The House assembled at 11.00 am of Monday, the 6th 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 (Medical) made a reply to Starred Question No. 928 asked by Shri Th. Tomba Singh, MLA regarding the construction of Sora P.H.S.C.

            (b)       Hon’ble Minister (Medical) made a reply to Starred Question No. 929 asked by Shri D.K. Korungthang, MLA regarding the staff strength of Moreh Hospital  and Health Centres in Tengnoupal A/C. 

            (c)       Hon’ble Chief Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 930 asked by  Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA regarding the construction of Fly over Bridge on  B.T. Road. 

            (d)       Hon’ble Minister (T.D.) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 931 asked by  Shri P.S. Henry Paotei, MLA regarding the implementation of Autonomous  District Council Act, 2000. 

            (e)       Hon’ble Minister (Medical) made a reply to Starred Question No. 932 asked by Shri S. Gopal Singh, MLA regarding the  non-withdrawal of funds meant for  giving free medicines and other items to poor peoples. 

            (f)        Hon’ble Minister (I.F.C.D.) made a reply to Starred Question No. 933 asked by Shri M. Nabadwip Singh, MLA regarding the  construction of retaining wall at  Takyel Khongbal. 

            (g)       Hon’ble Minister (Agriculture) made a reply to Starred Question No. 934 asked by Shri Nongthombam Biren, MLA regarding the  protection of agricultural land. 

            (h)       Hon’ble Minister (Social Welfare) made a reply to Starred Question No. 935 asked by  Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA in the absence of Shri E. Biramani Singh, MLA  regarding the  amount of pension paid to the pensioners under the National  Old Age Pension Scheme. 

            Answers to Starred Questions No. 927, 936 & 937 were laid on the Table of the House.

ZERO-HOUR: 

            During Zero-Hour, Shri S. Chandra Singh, MLA drew the attention of the death of Ranibala of Yairipok in suspicious circumstances and expressed the need to conduct police investigations. 

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA quoting Rule 339 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Manipur Legislative Assembly expressed the necessity for creation of regular posts of Translators in the Manipur Legislative Assembly Secretariat as such similar posts  were already in existence in both the Houses of the Parliament and other State Legislative Assemblies. 

            Dr. S. Budhichandra Singh, MLA raised a matter on the assets and liabilities in converting the Manipur Institute of Technology as a constituent college of Manipur University. 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF BUSINESS:  

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

ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER: 

            The Hon’ble Speaker informed the House that he received a notice of an adjournment motion from Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA and Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA for discussion on the issue of the torture of Km. M. Naobi Devi. He further observed that as there was a similar notice under Calling Attention from S/Shri L. Ibomcha Singh and S. Ibohal Singh, MLAs, it would be more appropriate to discuss the matter under Short Duration Discussion. 

            The House agreed. 

CALLING ATTENTION: 

            (i)        Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA called the attention of the Revenue Minister on the suicide threat against the eviction process in Manipur University. He highlighted the sorry plight of some displaced residents of Langthabal Mantrikhong following the process of expansion of Manipur University. He said that two persons, namely, Salam Nimai and Sorokhaibam Amu have been undertaking fast unto death. He state that the area was dereserved earlier but later rejected and the government agreed to hand it over to MU. He expressed that the it was a genuine issue and wanted the government to make alternative land allotment for them. 

            Shri Th. Debendra Singh, Revenue Minister replying to the motion said that the dereservation order was cancelled to meet the requirements following the upgradation of Manipur University to a Central University. He, however, made assurance to provide an alternative site beyond MU compound for the displaced persons. 

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA said that in the process of expansion of MU, a public pond was also to be occupied. He pointed out the drinking water problem faced by the local residents and asked the Minister to exclude it from the MU compound. 

            The Revenue Minister assured to exclude the pond while taking up the fencing work and appealed to the distressed persons to end the strike. 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF LEAVE OF ABSENCE: 

            The Hon’ble Speaker informed the House that the following members had applied for leave of the House. 

            Shri A. Aza, MLA                              -           6th - 7th March, 2006;

            Shri Z. Mangaibou, MLA                  -           6th - 17th March, 2006;

            Dr. M. Nara Singh, MLA                  -           6th - 17th March, 2006;

            Shri E. Biramani Singh, MLA           -           6th  March, 2006.

SHORT DURATION DISCUSSION: 

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA initiating the discussion said that the police commandos violated the fundamental rights of a citizen. Regarding the statement made by M. Naobi Devi, it was inhuman and degrading on the part of the police commandos, he maintained. He said keeping in view the deteriorating law and order situation, the excesses of the police department should be checked. Commenting on the lapses of the police commandos, he wanted the government to conduct an enquiry on it. 

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA participating in the discussion said that it was a sentimental issue and wanted the report of the Chief Judicial magistrate, Thoubal to be tabled in the House. He said that to conduct a Magisterial enquiry would be ineffective. He expressed the need to conduct medical examination of the accused persons. He further said that the case should be taken seriously and immediately handed over to the CBI to find out the truth. 

(Hon’ble Speaker, Dr. Md. Maniruddin Shaikh adjourned the House at 1.02 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 S. Ibohal Singh, MLA observed that the excesses committed by the Thoubal District commandos to km. M. Naobi Devi while in thier custody was a very serious issue and added that the issue had tarnished the image of commandos in the state. He strongly maintained that a cordial relationship should be developed between the public and security forces and stressed the need to boost up the morale of the commandos also. He further said that a specific instruction should be intimated and exemplary punishment should be given to the commandos involved in the matter. He urged the Hon’ble Chief Minister to give a committed statement regarding the term of reference of the magisterial enquiry being instituted in connection with Km. Naobi’s case. 

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA participating in the discussion observed that the issue of Naobi was very shameful  before the other states of India. He said that the security forces violated the guidelines of the Supreme Court and added that arrest memo was not served at the time of Naobi’s arrest. He further said that the act of the law enforcing agencies who were supposed to protect human rights was condemnable. He expressed concern on the public uprising in the aftermath of Naobi’s statement and expressed desire to settle the issue very soon. He charged the government for delaying in taking up steps to tackle the issue and wanted an exemplary punishment to the commandos involved. 

            Shri M. Nilchandra Singh, MLA said that Km. Naobi’s statement before the CJM Thoubal had reawakened the conscience of the people of Manipur. He said that the law enforcing agencies had broken the law and added that the issue would have been settled if the Hon’ble Chief Minister took up steps to tackle the issue at the very outset. He charged that Hon’ble Chief Minister failed to understand the gravity of the issue and wanted punishment to the culprits. He also expressed doubt that the up coming report of the magisterial enquiry would be a true one.  

            Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA participating in the discussion said that the government should have a discussion to correct the moral of police and commandos and expressed unhappiness over the widening gap of relationship between the public and the police. Regarding the issue of Km. Naobi Devi, he said that the commandos involved in the issue should be given exemplary punishment.   

            Shri N. Sovakiran Singh, MLA participating in the discussion drew the attention of the Government to rehabilitate Km. Naobi Devi for the atrocities committed by the commando personnel. How far the report of the medical examination could be correct, he expressed his doubt and charged the Government that the magisterial enquiry was a mere delaying tactics. He wanted a clear cut statement from the Chief minister regarding the action to be taken up against the guilty commandos.            

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister replying to the discussion admitted that there might be some procedural lapses while arresting Km. Naobi Devi. However the arrest memo was served to one Panchayat member Smt. L. Mema Devi of Khangabok as reported in the preliminary report of the investigation. He informed the House that facts behind the case of Km. Naobi Devi could not be concealed and that exemplary punishment would be initiated against those found guilty irrespective of rank based on the findings of the enquiry. He further informed that the Government had no reservation to initiate a probe into the case by a reliable agency like CBI. The present magisterial enquiry had been instituted to expedite the matter, he informed. The date of submission of affidavit and hearing of the enquiry were fixed on 8th and 9th March respectively, he further informed the House. He also appealed to all Members to extend cooperation to settle the issue at the earliest.  

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

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister  moved Demand No. 6 - Transport,  Demand No. 13 -  Labour and Employment, Demand No. 14 - Development of Tribal and Scheduled Castes, Demand No. 18 - Animal Husbandry and Veterinary including Dairy Farming,  Demand No. 30 - General Economic Services and Planning, Demand No. 40 - Irrigation and Flood Control Department and  Demand No. 45 - Tourism. 

            The Hon’ble Speaker, clubbed all the seven demands for a joint discussion. 

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA moving cut motions said that the transport department should reintroduce city bus service in the State and charge the department for failing to implement Motor Vehicle Act properly. He expressed concern on the non settlement of compensation claim under solatium fund and drew the attention of transport minister to implement it. Regarding Labour and Employment, he charged that the department failed to implement minimum wages specially of casual workers up to national level. He also expressed unhappiness on the non-constitution of Veterinary Service Council in the Veterinary Department and asked for the regularisation of work charge and muster roll employees in the IFCD. 

            Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA moving cut motion said that the development of a State was known by its transport system but in Manipur it was very bad and wanted a proper management of the system. He charged the department for failing to collect proper taxes from the vehicles. He also mentioned among other things bad transport system in the interior areas of hill districts, non introduction of the transport company in the state, improvement of traffic system etc. Regarding Labour Department, he wanted to know the holiday management of workers in hotels. He also expressed concern on the non-completion of ITIs constructed at Chandel and Imphal East.           

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA raising cut motions highlighted the importance of pony in Manipur from the historical context. He asserted that polo identified Manipur to the outside world but the number of ponies was decreasing and was on the verge of extinction due to the negligence of the Government. He said the pony farm at Tingkai Khunou was a failure. Regarding IFCD, he drew the attention of the minister concerned to protect the river banks. He pointed out that the Government failed to complete ongoing projects namely Wangjing, Waishel Maril, Chandranadi, Thoubal and Khuga Projects. He sought clarification whether the Tipaimukh Dam would be built and whether its assessment had been made. 

            Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA, raising cut motions, drew the attention of the Labour and Employment Minister to prohibit child labour and also to implement minimum wage of the workers as per rules. He suggested the modernisation and computerisation of Labour Department and Employment Exchanges. He proposed that a regulatory mechanism must be explored to protect the indigenous people of Manipur from the influx of migrants. Regarding Tourism, he wanted the government to withdraw the security forces from Sendra Tourist Home and other Tourist spots to maintain tourist facilities. 

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA, raising cut motion observed that the government should make careful consideration in giving schedule caste status to some sections of the people. Pointing out that the election of Autonomous District Council had not been held for several years, he proposed to the government to hold the same very soon. Regarding IFCD, he drew the attention of the Minister concerned to pay attention to the vulnerable spots of river banks  and also to improve them. He said that the government failed to formulate a composite flood control scheme. He also pointed out that the Moreh tourist home was in a bad condition.  

            Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA, participating in the discussion drew the attention of the Labour Minister for revision of wages of workers and for prevention of child labour. He also drew the attention of IFCD Minister to pump in adequate fund for clearing water hyacinths from the Loktak Lake through Khordak river. He proposed to the transport Minister to appoint full fledged District Transport Officers for Imphal East and Bishnupur districts. He suggested for smooth functioning of Transport Department and also to hold awareness programme. He sought clarification regarding the functioning of Manipur Pollution Control Board. 

            Shri Th. Tomba Singh, MLA, participating in the discussion highlighted the traffic problem in Imphal city and proposed for improving the public transport system. He drew the attention of the Transport Minister to build a bus terminus at Pallel. He also drew the attention of Labour Minister for making provision to extend gratuity and other facilities by private establishments to thier employees. He proposed to improve the embankment of Sekmaijin Barrage.            

            Shri Phunzathang, Minister (Transport,  Development of Tribal and Scheduled Castes, Irrigation & Irrigation and Flood Control Department), replying to the discussion clarified that Transport department had faced the problem of shortage of fund and staff. Down sizing policy became a setback to Transport Department, he added. Further, he informed the house that the appointment of regular DTOs for Imphal East and Bishnupur Districts would be made soon. Regarding Solatium Fund, he clarified that the implementation was delayed because of incomplete furnishing of reports and that it would be completed very soon. Further, he said that the fund in respect of E.D scheme under Development of Tribal and Scheduled Caste was not released on the ground of being subjudiced. Regarding the election of Autonomous District Council, he informed the house that the cabinet had decided to hold election soon by amending certain clauses of the relevant act. Regarding IFCD, he informed the house that the Thoubal Project, Dolaithabi Project and Khuga Project would be completed very soon within the stipulated time. He denied the allegation of failure of formulating a composite Flood Control Scheme. He asserted that the coordination of PHED, PWD and IFCD was needed for preventing floods. He also informed the house that several projects such as Waisel Project, Nambul Project phase II would be completed soon. The vulnerable spots of rivers would be identified and improved, he assured and asked the movers to withdraw the cut motions. 

            Shri Govindas Konthoujam, Minister (Tourism), replying to the demand discussion pointed out that many tourist homes, wayside amenities and Hotel Imphal were renovated and the Sendra Tourist Home would also be renovated by withdrawing the security forces for which fund had already been sanctioned. Many schemes and packages would be taken up with assistance from the ITDC and the North Eastern Tourism Chamber so as to attract tourist in the state, he added. He pointed out that around 500 graduates of the states sent to ITFT for training were employed in different parts of the country. Observing that Tourism would consolidate the state’s economy by way of giving employment he welcomed everyone’s support in making this industry flourish.  

            Shri L. Nandakumar Singh, Minister (Labour and Employment), replying to the demand discussion said that restriction on the influx of workers from other states would be illegal. Regarding restriction of child labour, he said that a project was sent to the Central Government and its clearance was being awaited for implementation with Central Assistance. The Imphal West Employment Exchange and the Employment Information Guidance Bureau at Canchipur were computerised and efforts were on for computerisation of other employment exchanges as well, he added. He further informed that the guidelines of NCVT were strictly followed in setting up of ITIs. The Manipur Shops and Establishment Act 1972, the Minimum Wages Act and the Child Labour Prohibition Act 1986 were strictly enforced in the state, he informed. He further informed that it was upto the hotel managements to decide a day in  a week other than Sunday for closure of hotels.  

            Md. Allaudin Khan, Minister of State (Animal Husbandry and Veterinary including Dairy Farming), replying to the discussion informed of the various developmental works including educational trainings, vaccination programme, animal health coverage, diary development, artificial insemination etc. that were taken up by the department. High yielding breeds of chicks, pigs etc. were also being imported for better production, he said. He informed that an amount of Rs. 42,50,000/- had been sanctioned by the Central Government for the Duckery Farm at Mantripukhri and added that 2 incubators with a capacity of producing 53000 chicks per months were bought with assistance from the Central Government. He further informed that an amount of Rs. 77 lacs had been sanctioned for Manipur Horse Riding and Polo Association through the department for conservation of Pony under the Conservation of Threatened Breed Scheme. 

            At the end of the discussion, all the cut motions were withdrawn and the seven demands,  Demand Nos. 6, 13, 14, 18, 30, 40 and 45 were passed by the House. 

            Hon’ble Speaker, Dr. Md. Maniruddin Shaikh adjourned the House at 7.05 p.m. till 11.00 a.m. of Tuesday, the 7th March, 2006.