The House assembled at 11.00 am of Monday, the 13th March, 2006 in the Assembly Hall with the Hon’ble Speaker, Dr. Md. Maniruddin Shaikh in the Chair. 

MEMBERS PRESENT: 

            Hon’ble Chief Minister, 10 Cabinet Ministers, Chairman (Hill Areas Committee), 1 Minister of State and 41 Elected Members. 

QUESTIONS:  

            (a)       Hon’ble Minister (Art & Culture) made a reply to Starred Question No. 982 asked by  Shri N. Sovakiran Singh, MLA regarding the construction of the Western Gate of Kangla. 

            (b)       Hon’ble Chief Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 983 asked  by  Shri Erabot Yumkham, MLA regarding the establishment of a Dental College in Manipur. 

            (c)       Hon’ble Chief Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 986 asked by  Shri S. Natum Singh, MLA regarding the introduction of Imphal Municipal  Corporation Bill. 

            (d)       Hon’ble Minister (Art & Culture) made a reply to Starred Question No. 987  asked by Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA regarding the implementation of  Manipur Public Library Act. 

            (e)       Hon’ble Chief Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 988 asked by  Shri T. Manga Vaiphei, MLA regarding the  payment of pension to World War-II Soldiers. 

            (f)        Hon’ble Minister (I.F.C.D.) made a reply to Starred Question No. 989 asked by Shri M. Nilchandra Singh, MLA  regarding the fund sanctioned under Flood  Control Scheme of Imphal River during 2005-06. 

            (g)       Hon’ble Minister (Minor Irrigation) made a reply to Starred Question No. 990 asked by Shri Th. Tomba Singh, MLA regarding the construction of R.L.I. in Kakching A/C. 

            (h)       Hon’ble Minister (I.F.C.D.) made a reply to Starred Question No. 991 asked  by Shri M. Nabadwip Singh, MLA regarding the proposal under Nambul Project. 

            (i)        Hon’ble Minister (Agriculture) made a reply to Starred Question No. 992  asked by Shri E. Biramani Singh, MLA regarding giving training to farmers. 

            (j)        Hon’ble Chief Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 984 asked by  Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA regarding revenue from cinema. 

            Answer to Starred Question No. 985 was laid on the Table of the House. 

ZERO HOUR: 

            During Zero Hour, Shri B.D. Behring, MLA made a suo motto statement on the unfortunate incident which took place at his quarter. Expressing condolence on the death of three of his escort security personnel, he said that such indisciplined ways among security personnel should be checked. 

            Shri Th. Tomba Singh, MLA raised a matter regarding the defying of the instruction to close all business establishments on every Sunday under Shops and Business Act by some businessmen. 

            Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA drew the attention of the Medical Minister on the irregularities while appointing Procurement Officer in Manipur AIDS Control Society (MACS). He expressed that necessary DPCs should be conducted in the interest of the public. 

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA raised a matter on the death toll on account of dog bites and drew the attention of the Veterinary Minister to avail sufficient quantity of anti-rabies vaccine. 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF BUSINESS: 

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

STATEMENTS MADE IN THE HOUSE: 

            Chief Minister Shri O. Ibobi Singh informed the House that a Cabinet decision had been taken to conduct judicial enquiry on the case of allegation of mass rape of young women in Churachandpur district and the case of Naobi by a Retd. Judge of the High Court for proper fact finding. 

            Shri Gaikhangam, Power Minister also read out a statement regarding the procurement of materials in the department. 

            Regarding a matter raised by Shri B.D. Behring, MLA, in connection with the abduction of Rev. T. Lungkim, the  Hon’ble Speaker directed to raise it under call attention motion. 

CALLING ATTENTION: 

            (i)        Shri I. Hemochandra  Singh, MLA called the attention of the Medical Minister on the Entrance Examination for admission to PG/MD/MS in RIMS. He quoted the Sangai Express edition of 10th March 2006 and said that the entrance examination was not conducted in accordance with the norms laid down by the Medical Council of India. He expressed apprehension of nepotism and favouritism on the part of the RIMS authority and said that transparency should be maintained to gain public confidence. Regarding the examination arrangement, he said that it provided ample scope for manipulation and wanted the Government to give strict supervision to it.

            Shri L. Nandakumar Singh, Minister (Medical) replying to the motion said that the examination was conducted by RIMS authority in accordance with Rule 9 of the Medical Council of India exclusively on the basis of academic merit. He asserted that there was no room for manipulation and the delay in the commencement of the examination was due to some technical problems. He further informed the House that the allegations could not be substantiated and that, if necessary, steps would be taken to look into the matter. 

            (ii)       S/Shri Ningthoujam Biren and N. Bihari Singh, MLAs called the attention of  the Home Minister on the killing of one Leitanthem Boy alias Premananda Singh, S/o Late L. Babu Singh of Kongpal Kshetri Leikai. 

            Shri N. Bihari Singh, MLA asserted that Leitanthem Boy was killed by the police commandos after confiscating Rs.84000/- from him. Regarding the allegation that he was an underground, he said it was a false charge and maintained that the deceased had no criminal record. He also mentioned the certificates issued by a sub-inspector declaring that Boy was not involved in any police case. 

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister replying to the motion said that Leitanthem Boy had died in an encounter and that explosives, a hand written extortion letter and a mobile phone were  recovered from him. He said that a departmental enquiry would be conducted to find out the fact and necessary action would be taken up against the S.I. who had issued the certificate. He further clarified that there was no such report of recovering money from the deceased. 

(Hon’ble Speaker, Dr. Md. Maniruddin Shaikh adjourned the House at 1.10 p.m. till  2.15 p.m. of the day).

            (The afternoon session resumed at 2.25 p.m. with the Hon’ble Speaker, Dr. Md. Maniruddin Shaikh in the Chair). 

DISCUSSION AND VOTING ON DEMANDS FOR GRANTS, 2006-2007: 

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister moved Demand No. 12 - Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development, Demand No. 21 -  Commerce & Industries and Weights & Measures Department, Demand No. 37 - Fisheries and Demand No. 39 - Sericulture. 

            The Hon’ble Speaker, clubbed all the four demands for a joint consideration. 

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA moving cut motion drew the attention of MAHUD Minister to the ongoing cease-work strike of employees of Imphal Municipal Council and the subsequent problem of garbage in Imphal Bazar area. He pointed out the discrepancy of fund invested to other towns and queried about the time of election for Imphal Municipal Council. He suggested to grant sufficient fund to Sanamahi Temple Board and to solve the dispute of accommodation among women vendors of Khwairamband Bazar. He charged that there was mal-administration in MAHUD and PPA. Regarding Industries Department, he drew the attention of the Minister concerned to the unchecked flow of bamboos from Jiribam to Assam along the Barak River. He expressed concern on the non-releasing of fund to the beneficiaries of Deen Dayal Handloom Scheme. He also charged that the Industries Department had not taken up any Trade Policy for  employment generation. He proposed to reinforce the use of handloom products in Government Offices for promotion of handloom Industries.            

            Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA moving cut motion, charged that the SPF Government neglected the Imphal Municipal Council and drew the attention of the MAHUD Minister to the chaotic condition prevailing in Imphal Municipal Council due to the employee’s strike and its subsequent problems. He proposed to open the enclosure in the proximity of Paona Bazar and B.T. Road for convenience of traffic and to prevent antisocial activities. He charged that there was irregularity in the construction of low cost latrines under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes and suggested to implement the scheme properly. Regarding Industries Department, he expressed concern that there was no achievement of the department and also that no measure had been taken for employment generation. 

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA, moving cut motion, charged that the Japan-funded Sericulture project failed due to the lack of sincerity on the part of the department officials and that the personnel of Field Operation Unit were exploited due to non-release of their pay. He also remarked that there was no achievement of the Sericulture Project so far. 

            Shri N. Mangi Singh, Minister (Commerce & Industries and Weights & Measures Department, Fisheries and Sericulture) replying to the discussion, said that the Japan-funded Sericulture Project had a different mode of functioning. The term of the Project had been extended from the year 2005 to 2008, he informed the House. Regarding the achievement of the Project, he said that about 1251.40 acres of land had been covered under Mulberry Plantation. He also clarified that there was no procedural lapses and insincerity of officials. The pay of Field Operation Unit personnel would be released shortly, he said. He also informed that Technical Service Centres would be constructed at Chingarel and Sangaipat by Manipur Police Housing Corporation. He further said that the project was delayed but it would proceed. He also said that the Deen Dayal Scheme was delayed due to lack of furnishing the relevant documents. The Government had plans to set up Bamboo Chipping Plants at Tamenglong and Churachandpur districts and its project report was under preparation, he informed. He further said that the Government would set up a Food Park at Nilakuthi and an Industrial Growth Centre at Napet Palli. He appealed to the movers to withdraw their cut motions.  

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister, in-charge of Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development replying to the discussion clarified that the imbalance or discrepancy of fund invested to small town was according to the requirement of the towns as reflected in the detailed project report which was framed for the purpose. The Government would check the random issue of vendor licence by Imphal Municipal Council (IMC) and added that the Manipur Municipality (Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2006 which was being introduced in the House was for it, he said. The Government, he informed, was planning to give a one-time grant to IMC in order to clear all outstanding dues including salaries of its employees. He further said that the Government was monitoring the construction of the fly over bridge at B.T. road and that it would be completed soon. The development of water supply, drainage and sewerage systems of Imphal area would be taken up under the JNNUDM (Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Development Mission) in a well planned manner. He, therefore, appealed to all cut movers to withdraw and allow the demand to pass.           

            Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA sought further clarification and Hon’ble Chief Minister clarified.           

            At the end of the discussion, all the cut motions raised  were withdrawn and the four demands, Demand Nos. 12, 21, 37 & 39 were unanimously passed by the House.  

CONSIDERATION AND PASSING OF GOVERNMENT BILLS: 

            (i)        Shri Ngamthang Haokip, Forest & Environment Minister moved the Manipur Loktak Lake (Protection)  Bill, 2006 for consideration.           

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA participating in the consideration pointed out certain loopholes in the Bill and suggested for a thorough examination of the Bill before its passing.           

            Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA participating in the consideration of the Bill pointed out various flaws in the Bill and suggested for referring it to a Select Committee for a  thorough examination.            

            Shri Ngamthang Haokip, Forest & Environment Minister replying to the consideration and passing of the Manipur Loktak Lake (Protection) Bill, 2006 said that the Bill should be passed and any modification and rectification could be done before the Gazette notification.           

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister further observed that the Bill was introduced for the protection and preservation of the lake and added that Rules would be applied for awarding punishment to culprits. Fund for clearing phumdis, he said had already been sanctioned and further added that over and above the contemplated compensation for the clearing of phumdis,  fishermen of loktak lake  would be provided fishing boats, nets, etc. He appealed to all the Members to support the Bill and allow it to pass. 

            After clause by clause consideration, the Manipur Loktak Lake (Protection) Bill, 2006, Bill No.10 of 2006 was passed unanimously by the House.   

            (ii)       Shri T. Phungzathang, Hills & Tribal Development Minister moved  the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Second  Amendment) Bill, 2006 for consideration.           

            Shri B. D. Behring, MLA participating in the consideration pointed out that the Bill had various flaws and needed a thorough examination before passing it. He, therefore, suggested for referring it to the Hill Areas Committee for proper examination. 

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA participating in the consideration sought for certain clarifications.            

            Shri T. Phunzathang, Hills & Tribal Development Minister replying to the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Second  Amendment) Bill, 2006 said that HAC had already approved the Bill and appealed to all the Members to support and pass the bill in the larger interest and aspiration of the people residing in the hill areas.           

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister replying to the consideration said that the Bill was introduced to empower District Council to declare certain hill areas as urban so that fund for urban development could be sought from JNNUDM (Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Development Mission) for developing the hill areas.

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang and Shri B. D. Behring, MLAs sought further clarifications and Hon’ble Chief Minister clarified.             

            After clause by clause consideration, the Manipur (Hill Areas) District Councils (Second  Amendment) Bill, 2006, Bill No. 11 of  2006 was passed unanimously by the House. 

            (iii)     Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister moved the Manipur Municipality (Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2006 for consideration.           

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA participating in the consideration said that the Bill had serious flaws and needed certain rectifications.           

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister replying to the consideration said that Revenue Department would be included in the list of departments to be consulted by IMC while issuing vendor licences and added that the period of lease would also be reduced to three years in order to check the random issue of vendor licence by Municipal Councils. 

            After clause by clause consideration, the Manipur Municipality (Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2006, Bill No. 4 of 2006 was passed unanimously by the House.   

            (iv)      Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister moved the Manipur Public Servants’ Personal Liability Bill, 2006 for consideration.           

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA participating in the consideration expressed doubt whether action could be taken against Council of Ministers who create liabilities. 

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA participating in the consideration of the Bill pointed out that the Bill failed to incorporate local bodies other than Government servants and added that time frame for taking action against the persons to be booked under the Bill was also required. He urged the Bill to be referred to a Select Committee for a thorough examination. 

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister clarifying to the consideration of the Bill said that the Finance department was closely examining all the departments for any lapses. He informed the House that the time frame could be fixed by a Committee and accepted the suggestion  for amendment of the Bill. 

            Shri C. Doungel, MLA also made certain observations on the Bill.   

            After clause by clause consideration, the Manipur Public Servants’ Personal Liability Bill, 2006, Bill No. 9 of 2006 was passed unanimously by the House with amendments. 

INTRODUCTION OF GOVERNMENT BILL:           

            (i)        Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister moved for leave to introduce the Manipur Appropriation (No.2) Bill, 2006. 

            The House granted leave and the Bill was introduced.

            (ii)       Shri Md. Allaudin Khan, MOS in-charge of MOBC, moved for leave to introduce the Manipur State Commission for Other Backward Classes Bill, 2006.           

            The House granted leave and the Bill was introduced. 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE NEWLY ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE THREE FINANCIAL COMMITTEES: 

            (a)       PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE:                       

                        1.         Shri M. Bhorot Singh

                        2.         Shri W. Brajabidhu Singh

                        3.         Shri Erabot Yumkham

                        4.         Shri I. Hemochandra Singh

                        5.         Shri M. Nilchandra Singh

                        6.         Shri Thangso Baite

            7.         Shri R.K. Thekho 

            (b)       ESTIMATES COMMITTEE:           

                        1.         Shri Thangminlien Kipgen

                        2.         Shri S. Gopal Singh

                        3.         Shri Ningthoujam Biren

                        4.         Shri Vivek Raj Wangkhem

                        5.         Shri E. Biramani Singh

                        6.         Md. Abdul Salam

                        7.         Shri M. Nabadwip Singh 

            (c)       PUBLIC UNDERTAKING COMMITTEE:           

                        1.         Shri N. Sovakiran Singh

                        2.         Shri S. Chandra Singh

                        3.         Shri Danny Shaiza

                        4.         Shri L. Lala Singh

                        5.         Shri Th. Tomba Singh

                        6.         Dr. S. Budhichandra Singh

                        7.         Shri T. Manga Vaiphei

            Hon’ble Speaker, Dr. Md. Maniruddin Shaikh adjourned the House at 6.30 p.m. till 11.00 a.m. of Friday, the 17th March, 2006.