He stressed the importance of the implementation of Minor Irrigation Schemes for agricultural activities. He said that loan assistance should be sought from NABARD and other agencies. He drew the attention  of the concerned Minister regarding unequal distribution of work programmes. He also pointed out certain irregularities existing in the Department regarding posting, downsizing and issue of cheques. 

The Hon’ble Speaker adjourned the House at 1.10 pm. till 2.10 pm. of the day. 

The afternoon Session resumed at 2.15 pm. 

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA participating in the demand discussion observed that Sericulture Project could generate new employment avenues and improve the economic condition of the State giving direct benefit to around 30,000 persons. He further enquired why the Japanese Sericulture Project could not be implemented till today inspite of the fact it would be successful in Manipur. 

            Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA participating in the discussion highlighted the international quality of silk produced in Manipur. He also mentioned very critically the poor management which delayed the start of the Japanese funded Sericulture Project by the State Government. He further commented that segregation of the Sericulture Department from the Industries Department was a wrong step and that amalgamation might be a better proposition. He also wanted the Minor Irrigation Department to identify thrust area and  implement work accordingly. He suggested for a close monitoring of execution of works by contractors to improve the quality of the works. 

            Shri M. Nilchandra Singh, MLA made some critical observation regarding the management failure of the State Government in taking up the Japanese funded Sericulture Project. He wanted to know the implementing agencies of the Project, their duties and problems. Commenting on Minor Irrigation he enquired about the area covered by the Department for the year 2002-2003. He also sought clarification from the Minister regarding the sanctioning of cement during the time of flood in Thoubal, biased award of contract works and violation of MOU by appointing new employees for the newly opened Monitoring Cell. 

            Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA participating in the discussion pointed out the various mulberry plantation schemes being taken up in his constituency including Maha Koireng and stressed the need to build work sheds in these areas. He also expressed the need to reintroduce the grants system which had been stopped after the Sericulture office was burnt down. He cited various irregularities in the Minor Irrigation Department and expressed the need for impartial allotment of contract works by the Minister. He further wanted the Minister to properly utilise the money sanctioned by NABARD. 

            Shri W. Brajabidhu Singh, Minister (Minor Irrigation) replying to the demand discussion said that the Department had a  major role to play in the development of agriculture and highlighted various schemes taken up by the Department. He mentioned that the State was taking up Schemes like Surface Flow Scheme, River Lift Irrigation, Tube Well etc. He clarified that MOU was not violated as the abolished post of the Chief Engineer was being  looked after by one S.E. He explained the four Divisions of his Department and their organisational setup. He highlighted various physical achievements of the Departments and pointed out that some were completed, some were ongoing,  and some yet to start. He informed that Ministry of Water Resources and NABARD were the two main funding agencies. He also cited various problems of his Department like non- availability of vehicle, non sanctioning of State shares, excessive number of work charged employees etc. which hampered the progress of the Department. He also said that he had been doing his best to make his Department more transparent and accountable. He further informed the House that a Statatistical Cell, a Work Monitoring Cell, Work Award Committee etc. were opened for proper evaluation and quality control of various works. He further informed that the master plan for 10 years of the Department was framed and new avenues for getting funds were being explored. He further clarified that there were no partiality in the allotment of contract works of the Department. He expressed that the Department was working for the better productivity of land and food security.  

            Further clarifications were sought by S/Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, M. Nilchandra Singh, Nimaichand Luwang, S. Ibohal Singh and O. Joy Singh, MLAs. 

            Shri W. Brajabidhu Singh, Minister (M.I) clarifying to the various queries said that the irregularities and malpractices in the Department would be looked into. He further clarified regarding the repayment of loans to NABARD and the possibility of regularisation of the muster roll employees of his Department. He further clarified that payment on the works were done as per the work progress and new M.I Schemes would be taken up in other areas later and added that the involvement of the Hon’ble Members in the selection and implementation of M.I Schemes would be made. 

            Dr. Nara Singh, Minister (Sericulture) replying to the demand discussion mentioned that the Sericulture Department was bifurcated from Industries Department in 1991. He said that all the four varieties of silk producing plants were abundantly grown in Manipur and added that Sericulture Projects would be successful in Manipur for various reasons. Tracing the history of the launching of Japan funded Sericulture Project in Manipur, he said that an agreement was made in 1997 between the government of India and Japan Bank of International Corporation and started its project in 1998 with a target of completion within 2006-2007. Describing the period from 1998-2001 as the dark period of the project, he said the project  was almost cancelled because of a negative report to the Central Government. But, the Project was revived by urging the Defence Minister, George Fernandes and Ministry  of Textile Industry, he added. He informed the House that the project is on the verge of implementation and that a team of 12 Scientists from the Central Silk Board would arrive at Imphal on 6th August, 2003 for implementation of the project. So far  the State Government had made no expenditure on this project and all the cost including survey were from the consultancy fee borne by the Japanese  and that there was no case of misuse of fund, he said. 

            To a query of Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA, the Hon’ble Minister (Sericulture) clarified that the Definite Overall Development Plan (DODP) was almost cleared and that some officials were sent to Japan and Bangalore for training. 

            Shri Th. Devendra Singh, Minister (Commerce & Industries) on behalf of the Finance Minister moved Demand No. 27- Election, Demand No. 36- Minor Irrigation and Demands No. 39- Sericulture for passing.  

            All cut motions were withdrawn and the House passed the Demands unanimously.

             RAISING OF A MATTER WHICH IS NOT A POINT OF ORDER: 

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA raised a discussion on the issued order of opening of M.Phil Course in Clinical Psychology in RIMS. He said that the regulation of Manipur University and the particulars in the prospectus of the course were not in conformity, which might create complicacy in recognition. He observed that there was necessity of amending the University regulations in coformity with the guidelines of Medical Council of India. 

            Dr. T. Meinya, Minister( Hr.& Tech. Edn.) replied that the Selection Committee was formed in RIMS on 2nd July,2003 and the Committee had written to the University authority for modification of the regulations of the University and the Registrar gave positive reply on 28th July. He assured that he would look into the matter thoroughly to avoid any complicacy. 

            On a query raised by Dr. Nimaichand Luwang,MLA about the teaching faculty, the Minister said that he would examine in. 

The Hon'ble Speaker adjourned the House at 5.50pm. till 11.00 am. of Wednesday, the 6th August, 2003.