The House assembled at 11.00 am of Monday, the 27th February, 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 46 Elected Members. 

QUESTIONS:

            (a)       Hon’ble Chief Minister gave a reply to Starred Question No. 884 asked by Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA regarding the Centrally Sponsored Schemes of Nagar Panchayat and Imphal Municipality.           

            (b)       Hon’ble Chief Minister gave a reply to Starred Question No. 885 asked by Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA regarding the Solid Waste Management Project. 

            (c)       Hon’ble Minister (T.D.) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 886 asked by Shri Erabot Yumkham, MLA regarding the Viewland Phungreitang Hunphun  P/School, Ukhrul. 

            (d)       Hon’ble Chief Minister gave a reply to Starred Question No. 887 asked by  Shri S. Gopal Singh, MLA regarding the Moirang Sub-Treasury Office.           

            (e)       Hon’ble Minister (I.F.C.D.) made a reply to Starred Question No. 888 asked by Shri E. Biramani Singh, MLA regarding precautionary measures to combat flood. 

            (f)        Hon’ble Minister (Health & Family Welfare) made a reply to Starred Question No. 889  asked by Shri S. Chandra Singh, MLA regarding the staff strength of Andro PHC. 

            Answer to Unstarred Question No. 69 was laid on the Table of the House as written reply. 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF BUSINESS: 

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

CALLING ATTENTION: 

            (i)        Shri M. Nilchandra Singh, MLA called the attention of the Agriculture Minister on the non-functioning of Jiribam Tea Estate. He quoted the February 21st, Poknapham publication and stated that due to negligence by the government, it had become a jungle. He observed that the corporation could generate income and render employment opportunities to many people. He stressed the need to maintain it by providing proper attention. 

            Shri P. Parijat Singh, Agriculture Minister replying to the motion mentioned the improvement works taken up by the government in respect of Jiribam Tea Estate. He said that out of the total area of 425 hectares, tea was growing in 300 hectares. He further said that the government was exploring ways and means for its functioning. 

            (ii)       Shri R.K. Dorendra Singh, MLA made a statement on the Sana Konung and expressed the need to preserve it. Highlighting its historical importance, he stressed the need to facilitate observance of customary and traditional ceremonies of the Sana Konung. 

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA expressed that the initiative of the government to preserve Sana Konung was a right step and extended full support to it. 

            Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA also made observations in this regard. 

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister in his statement pointed out the importance of preserving the Sana Konung. He informed the House that the steps for its acquisition were being taken up by the government  and that there would be no restriction on the observance of customary and traditional function. 

GENERAL DISCUSSION ON SUPPLEMENTARY DEMANDS FOR GRANTS, 2005-2006 & DISCUSSION AND VOTING ON DEMANDS FOR SUPPLEMENTARY GRANTS, 2005-2006: 

            The Hon’ble Speaker clubbed the Demands for a joint discussion. 

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA initiating the discussion pointed the slow pace in taking up developmental works. He said that in spite of the huge expenditure, there was non-availability of construction materials particularly in the PWD and Power Department. Regarding the Home Department, he stressed the need to check the excesses of the Police Commandos and properly control them. He also mentioned certain cases of irregularities by the Department officials in the Revenue Department. 

(Hon’ble Chairman, Dr M. Nara Singh adjourned the House at 12.57 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). 

Shri M. Nilchandra Singh, MLA participating in the discussion said that the fund provided in the budget was not properly utilised in some departments or sector and suggested to utilise fund properly. He pointed out that there were irregularities in the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes and NEC schemes and proposed that the schemes must be completed in time to bring regular fund flow from the Centre. He maintained that purchase of various items of the Government Departments should be need based and not for profit. He asserted that the  Police Intelligence was a failure in the context of the recent ambush on security personnel.   

            Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA participating in the discussion, proposed to produce the detailed expenditure account of the previous fiscal year to facilitate in discussion of the present budget. He expressed unhappiness for the prolonged non-completion of projects like Khuga Dam, Dolaithabi Projects, etc. and sought the assurance of time limit for completion of the projects. He expressed concern whether the fund provided in the budget could really benefit the public properly. He remarked that sincerity, honesty and firm will of the Government was needed for bringing a peaceful atmosphere in Manipur. Quoting a newspaper report of misappropriation of fund for police modernisation, he proposed to investigate it. 

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA participating in the discussion observed that some departments could not spend even the original budget apart from the supplementary budget and that adequate fund was not utilised in development works except on paper. He pointed out the non-availability of essential services like power supply, water supply, PDS. He expressed concern over the unethical practice  in private clinics by the  doctors of Government hospitals and proposed to reintroduce the non-practising allowance of doctors. He drew the attention of the government that the grant-in-aid of aided elementary schools had not been released since July 2005 and also to streamline the midday meal scheme.  

            Shri B.D. Behring, MLA participating in the discussion, expressed concern that most Government employees in the rural and hill areas do not attend offices and suggested to enforce “no work, no pay” for this. He also proposed to reopen a branch of UBI and open a dispensary in the Assembly campus. He pointed out that the road construction in Chandel District was unsatisfactory. He sought clarifications regarding the target or achievement  of the Government in the implementation of the SSA. He suggested to select some private hospitals for recognising as referral hospitals. He sought a clear cut decision of the Government regarding the pension scheme of District Council employees. He drew the attention of the FCS Minister to the adulteration of petrol and diesel in the State.    

            Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA  participating in the discussion sought clarification regarding the fund provided by the Centre for terrace cultivation in the hills and also suggested to implement the Technology Mission properly. He pointed out to ensure administration of justice without discrimination. He also pointed out that there was no clear cut demarcation of jurisdiction of district administration in some areas. He expressed concern over the bad condition of roads in his constituency. He remarked that the Science and Technology Department was only in name sake and proposed to implement various schemes properly. 

            Shri Th. Debendra Singh, Works Minister replying to the discussion, stated that relevant documents for land acquisition for construction of district hospital in Thoubal would be produced within 2/3 days. Regarding the scarcity of bitumen for road construction, he replied that loads of bitumen would be transported into the State very soon. He clarified that the delayed work of road construction in Chandel district was due to interference by some underground outfits but negotiation was going on to bring a solution.  

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister replying to the discussion said that the present supplementary  budget was for meeting the committed liabilities of all departments and contribution of State matching share for Central sponsored schemes. He further said that the Government was seriously considering to make ready available of materials of the departments being prioritised by the Government and added that the bitumen for roads would be procured before rainy season. Regarding the lack of quality control which hindered the pace of development, he informed that quality would be controlled as far as possible. Expressing concern on the Hill areas particularly in health and education sectors, he appealed to the concerned Ministers to monitor the attendance of teachers, doctors and para-medical staffs and take stringent action if they were found absent from their duty. He further said that required doctors and paramedical staffs would soon be recruited and added that quarters for them would also be constructed in war footing for which fund had already been earmarked. Regarding law and order in the State, he said that the ambush on one IGP and one OC was very unfortunate and appealed to the concerned to take maximum precaution while on their duty. He further said that the allowance for the commandos would be enhanced in view of their dedication in service for the improvement of law and order in the State. He appealed to all the Members to extend co-operation in passing the Supplementary Demands for Grants, 2005-2006. 

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA seeking further clarification urged the Power Minister to make available the details, if any, of non-supply of materials after the encashment of bill and wanted a House Committee to be constituted to look into the matter. 

            Shri Gaikhangam, Minister (Power) replied that all the details of the matter would be made available before the Budget Discussion.    

            All the 43 Supplementary Demands were passed by the House unanimously. 

INTRODUCTION OF BILL: 

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister moved for leave to introduce the Manipur Appropriation (No.1) Bill, 2006. 

            The House granted leave and the Bill was introduced. 

            Hon’ble Speaker, Dr. Md. Maniruddin Shaikh adjourned the House at 4.50 p.m. till 11.00 a.m. of Tuesday, the 28th February, 2006.