The House assembled at 11.00 am of Friday, the 17th 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 (Forest & Env.) made a reply to Starred Question No. 993  asked by Shri E. Biramani Singh, MLA regarding the transportation of woods  from Manipur to other states. 

            (b)       Hon’ble Chief Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 994 asked by  Shri M. Nilchandra Singh, MLA regarding the provision for unemployment allowances. 

            (c)       Hon’ble Minister (Minor Irrigation) made a reply to Starred Question No. 995  asked by Dr. S. Budhichandra Singh, MLA regarding the construction of  Chabanthabi Dam at Khumbong. 

            (d)       Hon’ble Chief Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 996 asked by  Shri S. Natum Singh, MLA regarding the extension of financial help to the  victims of bandh and blockade. 

            (e)       Hon’ble Minister (Forest & Env.) made a reply to Starred Question No. 997  asked by Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA regarding tthe staff of Manipur  Pollution Control Board. 

            (f)        Hon’ble Minister (Art & Culture) made a reply to Starred Question No. 998  asked by Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA  regarding the announcement of the  Manipur State Film Policy. 

            (g)       Hon’ble Minister (Health) made a reply to Starred Question No. 999 asked by  Shri Th. Tomba Singh, MLA regarding the staff strenght of C.H.C. Kakching. 

            (h)       Hon’ble Chief Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 1000 asked by  Shri S. Gopal Singh, MLA regarding the Inquiry Commission Report of K. Bimol Singh. 

            (i)        Hon’ble Minister (Health) made a reply to Starred Question No. 1001 asked by  Shri S. Chandra Singh, MLA regarding registered private hospitals and clinics.

            (j)        Hon’ble Chief Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 1002 asked by  Shri N. Sovakiran Singh, MLA regarding repayment of pensions to the retired  employees of I.M.C. 

            Answer to Unstarred Question No. 72 was laid on the Table of the House.

ZERO HOUR: 

            During Zero Hour, Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA drew the attention of the Hon’ble Chief Minister for payment of ration money allowance to the  riflemen of the Home department and also highlighted the request of the Senior Citizens to reserve a day for  meeting the Chief Minister. 

            Shri S. Chandra Singh, MLA drew the attention of the Hon’ble Chief Minister for including Andro to the jurisdiction of a particular police station. 

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA highlighted for giving the long pending due of financial aid to the victim of the powerful bomb blast near the western gate of Kangla. He also drew the attention of the FCS Minister to the non-release of sugar for the Yaoshang festival. 

PRESENTATION OF COMMITTEE REPORTS: 

            (i)        Shri R.K. Dorendra Singh, Chairman of Public Accounts Committee presented the following Reports:-

                        (a)       Twenty Eighth Report of the Public Accounts Committee                                               (2005-2006).

                        (b)       Twenty Ninth Report of the Public Accounts Committee                                                (2005-2006). 

            (ii)       Shri Vivek Raj Wangkhem, Chairman of the Committee on Estimates presented the Twenty Third Report of the Committee on Estimates (2005-2006). 

            (iii)     Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, Chairman of the Committee on Delegated Legislation presented the First Report. 

PRESENTATION OF PETITION: 

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA  presented the Petition No.4 and another Representation. Both were referred to the Committee on Petition for further examination. 

CALLING ATTENTION: 

            (i)        Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA called the attention of the concerned Minister on the nomenclature of Bishnupriya by suffixing Manipuri to Bishnupriya. Regarding the recent  reported verdict of the Supreme Court authorising suffix of Manipuri to Bishnupriya as nomenclature, he enquired whether the government received the Court’s order and further asked about the next course of action. Highlighting the apprehension of the people of the State regarding the matter, he said that the verdict might serve as a precedence for others to follow suit, and therefore suggested for consulting legal experts for filing a review regarding the Court’s verdict. 

            Shri Francis Ngajokpa, Minister (Education) replying to the calling attention informed that a committee against the claim of the Bishnupriya was formed and that the government had given financial assistance for providing the necessary fee for engaging lawyer  and also allowing to open an office at the State Guest House for 1 year. The State Government filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court in 1999 and the case was pending in the Supreme Court, he informed and added that the Government was doing its best regarding the matter. 

            (ii)       Shri B.D. Behring, MLA called the attention of Home Minister on the reported abduction of one Rev. T. Lungkim, Kuki Church Leader by K.L.A. Informing of the impending bandh and economic blockade in the hill areas from the 17th &19th March respectively in protest against the abduction that took place almost two months back and his non-release since then, he enquired about the course of action to be taken up by the Government. Further, he appealed to the Hon’ble Chief Minister for resolving the issue at the earliest.  

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister informed that as the issue was a delicate one involving human lives, the Government was not keen on using force at the moment to free him but was keeping a strict vigil on the suspected area round the clock and information was being collected to ensure his safe release. Further, he informed that the Government was seriously considering to resolve the issue and appealed to the KSO not to resort to bandh or blockade. 

CONSIDERATION AND PASSING OF GOVERNMENT BILLS: 

            (i)        Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister moved that the Salaries and Allowances of Ministers (Manipur) Tenth Amendment Bill, 2006 be taken into consideration.           

            After clause by clause consideration, the Salaries and Allowances of Ministers (Manipur) Tenth Amendment Bill, 2006,  was passed unanimously by the House.   

            (ii)       Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister moved that the Salaries and Allowances of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly (Manipur) Amendment Bill, 2006 be taken into consideration. 

            After clause by clause consideration, the Salaries and Allowances of Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly (Manipur) Amendment Bill, 2006,  was passed unanimously by the House.   

            (iii)     Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister moved that the Salaries and Allowances of Chairman of the Manipur Legislative Assembly (Hill Areas Committee) Second  Amendment Bill, 2006 be taken into consideration.

            After clause by clause consideration, the Salaries and Allowances of Chairman of the Manipur Legislative Assembly (Hill Areas Committee) Second  Amendment Bill, 2006,  was passed unanimously by the House.   

            (iv)      Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister moved that the Salaries and Allowances of Deputy Chairman of the State Planning Board (Manipur) Third Amendment Bill, 2006 be taken into consideration.

            After clause by clause consideration, the Salaries and Allowances of Deputy Chairman of the State Planning Board (Manipur) Third Amendment Bill, 2006,  was passed unanimously by the House.   

(Hon’ble Speaker, Dr. Md. Maniruddin Shaikh adjourned the House at 1.00 p.m. till  2.00 p.m. of the day).

            (The afternoon session resumed at 2.05 p.m. with the Hon’ble Speaker, Dr. Md. Maniruddin Shaikh in the Chair).

(v)       Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister moved that the Manipur Appropriation (No.2) Bill, 2006 be taken into consideration.

Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA participating in the consideration pointed out the inability of the Government to properly utilise the fund sanctioned by the Centre. He expressed that SK oil, sugar, bitumen and other essential items should be decontrolled and sell in the open market. He said that the power department should be material oriented to bring about improvement. Highlighting the importance of Revenue and Settlement Department, he stressed the need to check the irregularities in its functioning. He further made allegation that the rehabilitation process of the affected persons in the process of expansion of Manipur University was not taken up timely. 

            Shri C. Doungel, MLA made observation on the need to upold secular spirit by the government. He said that the Government should check fraudulent transactions in all the departments for smooth functioning. He also said that the Sixth Schedule should be implemented in the hill districts of Manipur to instil a sense of security and autonomy to the hill people. 

            Shri R.K. Dorendra Singh, MLA participating in the discussion emphasised the importance of developing Moreh town by taking up certain remedial steps. He highlighted the Charter of Demands submitted by the various communities of the border town and added that it should be given proper consideration by the Government. He also said that VAT should be exempted from yarn. Regarding the expansion of NH-39 from Yaiskul to Singjamei, he said that the compensation rate should be reviewed and rehabilitation should be rendered to the displaced persons. He further stressed the need to properly conduct the recruitment of police personnel.  

            Shri Th. Tomba Singh, MLA participating in the discussion observed that prompt action should be taken up for the improvement of NH-39 and timely eviction of other state highways. He said that the Government should give grants to private institutions for its role in imparting higher education and maintaining proper academic atmosphere.  

            Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA, participating in the consideration drew the attention of the Minister concerned to the gradual decrease of students, particularly science studentsin colleges and university in Manipur and the drain of students to other states. He suggested to open two separate CJM Courts for Imphal west and Imphal East to facilitate the disposal of various pending cases. He pointed out that there were irregularities in appointing Principal in Churachandpur College. He drew the attention of the PHED Minister to complete the water supply scheme at Chingtham Leikai. He drew the attention of the Social Welfare Minister to extend the service of 28 Rehabilitation Workers who were on contract basis. He charged that there were irregularities in the screening process for appointment of Hindi teachers. He also drew the attention of the Chief Minister to the arrest of 4 Burmese refugees from Moreh and imprisoned in Myanmar. He expressed deep concern on the inadequate rate of compensation for eviction from Moirangkhom to Singjamei along NH-39 in the road widening process and suggested for increasing the said rate and also constructing an Urban bypass. 

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA participating in the consideration pointed out that certain rules in respect of Hills Areas Committee need amendment. He suggested to extend the superannuation age of employees. To regulate the influx of migrants, he proposed to urge the Centre to establish Highway Protection Force for the national highways. He drew the attention of the Chief Minister to expedite the Judicial enquiry of Km. M. Naobi’s case. He highlighted the bad condition of the road from Pishumthong to Haobam Marak and proposed for repairing it. He expressed the need of another diversion bridge on Nambul at Keishamthong. He also pointed out that there were irregularities in the midday meal scheme of schools. He also drew the attention of the Medical Minister to rectify the irregularities in the selection of MBBS/BDS Test 2003-2004. He also expressed the need of a systematic drainage scheme in Imphal area. He also drew the attention of the PHED Minister to the inadequate water supply in Keishampat area. He proposed to appoint a regular Secretary for Manipur State Kala Academy. He also proposed to exempt the weavers from 4% tax on yarn for promotion of handloom industry. 

            Shri B.D. Behring, MLA participating in the consideration sought clarification regarding the land purchased by the Government of Manipur at Gurgaon and suggested for using it purposefully for generating income. He pointed out the discrepancies of rates of meal at Manipur Bhavans at Delhi, Calcutta and Gawahati. He proposed for repairing the Manipur Bhavans at Gawahati and Shillong. He drew the attention of the PHED Minister to the delayed water supply plants at Chandel and Chakpikarong. He sought clarification regarding the on-going construction of a Manipur Bhavan at Vellore. 

            Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA participating in the consideration, expressed concern on the deteriorating law and order situation of the State and charged that the Government failed to tackle the problem. Regarding Finance Department, he expressed suspicion of financial mismanagement, particularly the fund forwarded by the National AIDS Control Society to Manipur AIDS Control Society. He pointed out that there were no clear cut service rules for employees of Agriculture and Works Department. He proposed to open the enclosure at Paona Bazar and B.T. road junction for easing congestion. He drew the attention of the PHED Minister to lay pipeline to Tarungkhul and Sinam leikai under Thangmeiband A/C.  

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA participating in the consideration observed that too many demands for grants were passed with much liabilities. He charged that a number of assurances given by the Minister had not been implemented such as instituting the State Information Commission. He pointed out the failure of PDS in the state and the non-availability of SK oil, rice and fertilizer. He expressed suspicion of misappropriation of fund in Power Department and suggested for supply of electric materials in time. He drew the attention of the PWD Minister to the construction of Yairipok Bridge.

            Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA, participating in the discussion drew the attention of Sericulture Minister to release the due money for workers of Sericulture Projects. He suggested for repairing the roads in his constituency. He pointed out that the shortest road to Tamenglong was Imphal-Kangchup-Tamenglong  road and proposed to improve it. He proposed to rectify the irregularities in Power Department. 

            Shri Gaikhangam, Minister (Power), clarifying to the consideration said that the budgetary provision for plan in respect of Power Department was inadequate for purchase of the required materials. The purchase of materials was delayed due to fund constraint, law and order problem and transportation problem but materials would be made available within April or May, he assured the House. All loopholes would be rectified soon, he added. He further said that the land dispute regarding Kakwa substation would be settled in consultation with Revenue Department and local NGOs.            

            Shri N. Mangi Singh, Minister (Commerce & Industries, Sericulture etc.) replying to the consideration highlighted the achievements of Industries Department in pursuance of Indo-Myanmar Border Trade Agreement. He denied the lack of modern amenities in Moreh and clarified that various amenities had been made available in Moreh recently and that the government was pursuing  to increase the number of items for border trade. He also said that a composite check post would be installed at Pallel to facilitate the import and export of goods. Regarding Japan funded sericulture project, he clarified that the project had no component of appointment and only the original employees of the Sericulture Department were utilised in the project. The FOU members were given training by the Department officials and the implementation of the project was in full swing, he added. 

            Shri L. Nandakumar Singh, Minister (Health) replying to the consideration clarified the amount of fund forwarded by NACS to MACS and that the fund was utilised properly. 

            Smt. W. Leima Devi, Minister (Social Welfare) replying to the consideration said that the matter of re-engaging the 28 Rehabilitation Workers would be looked into properly for consideration. The Manipur Bhavan at Vellore would be completed and inaugurated soon, she added. 

            Shri Th. Debendra Singh, Minister (Works) replying to the consideration said that the land dispute regarding Thoubal Hospital would be solved soon in consultation with the concerned authority and public leaders. He further said that the eviction dispute at the southern side of Manipur University would be settled soon. The repairing of Thoubal-Haokha road, Khagempalli-Naoremthong road and Pishumthong road would be carried out , he added. The process for post creation of C.J.M. of Imphal East was underway, he further said. The repairing of Manipur Bhavan at Gawahati would be carried out, he added and also assured to construct the Yairipok Bridge soon. 

            Shri P. Parijat Singh, Minister (Agriculture) replying to the consideration, said that the service rule of Agriculture Department would be looked into for settlement of dispute. Regarding the Manipur State Kala Academy, he clarified that there was no full time secretary due to fund constraint and that the Director was holding the charge of Secretary.  

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister replying to the consideration of the Bill informed the House that the enquiry commissions to probe the alleged mass rape of Hmar women at Churachandpur district and also of Km. Naobi’s case would be headed by a Retd. Justice from outside Manipur and that he would be arriving at Imphal by 20th March. He further informed the House that the Government would extend full cooperation to the Commission and added that stringent action would be taken up against the guilty based on the findings. He said that the delay in the payment of salary of the State employees for the month of February was due to the committed liabilities of the ongoing projects under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes. 

            After clause by clause consideration, the Manipur Appropriation (No.2) Bill, 2006,  was passed unanimously by the House.   

            (vi)      Md. Allaudin Khan, Minister of State (M.O.B.C.) moved that the Manipur State Commission for Other Backward Classes Bill, 2006 be taken into consideration.

Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA  observed that the Bill failed to mention reservation percentage for the OBCs particularly the economically backward class of minority Muslims. 

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA observed that the Bill had flaws and that if the Bill was passed in the present form, complicacies might come in future. 

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister replying to the consideration of the Bill said that the primary aim of the Bill was to provide certain advantages to minority communities particularly economically backward classes. He informed the House that the Bill was delayed for some time while seeking approval from the Ministry of Home Affairs. He said that the State Government was giving serious attention that the 17% reservation provided under the Bill would be based on the incomes. He appealed to all the Members to cooperate in passing the Bill.  

            After clause by clause consideration, the Manipur State Commission for Other Backward Classes Bill, 2006, was passed unanimously by the House.   

CONSIDERATION AND PASSING OF PRIVATE MEMBERS BILLS: 

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA moved that the Manipur Official Language (Amendment) Bill, 2006 be taken into consideration.Moving the Bill, he said that the Manipuri language was the lingua franca of all communities in the State and added that the language was previously not written in Bengali script but original Manipuri script was used since time immemorial. Though the Manipuri language was included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution, it failed to be inscribed in the Indian currency till date, he pointed out. He observed that the proposal for the official use of ones’ original script must be appreciated by all and added that passing of such Bill would be in the interest of all communities of Manipur. 

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA while supporting the Bill observed that passing of such a Bill would not affect the interest of anyone. 

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA observed that the Bill was very timely and that the more delay in passing the Bill, the more complication that would entail. 

            Shri Nongthombam Biren Singh, MLA observed that the spirit of the Bill was welcomed but what mattered most was the ripe time for its implementation. 

            Shri Francis Ngajokpa, Minister (Education) replying to the Private Members’ Bill said that passing of the Bill would be a little early that it would take time to educate the general masses to this script. He said that the script was being taught in Class I and II from the academic session 2006 and added that 1570 primary teachers had been imparted training for the implementation of the indigenous script. The Government, he said, would introduce the Bill in an appropriate time.

 Shri P. Parijat Singh, Minister (Arts& Culture) observed that the spirit of the Bill was welcomed but the time was not ripe for the introduction of the script in all classes. 

             Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister said that the spirit of the Bill could be appreciated but it would be difficult to implement the script at present as the general public was not in a position  to familiarise with the script at a short period of time. 

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA urged the House to elicit opinion from experts by entrusting the matter to the Assembly Secretary so that the general public would decide the matter. 

            The House rejected the proposal.           

            The Bill was defeated by a voice vote. 

PRIVATE MEMBERS BUSINESS: 

            (i)        Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA moved the following resolution:                       

                        “this House resolves to reserve a proper grazing ground in a
                         suitable area for the preservation of pony breed of Manipur”. 

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA moving the resolution said that such a threatened indigenous breed should be provided proper grazing ground for its protection and preservation. He also mentioned among other things, history of pony, role of pony through different ages, varieties of pony, etc. He pointed out that the present Pony Breeding Farm being set up at Tinkai Khunou would not be able to serve the purpose and added that the protection and preservation of such breed required a proper grazing ground. He also expressed unhappiness on the scene of stray horses in the Imphal areas. 

            Shri Allaudin Khan, Minister (Vety.& Animal Husbandry) replying to the Private Members Resolution said that the number of pony had reduced due to various reasons like decrease in their utility except for playing Polo or for certain cultural activities and that the upkeep of a Pony was expensive. Pony, he said, should be protected and preserved since it was a symbol of pride of the State. He further said that in order to revive Pony, Pony shows need to be organised and that the villagers  should be encouraged to use Ponies for transportation and financial aids  given to Pony owners. Porompat, he said, was once a grazing ground but with various constructions coming up in recent time, the area had been reduced considerably. Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association, he clarified, had bought 14 new horses and the State Pony farm had 25 horses. He further informed that the Government was planning to reserve 300 acres of grassland at Tinkai Khunou as grazing ground for Pony quite in line with the resolution raised by the mover. He, therefore, appealed to the mover to withdraw the resolution. 

            (ii)       Shri B.D. Behring, MLA moved the following resolution:                       

                        “this House resolves to pass the extension of sixth schedule
                         of the Indian Constitution to the Tribal/Hill Areas of Manipur.”           

Moving the resolution, he said that despite  resolutions being taken by the District Council and the Hill Areas Committee for extension of Sixth Schedule in the hill areas of Manipur on several occasion, nothing had been done till now. The main complication, he said, was the attachment of a clause, “with certain local adjustment and amendment” by the Government. He cited the examples of Assam, Meghalaya, etc. where Sixth Schedule had been implemented successfully. He urged the Government to respect the aspiration and sentiments of the people and implement Sixth Schedule. He further said that there was no question of disintegration of the State by its implementation. He therefore said that his resolution should be adopted by the House. 

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister replying to the resolution said that the Government would consult experts to give appropriate reply to the question asked by the Centre regarding the clause, “with certain local adjustment and amendment” and added that a Cabinet sub- committee had also been constituted for the purpose. Government being a continuing process, he said, there was no need to take a new resolution as previous Governments had already taken the resolution. He, therefore, appealed to the mover to withdraw the resolution.            

            At the end of the discussion, the Private Members Resolution was withdrawn after the Hon’ble Chief Minister gave the assurance that action would be taken as early as possible.

            Hon’ble Speaker, Dr. Md. Maniruddin Shaikh made a valedictory statement and adjourned the House sine-die at 9.00 p.m.