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SUMMARY LIST OF
GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS
ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, THE GOVERNOR OF MANIPUR,
DR. SHIVINDER SINGH SIDHU, TO THE MANIPUR LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
ON 15-03-2005.
Hon’ble
Mr. Speaker and Hon’ble Members,
I have great pleasure in welcoming you
to the Tenth Session of the Eighth Manipur Legislative Assembly. At the
outset, I take the privilege of wishing you all and the people of
Manipur a very happy and prosperous New Year.
My Government has been making serious
efforts to improve the general law and order including the insurgency
problem with the available State Police, Army, and other Central
Para-Military forces so as to create a healthy atmosphere and sense of
security in the minds of the people. Despite the sincere efforts made by
the State Police, Army and other Para-Military forces to curb the
unlawful activities of the insurgents, incidents of extortion,
kidnapping for ransom, unauthorised collection of taxes
etc. however still continue. My Government believes in solving the
problem of insurgency through
peaceful means. Hence, I appeal to the insurgents to come forward, lay
down arms and adopt democratic approach for resolution of their
problems. My Government is committed to maintaining peace and protecting
the territorial integrity of the State.
1. My Government is making
serious efforts to improve the financial position of the State. The
basic structural problem in the State's finances i.e. its non-plan
expenditure exceeding the non-plan receipts by more than 100%, continued during the current year. This
distortion in the State's finances has been primarily created by the
lopsided award of the Eleventh Finance Commission which failed to take
into consideration the liabilities on account of revision of pay scales
of the State Government's employees based on the 5th Pay Commission's
recommendation of the Government of India. Since the State's own
resources constitute a very small component of its total non-plan
receipts and most of the non-plan expenditure are inelastic in nature,
the correction of the distortion created by the Eleventh Finance
Commission is beyond the capacity of the State Government alone. As a
result, the State has been seeking help from the Central Government to
overcome this problem on year to year basis. During the current year,
the State opened its account with a negative balance of Rs. 609 crores.
The Central Government had been kind enough to provide a medium term
loan of equal amount to wipe out the opening deficit. They also
extended Special Ways and Means Advances to the State to get over our
liquidity problem. As such, even though the basic problem remains the
same, the State Government has succeeded in managing its resources much
more efficiently and prudently. This has been possible with a better
management of cash flows and prioritization of expenditure. As a result,
the State Government released pay and allowances to its employees and
discharged the liabilities on account of pension, debt servicing etc.
regularly since August, 2004 till date. The State has also succeeded in
achieving substantial progress in its plan expenditure upto February,
2005 which normally used to take place at the fag end of the financial
year i.e. in March. This has improved the quality of plan expenditure
and implementation of plan schemes.
The recommendation of the Twelfth
Finance Commission, it is hoped, will mitigate the basic financial
problem of the State to a large extent. However, the problem does not
get resolved completely. As such, there is a need to continue with the
various steps initiated by the Government for economizing expenditure
and realizing higher revenues. The Value Added Tax will be enforced from
April, 1 2005 as is being done in other parts of the country. In the
long run this will provide a more simple, transparent and efficient tax
regime.
2. The allocation of Annual
Plan 2005-06 has been fixed at Rs. 915 crores and Includes Rs. 335
crores for the Reconstruction Plan for Manipur. The Annual Plan 2005-06
has increased by Rs. 127.28 crores over the Annual Plan of the current
year registering an increase of 16.16%. The sectoral allocation for
Annual Plan 200506 has laid emphasis on poverty alleviation programmes,
income generating activities, generation of employment, agriculture and
allied sectors, development of rural infrastructure, development of
urban amenities, road connectivity, system improvement in the power
sector, completion of ongoing irrigation projects, rural water supply
and social services sectors. In order to raise additional funds from the
Government of India, the state matching contributions for various CSS
programmes, for both backlog and current state contribution, have been
provided.
The Annual Plan allocation for 2005-06 includes Rs. 335 crores under the
Reconstruction Plan for six projects namely - Conversion of Manipur
University into a Central University for Rs. 50.11 crores, Construction
of State Capital Project for Rs. 150 crores, Development of District and
Additional District Headquarters for Rs. 48 crores, Special Employment
Generation Programme for Rs. 70 crores, Upgradation of
roads from State Capital to District Headquarters for Rs. 8.92 crores
and Upgradation of roads from District headquarters to Sub-divisional
Headquarters for Rs. 7.97 crores.
3. The State Police continue
to be under pressure due to the activities of various underground
outfits whose operations pose serious challenges for the law and order
in the State, both the hill and the valley. The insurgency scenario is
all the more complicated now as insurgent groups, irrespective of their
various ideological goals, use insurgency as a tool for earning quick
and easy money. The increased use of IEDs by them is a serious challenge
to the Government. Apart from the direct confrontation with the
insurgents and their subversive acts, the police also had to deal with
other law and order problems as well as VIP security. The quick response
mechanism, alertness of Police forces and well directed Counter
Insurgency Operations have been able to effectively tackle the various
threats. There has been qualitative improvement in the security
environment, specially in the Valley areas. The overall security
scenario though improving continues to be sensitive.
Despite constraints just mentioned, my
Government has kept the law and order situation under control. The state
Police, with the help of the Security Forces has also been able to
contain the activities of the UGs to a great extent. The thrust areas in
the counter-insurgency operations continues to be neutralization of UG
groups and security of vital installations. Due to intensive
counter-insurgency operations in the valley areas, many of the UG
members have fled to the hill districts or the foothills. Even in the
hills, the area domination by Police/SF is on the increase and the
build-up of bases and camps of UGs in Churachandpur and Chandel
Districts have been checked to a great extent. During the period, 773
extremists belonging to various UG outfits were arrested and 121
extremists killed, while157 assorted weapons were recovered from the
extremists.
3.1 Since its inception in
1981, State Vigilance Commission has been functioning as a watchdog of
corruption, malpractices/misconduct, lack of integrity amongst the
public servant(s) of the State. During the year, 2004, this Commission
initiated 39 enquiries and disposed of 84 enquiries. Out of 84 disposed
of enquiries 12 enquiries have been recommended for major/minor
penalties and 6 cases converted into FIR cases. 9 FIR cases were
disposed off, including Charge Sheeting of 5 FIR cases.
4. With an improvement in the
law and order environment, the Public Works Department has taken up
major works. During 2004-05, implementation has considerably improved
and with additional funds provided by the Planning Commission and
Central Government, major improvement works have been taken up. The
original budgeted provision of Rs. 17.63 crores has also been enhanced
to Rs. 86.60 crores for roads and bridges.
Under the approved Annual Plan 2004-05,
my Government has given special consideration to improve the roads
connecting the District Head quarters not connected with the State
Capital by the National Highways i.e., Pallel Chandel Road with Rs.
15.00 crores. Additional sum of Rs. 21.19 crores has also been provided
to improve all roads connecting District Head-quarters with
Sub-Divisional Head-quarters and other important roads. An outlay of
Rs.7 crores will also be utilized for improvement of important, internal
roads at District and ADC headquarters. These works are in full swing.
Further, a sum of Rs. 32.85 crores has also been provided under Crash
programme for improvement of all important roads and are nearing
completion. With these works, the road connectivity of the State will be
improved considerably, during the year.
Further NEC has also provided
maintenance fund for old NEC roads. In NH sector improvement of NH 150
from Churachandpur to Yaingangpokpi is in full swing. BRTF will shortly
start work on Churachandpur-Aizawl portion of NH-150. The condition of
the NH-39 has also improved considerably due to works taken up prior to
the Indo- ASEAN Car Rally. Construction of Singjamei
Bridge over Imphal river is in full swing with fund provided under NLCPR.
Ministry for Development of NE Region, Govt. of India is expected to
provide funds for constructions of six bridges i.e. (i) Lamlong Bridge,
(ii) Keishamthong Bridge, (iii) Bridge over Khuga River at Kumbi, (iv)
Bridge over Thoubal River near Leishangthem Bazar, (v) Bridge over
Thoubal River near lrong Ichil and (vi) Bridge over Thoubal River near
Thoubal Haokha during 2004-05 under NLCPR. Qualitative implementation
and strict adherence to time-schedule for infrastructure projects will
be a major focus of my Government.
4.1 My Government has given emphasis to
improving Government buildings in Districts and A.D.C. Headquarters with
outlays of Rs. 3.00 crores during the current year and Rs. 35 crores in
2005-06 provided by the Planning Commission under reconstruction plan.
Mini-Secretariats will be constructed at Thoubal and Imphal East during
2005-06. Further, emphasis has also been given to construction of
Residential quarters in the hill districts and 15 quarters will be
constructed during the current year.
Due to efforts of my Government, the
Government of India has agreed to provide financial assistance of Rs.
300 crores for construction of the State Capital Project consisting of
Legislative Assembly, High Court and Secretariat. For the current year,
Government of India has provided Rs. 50 crores for the construction of
the State Legislative Assembly. In the year 2005-06, Rs. 150 crores has
been provided in the Annual Plan for construction of the High Court and
the Secretariat. Steps for implementation of the different components of
the Capital Project have been initiated.
5. My Government recognizes
that in this technology age, electricity plays an important role for
sustained economic growth and in improving the quality of life. At
present, the power supply in Manipur depends on the Central Sector
Generating Stations located in the N.E. Region. Therefore, the State
Government has given priority to the Generation Schemes. The State is
endowed with abundant hydro power potential and my Government is
determined to construct its own power plants to make up the shortages of
supply from the Central Sector Power Projects. Investigation of 60MW
capacity Irang Hydro Electric Project and 51 MW Capacity Tuivai Hydro
Electric Project are underway. My Government is also constantly pursuing
with the Central Government to start construction of 1500 MW Tipaimukh
Multipurpose Project and 90 MW Loktak Down Stream Hydro Electric Project
and to achieve the target for electrification of all household by 2012.
Total electrification of villages is
targeted to be achieved by the end of 2007. To achieve this goal of
electrification of far flung villages in remote areas, 33/11 KV
Transmission Sub-Stations at Moreh and Saikul were commissioned recently
and construction works for 33/11 KV Sub-Stations at Maram, Noney, Tousem,
Singhat and 132/33 KV Sub-Stations at Kongba and Rengpang have been
started. Considering the need for improvement of the existing
sub-transmission systems in the Greater Imphal Area, Thoubal, Bishnupur
and Churachandpur District Headquarters, four System Improvement schemes
have l1een sanctioned under Accelerated Power Development and Reforms
Programme and will be taken up soon.
Commercial
loss of Power is a major concern and this cannot be reduced to
reasonable level unless and until all the consumers are provided with
good Energy Meters. Consumers in Imphal Electrical Division-II have
been fully provided with Energy Meters. A revised target is set to
provide energy meters to all the consumers in the State by September,
2005 with priorities being given to the consumers in the Greater Imphal
Area where the incidence of Power loss is very high. Two Special Courts
have been constituted under the Electricity Act, 2003 for speedy trial
of offences relating to the theft of electricity, electric lines and
materials, tampering with meters, negligently wasting electricity etc.
This will strengthen the hands of the government machinery in checking
the commercial loss of Power.
6. The present drinking water
demand for Imphal City
and its suburbs has been assessed at 109 MLD against the present
installed capacity of 83.03 MLD under various water treatment plants for
Imphal city. However, the actual availability is about 70.00 MLD owing
to various factors such as inadequate power supply, ageing of some of
the treatment plants! machineries, etc.
In order to bridge the gap between
demand and supply, the Public Health Engineering department has taken up
the project "Augmentation of Water Supply for Imphal City, Phase-I(29.50
MLD)" at an estimated cost of Rs. 4328.55 lakh under NLCPR consisting of
five projects namely Kangchup ( 9 MLD completed in 2000), replacement of
pipeline from Leimakhong to Kangchup and Kangchup to Iroisemba
(Completed in January, 2005), Irilbung (6.81 MLD) Canchipur (6.81 MLD)
(works in good progress with completion Target in December 2005) and
Potsangbam (6.81 MLD) ( being taken up during 2005).
In addition to this, improvement works
of existing Ningthempukhri and Chinga Water Supply Schemes have also
been taken up under 10% earmarked fund for North-Eastern States funded
by the Ministry of Urban Development, Govt. of India.
And in order to improve the existing
distribution system, laying of additional pipelines, construction of
Zonal reservoirs and overhead tanks at important locations of the Imphal City,
have also been taken up. The construction of overhead tank (5.00 lakh
litres) near the Assembly Secretariat is targeted for completion during
March, 2005.
There are 35 other towns in the State
of Manipur
having a total population of 3.79 lakhs as per 2001 census. Out of the
35 towns, my Government has taken up schemes in 24 towns to bring the
supply level to the urban standard of 70 liters per capita per day (Ipcd)
from the existing rural standard of 40 Ipcd. under Accelerated Urban
Water Supply Programme. So far upgradation of water supply for 6 towns
has been achieved and 5 more towns are being covered during March, 2005
and 13 schemes are in progress. Two schemes have been submitted to the
Govt. of India and likely to be sanctioned during March, 2005.
In order to provide safe drinking water
and sanitation to the rural people of the State, my Government has taken
various rural schemes under PMGY and Accelerated Rural Water Supply
Programme.
As per survey conducted in
November/December, 2004, out of the 2873 habitations/villages in the
State, 619 habitations have been fully covered, 1359 habitations
are partly covered and 895 habitations are found not covered. During the current year, 2004-05, it is
targeted to cover 100 habitations (50 under State Plan and 50 under
ARWSP). In addition, 60 schools will be covered with safe drinking water
supply during the current year 2004-05. The achievement upto December
2004 is 30 habitations.
Further, to improve the sanitary
condition of the villages of the State, a pilot project has been taken
up under Total Sanitation Campaign in Imphal West, Imphal East, Thoubal
and Bishnupur districts. Under this programme, five Nos. of Rural
Sanitation Mart/production Centers have been established and 300 Nos. of
individual household latrines, 7 Nos. of Women Sanitary Complexes and
107 Nos. of Sanitary latrines for lower primary schools have been
constructed during 2004-05 in Imphal West district.
Augmentation of Water Supply Schemes
for five hill district headquarters are also taken up under NLCPR and
targeted to be completed during September, 2005 to March 2006. Further,
six other water supply schemes at Mao, Maram, Tadubi, Kangpokpi, Saikul
and Noney have also been sanctioned by the Govt. of India under NLCPR
and are being taken up during 2005. In addition, Waithoupat Water Supply
Scheme in Thoubal District is likely to be sanctioned soon.
7. The Agriculture Department
has been implementing six Centrally Sponsored Schemes during 2004-05
namely, Macro Management Mode of Agriculture, Women in Agriculture,
Agriculture Census, Development of Industrial Implements including
Horticulture Equipment and their Trials at Farmers Field, All India
Coordinated Rice Improvement Project (AICWIP), and All India Coordinated
Wheat Improvement Project (AICWIP), for which Government of India
released a sum of Rs. 426.14 lakhs during the year 2004-05 including the
unspent balance of Rs. 8.18 lakhs for the year 200304. Out of the
released amount, the department had already implemented schemes
involving Rs. 371.24 lakhs.
The Department had also conducted
training on Soil Testing, Farmers' Training on Crops Production
Technology, Off Campus Training during 2004-05 upto the end of January,
2005. A Zonal Conference on Agricultural Inputs for North Eastern States
on 10th Feb. 2005 at Central
Agriculture University,
Iroisemba, Imphal was also organised.
Under Macro Management Mode of
Agriculture Scheme, 25 Power Tillers and 10 Tractors will be distributed
at subsidized rate before the forthcoming main Kharif Season, 2005. The
Department had already distributed 720 numbers of Sprayers to farmers of
the State at subsidized rate.
8. With a view to tap the
large potential available for development of Horticulture in the State,
Department of Horticulture & Soil Conservation continue to take up area
expansion programme of plantation of Fruits, Vegetables, Spices,
Mushroom, Flowers and Medicinal & Aromatic plants. Department also
continues to implement watershed Development Projects to take up
measures to conserve moisture and fertility of the soil.
During the year, 2004-05, a total of
3200 ha. has been treated under Watershed Development Projects in
Shifting Cultivation Areas and in the Rainfed Areas Watershed Projects.
Department has also taken up area expansion programme of plantation of
fruits like Orange, Lime, Pineapple and Passion fruits and has covered
2800 ha. Another area of 300 ha. has been taken up under Vegetable
development programme.
A State level Orange Festival at
Tamenglong District Headquarters and a District Level Lemon Festival at
Kachai village, Ukhrul District have been organised respectively during
December, 2004 and February, 2005 with the aim of improving Orange &
Lemon cultivation in the State.
9. My Government is
committed to give priority to the development of Cattle and Buffalo
Breeding Programmes under the Manipur Livestock Development Board. The
Department of Veterinary & Animal Husbandry has formulated and adopted
"State Breeding Policy, 2004 for development of Cattle and
Buffalo in Manipur".
The construction of First Phase State
Veterinary Hospital
at Sanjenthong has been completed. For modernization of the hospital,
modern diagnostic facilities, X-ray machine and other equipment will be
procured very soon. Disease Investigation Laboratory of this department
has been strengthened with the installation of the sophisticated
machines.
Report of 17th Quinquennial Livestock
Census has been successfully brought out during 2004 and the same has
been submitted to the Centre.
9.1 Fish Farmers Day, Fish
Fair-cum-Fish Crop Competition, Workshops, training and seminars were
held during the year with a view to encourage the farmers and update
their knowledge. A total of 714 _ fish farmers were given financial
assistance and 4320 were trained in fish culture technology under the
FFDAs so far. Under a CSS scheme, 382 houses, 12 community tanks and one
community hall were constructed for fish farmers.
10.
The Community and other ,Rural Development programme like Poverty
Alleviation, Employment Generation and Rural Housing, the schemes of
SGSY, SGAY and lAY are implemented with funds provided by the Government
of India and the State Poverty Alleviation Programme of SGSY is
implemented with a total fund of Rs.1320.21 lakhs of which the State
matching contribution is Rs. 401.85 lakhs. The total fund earmarked for
Employment Generation Scheme under SGRY is As. 2172.42 lakhs inclusive
of State contribution of 724.14 lakhs with a targeted employment
generation of approximately 37.651akhs mandays and under the Rural
Housing, a target of 5500 families are expected to be covered with a
financial allocation of Rs. 1263.97 of which the State contribution is
As. 421.32 lakhs.
The- targeted
amount of MLALADP is Rs. 18.00 crores of which a sum of Rs. 12.00 crores
has been released.
11.
In the Forest Sector, my Government has- taken up successfully all
afforestation, soil & water conservation programmes. During the year
2004-05, upto January final plantation covering an area of 450 hectares
was achieved. Creation of nursery and advance work for 210 hectares was
also taken up under the scheme. Under the Rehabilitation of Jhumias
under Soil and Water Conservation, final plantation over 48 hectares was
carried out. Nursery and Advance work over 48 hectares was completed.
Field enumeration, survey and preparation of Working Plan maps,
Submission of draft Working Plan (Final) for Tengnoupal Forest Division,
Chandel District and Eastern Forest Division, Ukhrul and Printing of
Working Plan were completed and approved for implementation.
Maintenance of 585 hectares of Ninth
Plan Social Forestry plantations was done. Creation of nursery and
Advance work over 415 hectares was achieved during the year. Roadside
plantation was carried out covering 931.50 metres at Manipur University
Gate along NH 39 on the eve of the Hon'ble Prime Minister's visit.
Restocking of economically important species was carried out in the
Reserved Forest
area of the State. Final plantation was carried out over 85 ha. of
Reserved Forest Area. Nursery
and Advance work over 210 ha. was also carried out. Repairing and
renovation were carried out in the Zoological Garden, lroisemba and
National Park, Keibul Lamjao including eradication of undesirable
species.
Keeping the need for conservation of
Loktak lake on high priority, my Government have prepared "Integrated
Management and Development of Loktak Lake Project" with an estimated
cost of Rs. 38 crores to be funded by NEC. The detailed Project Report
has been submitted to the Planning Commission which is expected to be
cleared soon.
12. My Government is committed
to development of irrigation and multipurpose project for creation of
irrigation facilities, water supply facilities & development of power
generation and management of flood problems in the State.
Khuga, Thoubal and Dolaithabi Projects are in progress. Khuga Project is
targeted for completion in 2006, Thoubal & Dolaithabi Projects in 2008.
On completion of these projects, additional irrigation potential of 51
,690 ha. water supply facility of 15.00 MGD and hydro power of 9.25 MW
(installed capacity) will accrue to the State.
One regional irrigation project viz,
Regional Jiri Irrigation Project is planned for taking up at Jiribam,
Manipur in the Xth Plan with funding by NEC. The project will create
irrigation potential of 3,415 ha. in Manipur and 6,360 ha. in Assam. The
project has been included in the Xth Plan of NEC with an outlay of As.
30.00 crores. The project will be taken up as soon as investment
clearance is given by the Planning Commission.
Investigations for construction of dams
on Chakpi, Iril and Sekmai rivers etc. under State Water Development
Programme and Diversion of Chakpi basin water to Loktak lake with
funding by NEC are in advanced stage and the projects are proposed be
taken up during the Xth Plan.
12.1
The flood control works in the State consisting improvement of river
embankments, drainage systems, anti erosion, implementation of flood
control projects etc. Flood control projects such as Merakhong Project,
Nambul river project phase-I & II, Wangjing river project,
Waishel Drainage Scheme etc. have been taken up.
New flood control projects for Nambul
river (Phase-III & IV), Govindsena, Iril river, Kongba river, Thoubal
river, Arong river, Maramba Maril, Naga Nallah, Nambol river, diversion
of part of Nambul river water to Merakhong river are under
consideration. In addition, Chakpi river diversion project
and Chandranadi drainage scheme are planned for taking up in the Xth
Plan. A flood control master plan for the state integrating all the
ongoing & new projects is under preparation by WAPCOS.
12.2 The
Department of Minor Irrigation along with other Departments suffered due
to difficult financial position of the State. With the easing of the
financial difficulties, the Department had taken up steps to complete
the AIBP (108) schemes during the current financial year. A Central Loan
Assistance Provision of As. 3.00 crores was provided for the AIBP (188)
schemes. Fresh proposal was submitted for assistance under AIBP. The
NABARD assisted AIDF-VI Project could not make much headway due to the
non-release of funds by the NABARD. The matter is followed up for early
release of funds to avoid and cost overrun.
13. The Targeted Public
Distribution System is the most important constituent of the strategy
for food security taken up by the FCS Department to the best advantage
of the beneficiaries with utmost transparency and efficiency. At present
TPDS rice, levy sugar and TPDS wheat are procured and distributed
through the network of Fair Price Shops, Rationing Agents as well as
Mobile sale. For successful implementation of various schemes and to
streamline the existing TPDS, various measures are successfully taken up
by my Government.
During this period, construction of one
godown of 500 ton capacity at Lamlai is nearing completion. Another
godown of 400 ton capacity at Moreh is under construction. Improvement
of 6(six) godowns at Sangaiprou and Koirengei are taken up. Two godowns
at Porompat and Jiribam will be constructed in 2005-06.
14. My Government has given
special thrust on universalisation of Elementary Education in the State.
Implementation of the schemes under Sarva Siksha Abhiyan has been
started from the current year after completion of the pre-project
activities during the last two years. With the release of a sum of Rs.
17.25 crores as Central assistance by the Central Government and Rs.
3.68 crores as State share, the programme is now under implementation.
Cooked food under Mid Day Meal
Programme has been provided to the students of Primary Schools upto
Class-V from 14th November, 2004 onwards. A sum of Rs. 3.65 crores has
been released by the State Government for implementation of the
programme. Rice is given free of cost by the Central Government.
My Government is committed to
strengthen infrastructure of the schools. Construction of two additional
class rooms of 98 Primary and Elementary Schools, 81 sanitary toilets
and repairing of 61 school buildings with Rs. 4.50 crores under PMGY
have been taken up. Construction of three class rooms each in 18 Junior
High schools with Rs. 100.00 lakhs under 11th Finance Commission's Award
is going on.
My Government has planned to create
infrastructure and other amenities such as libraries, Science
laboratories, equipments etc. of 15 High/Higher Secondary Schools at the
rate of Rs. 2.00 crores per school under Additional Central Assistance
during the current year.
Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of
Restructuring and Reorganisation of Teacher Education, 8- District
Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs) are in operation and a new
DIET for the Imphal East District is being proposed to be established.
The scheme of Integrated Education for Disabled Children (lEDC) under
the CSS is implemented in 8 CD/TD Blocks of the State with a total
enrolment of 1200 children with disabilities reading in different
schools under these 8 Blocks.
14.1 My Government has taken up
important initiatives to improve Higher Education in Manipur in the
following manner:
(i) Infrastructure of 14
Government Colleges- 5 in the hill districts and 9 in the valley
districts- will be upgraded with Additional Central Assistance of Rs. 18
crores in the current year. In addition a sum of Rs. 628.21 lakhs has
been sanctioned from Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources of the
Government of India for development of infrastructure of Colleges and
Manipur University.
(ii) To promote e-learning,
Internet connectivity would be provided to all the Government Colleges
and the Directorate of Higher Education.
(iii) To make the teachers
computer literate and well equipped for teaching subjects like
mathematics, commerce and zoology, inservice trainings on computer
application and programming are being imparted to 200 College teachers.
(iv) Libraries and Science
Laboratories of the Government Colleges are being strengthened with an
investment of Rs.178.00 lakhs under the State Plan.
(v)
To facilitate integration
of the Manipur Institute of Technology with the Manipur University
after its conversion into a
Central University,
academic building of the Institute will be constructed at Canchipur at a
cost of As. 745.25 lakhs.
I am happy to place on record my
Government's appreciation of the Hon'ble Prime Minister's kind gesture
and his announcement during his last visit to Manipur, that the Manipur University
would be converted into a
Central University
with the Manipur Institute of Technology as a constituent College of the
new Central University.
To give effect to the Prime Minister's commitment, the Planning
Commission has agreed to provide assistance of As. 27.04 crores for recurring expenses and As.
48.92 crores for creation and upgradation of infrastructure of the
University, during the years 2004-05, 2005-06 and 2006-07.
14.2 Manipur Science Centre is being
set up at Takyelpat with the help of National Council of Science Museum,
Kolkata at a cost of As. 2.00 crores. The center is being set up for
popularization of science and will be commissioned soon.
With the aim to generate employment in
the IT sector, a Software Technology Park of India has been set up at
Mantripukhri in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications &
Information Technology, Govt. of India. The park has started
functioning.
15. The long standing
dream of the people of Manipur was fulfilled when the Kangla Fort was
handed over to the people of Manipur by the Hon'ble Prime Minister of
India during his visit to Imphal on 20th November, 2004. My Government
has taken steps to preserve and develop Kangla. The Kangla Fort Act,
2004 has been enacted to secure its assets and management in line with
the aspirations of the people. The Kangla Fort will be developed by
conserving the temples of Shri Shri Govindajee, Beithob and constructing
Ibudhou Pakhangba
Temple. Steps have been taken for the preservation and protection of the
Kangla Fort.
The Hiyang Hiren, the Royal Boat has
been renovated by applying the traditional method of conservation. The
newly constructed Museum of INA
Memorial Complex at Moirang was
inaugurated in January 2005.
Construction of District Libraries in
five Hill Districts and two Valley Districts are in progress. This will
expand Library services in all Hill and Valley Districts.
16. The Department of
Youth Affairs and Sports organised Youth Festivals at District & State
Level and about 2500 youth participated in these festivals. The state
team comprising 72 members participated in the National Level Youth
Festival, 2005 at Hyderabad.
Regular Coaching programmes under the
theme "CATCH THEM YOUNG" were conducted in which about 3000 players
were trained in 21 disciplines in the last one year. 21 days Non-
Residential Coaching Camps in all the Districts and the Sub-Divisions
were also conducted.
Tournaments at District and State
Levels in various disciplines under the aegis of School Games Federation
of India were conducted. Department also sponsored state teams for
national level tournaments like the Subroto Mukerjee Football, the J.N.
Hockey and the Inter School Games.
My Government proposes to set up a National
Sports Academy
at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal. The "Khuman Lampak Sports
Complex Maintenance and Development Committee", headed by the Chief
Secretary, Manipur has been set up. This Committee will ensure proper
and regular maintenance of the existing facilities in the Complex and
develop new infrastructure in the Sports Complex.
17. My Government is committed
to update the Land Records in the State. There are 621 surveyed villages
in the State including 30 villages in the Hill Districts. The last
Survey & Settlement Operation was held during the period 1959 to 1983.
Resurvey Operations have been taken up with a view to updating the land
records. So far resurvey operations have been completed in respect of 59
villages of Thoubal District. At present 138 villages of Imphal East,
Imphal West, Thoubal and Chandel Districts are under resurvey operation
of which 100 villages are scheduled to be completed during the year
2005.
My Government also released a sum of Rs.
75.00 lacs for Computerization of Land Records in the 5 Hill Districts
of the State which is a 100% Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
18.
My Government is aware that the HIV/AIDS is a major health concern in
the State. Accordingly the State AIDS Control Society is gearing up to
face this new challenge. The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has
recently launched Project ORCHID covering Manipur and Nagaland to
supplement the efforts of the State Government.
My Government is now giving special
emphasis to strengthening of medical infrastructure by sourcing
additional funds from DoNER and NEC. Government of India has sanctioned
Rs.149.92 lakhs for upgradation of Emergency & Accident Services of J.N.
Hospital. Construction of Trauma Centre is at an advanced stage.
Construction of a 100 bedded hospital at Thoubal costing about Rs. 24.00
crores with funding by the Urban. Development Ministry is being
started.
DoNER has retained
schemes for Rs. 826.70 lakhs for strengthening of health equipment of
the District Hospitals
and 5 CHCs in the State.
The NEC has approved schemes worth
Rs.13.55 crores for strengthening of J.N. Hospital, District Hospital,
Churachandpur and for construction of a Nursing School
with Hostel, during 2004-05. The State obtained ACA of Rs. 2.00 crores
for improvement of the District Hospitals in the hills and the scheme is
nearing completion.
Construction of a Health Centre at
Moreh under BADP has been completed. The construction of a 50 bedded
Mental Hospital at Chingmeirong has started during January, 2005.
18.1
The package of services under Family Welfare Programme are being
provided at Sub-centers, Primary Health Centers/Rural Family Welfare
Centers (RFWCs) Community Health
Centers and District Hospitals.
19. The Department of Social
Welfare will cover 16,700 new beneficiaries under the Manipur Old Age
Pension Scheme to bring the total number of beneficiaries to 26,900.
Under the National Old Age Pension Scheme, Pension at the rate of Rs.75
per month is being paid to 43,621 pensioners, including 8,580 new
pensioners. Under the National Family Benefit Scheme assistance is being
given to 2256 families at the rate of Rs. 10,000 per family.
Supplementary nutrition is provided to 2,59,329 children and
pregnant/lactating mothers under ICDS Scheme.
Construction of two hostels for Govt.
Ideal Blind School, one each for boys and girls at a cost of Rs.157.50
lakhs provided 4nder one time ACA and construction of two hostels for
Govt. Deaf & Mute School,
one each for boys and girls, at a cost of Rs.157.50 lakhs provided under
one time ACA are being taken up in the current year.
20. The
Department of Commerce and Industries, Manipur is continuing with its
efforts for promotion and development of industries & minerals and
border trade in Manipur. To upgrade skills, 602 persons are undergoing
training in various trades in various training centers of the
department. Out of the 602 trainees, 373 are under SSI, 162 under
Handloom and 67 under Handicrafts.
The Department has sponsored 1542
numbers of educated un-employed youths of the State to various
participating banks for loan and grant for establishing their self
employment venture under PMRY against the annual target of 1500. The banks have sanctioned 191 cases.
A sum of Rs. 110.79 lakhs was
sanctioned for financial assistance to 59 Primary Weavers Cooperative
Societies (PWCS) as Central Share Grant under the Deen Dayal Hathkargha
Protsahan Yojna. Sanction for financial assistance to 14 projects and 9
projects as state share grant under Project Package and Integrated
Handloom Village Development Project respectively is being taken up.
Under the Food Processing Sector, a Food
Processing Training
Center at Porompat established with the assistance of the Government of
India was inaugurated. Under Modernisation of Rice Mill Programme, 100
numbers of Huller and polisher machines were distributed to the selected
beneficiaries with assistance from the Government of India. The
Department have granted permission to 50 units for establishment of
factory and issued licenses to 25 units under Factories Act.
NEC has sanctioned an amount of Rs.
50.00 lakhs for Bamboo Plantation/ Research & Development on
bamboo-based products in Manipur.
20.1 The Externally Aided
Manipur Sericulture Project faced some difficulties and these are being
resolved in consultation with the Ministry of Textiles and Department of
Economic Affairs, Government of India. It is expected that the
implementation of this Project will resume shortly. Training in Tasar
Sector is under implementation under the Catalytic Development Scheme.
21. The Transport
Department have so far collected a sum of Rs. 3.20 crores against the
target of Rs. 5.17 crores for the current year as Taxes on Vehicles,
Goods and Passengers during the current year upto 31-1-2005.
Four Bus waiting sheds with urinals have been constructed during
INDIA-ASEAN Car Rally 2004 and six more waiting sheds would be
constructed under Way Side Amenities Scheme by the end of the current
financial year. Two more sets of Smoke Meters and Gas Analyzers - Pollution Testing equipment would be
installed in two District Transport Offices for tightening pollution
control measure. High Security Registration Plate System will be
implemented shortly.
22. My Government is making
special efforts to upgrade urban roads and marketing infrastructure in
the State. As a step in this direction, MAHUD is undertaking
construction of B.T. Road Flyover, Thoubal Markets - A & B and Retaining
Wall at Thoubal Market - A with 100% Central assistance from the Ministry of
Urban Development. The construction of the B.T. Road Flyover is under
good progress and is expected to be completed by June, 2005. The
construction of Thoubal Markets - A&B and Retaining Wall at Thoubal
Market A is also going to be started very soon.
The Department is also undertaking
construction of Ima Market, New Market, Lakshmi Market, Jiribam Market
and Market-cum-Multi-Utility Centre at Wangjing with 100% Central assistance from the Ministry of
Urban Employment & Poverty Alleviation. The construction of these
markets is going to be started soon by National Buildings Construction
Corporation Ltd.
Government has also approached the
Ministry of Urban Development to consider sanctioning other priority
projects namely Solid Waste Management Scheme at Imphal city,
construction of Flyover at Keishampat, construction of 2nd Khwai Bridge plus Pedestrian Sub-way
at Samu Makhong (Ima Market) during 2005-06. Similarly, the MAHUD would
also be submitting proposal for construction of a Market Complex at the
Old District Hospital
site to the Ministry of Urban Employment & Poverty Alleviation for
consideration during 2005-06.
MAHUD is taking up further augmentation
of the Street Lighting in the District and ADC Headquarters in the State
with Rs. 2.00 crores during the current year 2004-05.
23. With a view
to maintain better relationship between the State Government and the
public, the Department of Information and Public Relations has prepared
a composite Plan at a cost of Rs. 66.70 lakhs for extensive flow of
information from the State Government to the people. A website will be
launched and all District Information Offices will be computerized so
that the people in the interior and hill areas are kept informed about
the Government's programmes and policies.
23.1 My
Government is aware that tourism today has emerged as the most dynamic
industry in the world. It has also been recognized as the major source
of income and employment. Besides, it is an excellent instrument for
promotion of National integration, International understanding,
friendship and peaceful co-existence.
Compared with her other counter parts,
Manipur Tourism is still lagging behind though the fact remains that
Manipur has immense potential for development of Tourism because of her
gifted beautiful landscape, flora and fauna, varied culture and people.
The overall tourist scenario is
encouraging as a record of 61,419 domestic tourist and 157 foreigners
visited the state during the year. The Government is also actively
pursuing the lifting of PAP and inner line permit which have hindered
the inflow of tourist. It is now the endeavour of the Department to work
more on publicity and promotion of tourism with NEC funding and
assistance. Also the Department is working to give face lift to the
existing tourist homes like Moirang, Moreh, Ukhrul and Jiribam under the
State Plan.
Under Central Plan Scheme two Projects
have been prioritized for the year 2004-05 Le. construction of two
Tourist Homes one at Shiroy and another at Tengnoupal.
The first Winter Tourism Festival 2005
was organised at Ningthoukhong, Bishnupur District from 14th to 16th of
January, 2005.
24. The Directorate of
Economics & Statistics has been acting as Nodal Agency for all
statistical activities. The Directorate of Economics and Statistics is
responsible for coordinating the statistical activities and maintaining
statistical standards providing consultancy and advisory supports to
other statistical agencies. It has conducted Household Demographic
Survey under the aegis of Home Department; SocioEconomic Survey of
Meitei-Pangals (Manipuri Muslims) under the aegis of the Department of
Minorities and Other Backward Classes, Government of Manipur and Surveys
on (i) Consumer Expenditure and (ii) Employment and Unemployment under
National Sample Survey Programme.
25. The Department of
Cooperation has been implementing various schemes/ projects with the
financial assistance from the Central Government under CSS, State Plan,
NCDC, NABARD, LlC, HUDCO etc. to generate economic growth of the Urban
and Rural people and strengthen the Cooperative Movement in the state.
A Cooperative Mela in connection with
the Centenary Celebration of Indian Cooperative Movement for revival of
cooperative movement in the State was organized from 18th to 28th
February, 2005.
26. The
14th Lok Sabha Elections, 2004 in respect of 2(two) Parliamentary
Constituencies of Manipur State was successfully conducted with the use
of EVMs and as per the directions of the Election Commission of' India.
Bye-Election to 18-Konthoujam Assembly Constituency was also
successfully conducted on 13th October, 2004.
27. The Department for
Development of Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Castes has taken up the
scheme for socio-economic development of the SC and ST through
implementation of various development programmes as well as for
preservation of rich cultural heritage. During the current year, the
Department is assisting 1407 ST
families and 54 SC families under various family development programmes.
In addition, 750 families have been assisted for medical treatment.
Post-matric scholarship has been given to 18244 ST and 1300 SC students.
The Department is also taking up 44 inter-village roads, 25 bridges, 65
community halls and 18 buildings. My Government is also taking up the
construction of a Tribal Market at Imphal at a cost of Rs. 3 crores for
which the work has been initiated.
27.1 My Government has
given special emphasis on socio-economic development of Minorities and
Other Backward Classes. For the year 2004-05 the target is 3914
beneficiaries belonging to both Minorities and OBC communities and a sum
of Rs. 391.00 lakhs is proposed for this programme. Target for the year
2004-05 is 4393 beneficiaries.
There is a continuing programme to
award scholarship to OBC students who are studying both inside and
outside the state. 26,833 nos. of students may benefit from the award of
Post-matric Scholarship.
5(five) Pre-Examination Coaching
Centres have been opened for weaker sections based on economic criteria
including Minorities (CSS).
The Manipur State Minorities Commission
(One Man Commission) was constituted on 20-12-2004 by an Executive Orders for protecting
and safeguarding the interest of Minorities in the State.
The Department has set up an autonomous
body called MINORITIES AND OTHER BACKWARD CLASSES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
SOCIETY in order to facilitate and channelise the funds from
National/International funding agencies for taking up various
Socio-Economic Development activities of Minorities and OBC
communities.
Medical treatment and Housing Scheme
for the BPL families have been introduced in the year 2004-05 with an
allocation of Rs. 5.00 lakhs each. A Muslim Girls Hostel is being set up
under State Plan during the current year and Rs. 20 lakhs has been
provided for the same.
28. My Government is
conscious of the existing unemployment among educated and uneducated
youth in the State. These young persons are our valuable and productive
assets. At present our State is having about 4.5 lakhs unemployed youth
on the live Registers of all the Employment Exchanges. To provide
employment to these unemployed youth, my Government has launched a
Special Employment Generation Programme (SEGP) from the current year for
which the detailed guidelines have been formulated and notifications
inviting applications have been issued. The SEGP will be implemented by
involving the Deputy Commissioners and line Departments and through the
Manipur State Cooperative Bank. In the current year, Rs. 30 crores have
been provided and in the next year, Rs. 70 crores have been earmarked.
For the year 2006-07, Rs. 50 crores have been earmarked. The total
outlay of Rs. 150 crores over these three years is expected to provide
direct employment to about 15000 persons in the State.
Hon'ble Speaker and
Hon'ble Members of the House,
while addressing the First Session of the New Year, I have presented
before you, the highlights of some of the achievements and activities of
my Government during the last one year, important on-going Projects and
Programmes, and the policy, perspective and programmes that my
Government proposes to implement during the coming year(s). I wish to
conclude by re-iterating that my Government is committed to the
maintenance of peace and create conditions favourable for rapid
socio-economic development of my people. I hope that my Government will
receive full cooperation of all the Honourable Members of this august
House and the people of Manipur in this endeavour.
I now, with all my best wishes, leave
you to your deliberations.
JAI HIND
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