The House assembled at 11.00 am of Monday, the 15th July, 2005 in the Assembly Hall with the Hon’ble Speaker in the Chair. 

MEMBERS  PRESENT: 

            Hon’ble Chief Minister, 10 Cabinet Ministers, Chairman (Hill Areas Committee), 1 Minister of State and 44 Elected Members. 

QUESTIONS:

(a)       Hon’ble  Chief Minister gave a reply to Starred Question No. 848, asked by  Shri Th. Tomba Singh, MLA regarding the number of employees and pensioners  whose bills are passed in the Sub-Treasury Kakching. 

(b)       Hon’ble Minister (T.D.) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 849, asked by  Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA regarding the selection of SC/ST candidates for  post matric scholarship for the year 2004-2005.           

(c)       Hon’ble Chief Minister gave a reply to Starred Question No. 850, asked by  Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA regarding the expenditure incurred in official tour  by the Civil Secretariat Officers from 2002-03 till date. 

(d)       Hon’ble Minister (Health) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 851 asked by  Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA regarding the progress of the Primary Health Centre  building of Thanga.           

(e)       Hon’ble Chief Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 852, asked by  Shri Erabot Yumkham, MLA regarding the agreement between the All Manipur  Grade IV Employees Association and Government of Manipur.           

(f)        Hon’ble Minister (Co-operation) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 853, asked by  Shri S. Gopal Singh, MLA regarding the non constitution of Governing Body of Moirang Primary Co-operative Bank.  

(g)       Hon’ble Chief Minister gave a reply to Starred Question No. 854, asked by  Shri L. Ibomcha  Singh, MLA regarding the IPS officers of MT-Cadre who are  in compulsory waiting.            

(h)       Hon’ble Minister (Health) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 855, asked by  Shri Th. Tomba Singh, MLA regarding the non functioning of X-Ray machine of  C.H.C. Kakching. 

(i)        Hon’ble Minister (Health) gave a reply to Short Notice Question No. 5, asked by  Shri Z. Mangaibou, MLA regarding the staff strength of P.H.C. Tousem. 

ZERO HOUR: 

            During Zero Hour, Shri N. Bihari Singh, MLA raised a point of an incorrect news paper report on the name of a school which he mentioned in the deliberation of the House. 

            Shri B.D. Behring, MLA raised a matter on the irregularity of mobile phone service of the BSNL, Imphal Branch.  

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA also raised matters on the Special Employment Generation Programme and on the withholding of DA of State Government employees. 

STATEMENT BY THE HEALTH MINISTER: 

            Shri L. Nandakumar Singh, Minister (Health) gave a statement that there was sufficient stock of oxygen and life saving drugs. He informed the House that the operation theatre of J.N. Hospital would be opened from 27 July. He also added that the department was ready to control any outbreak of epidemic.  

ANNOUNCEMENT OF BUSINESS: 

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister, announced the business for the week. 

PRESENTATION OF REPORT: 

            (i)        Shri C. Doungel, Chairman of the Enquiry Committee of the House to examine the alleged fraudulent drawal of arrears and salaries of 294 head pandits/ head masters in the Education Department presented its report. 

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA made observations on the report and said that in course of the enquiry, certain irregularities were detected. He said that so far 934 cases had been detected and that more similar cases might be there.  

            (ii)       Shri Ngamthang Haokip, Chairman of the Enquiry Committee of the House to Enquire into the Receipt, Issue and Distribution of Foodgrains including S.K. Oil under P.D.S. w.e.f. April, 2000 till July, 2004 presented its report. 

            (iii)     Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, Chairman of the Committee on Government Assurances presented its Fourteenth report. 

            He gave a brief statement on the report and stressed the importance on the timely implementation of the assurances into action. 

            (iv)      Md. Alauddin Khan, Chairman of the Select Committee on the Manipur Panchayati Raj (Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2005 presented its report. 

STATEMENT BY THE  MINISTER OF STATE (VETY.& A.H): 

            Md. Alauddin Khan, Minister of State (Veterinary and Animal Husbandry) gave a statement relating to Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry Entrance Test, 2005. He said that necessary verification was conducted by some Hon’ble Members including S/Shri O. Joy Singh, L. Ibomcha Singh and Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLAs, along with the Commissioner, Veterinary and Animal Husbandry. He said that no irregularities were found and that the Hon’ble MLAs made some recommendations for further guidance.  

CALLING ATTENTION: 

            (i)        Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA called the attention of the Chief Minister/ Transport Minister on the apprehension of closing down of the offices of transport agencies at Imphal. He quoted the 16th July Sangai Express publication and said that the  stand of transport agencies to close down transport agencies at Imphal was unfortunate. He highlighted the problems faced by the transport agencies due to unauthorised collection of taxes by certain organisations. He said that this would add more complication to the present problem and the Government should take up prompt steps to deal with the situation. He also observed the need to open alternative route for transporting materials and control the price of essential commodities. He asked the Government to upgrade the railhead at Jiri into a broad gauge.           

            S/Shri S. Ibohal Singh and M. Bhorot Singh, MLAs, made observations.           

            Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri O. Ibobi Singh replying to the motion mentioned the steps taken by the Government to face the present problem. He informed the House that NH-53 would start operating from 19th July and measures had been taken up to send empty trucks under security escorts. He also said that NH-150 would be improved during the current financial year. He said that the survey and alignment work to bring the railhead upto Tupul was conducted. He said that the Government would examine for granting compensation to the damaged trucks during the current blockade. Strict instructions had been given to check sale of petrol and LPG in the black market, he added. 

            (Hon’ble Chairman, Dr. M. Nara Singh adjourned the morning session at 1.05 p.m. till 2.00 p.m. of the day).

(The afternoon session resumed at 2.10 p.m. with the Hon’ble Speaker in the Chair). 

            (ii)       Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA called the attention of the Chief Minister on the burning down of 2 trucks by the economic blockade supporters at Lairou and Kounam Village in Senapati District and also destruction of 2 trucks at Nagaland. Referring to the news report in the July 17 publication of the Poknapham  and the Imphal Free Press  he said that the two trucks carrying bitumen and fertilisers came along with an army convoy upto Lairou when a Major of the Assam Rifles disallowed the two trucks to go along with the convoy and that blockade supporters burnt the trucks a bit later. It was questionable whether the Assam Rifles supported the economic blockade launched by ANSAM, he observed and suggested that the attention of the Union Home Ministry was to be drawn in this regard.  

            Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri O. Ibobi Singh replying to the calling attention motion said that the State Government had taken up the matter with the Assam Rifles authorities for ascertaining the veracity of the news and action might be taken up if the trucks were intentionally singled out for giving chance for the blockade supporters to burn them. Instructions had been given that no truck should move on the National Highways without security escorts, he informed.

CONSIDERATION AND PASSING OF GOVERNMENT BILLS: 

(i)                Shri Th, Debendra Singh, Law Minister moved: 

“that the Salaries and Allowances of Members of the Legislative Assembly  (Manipur) Seventeenth Amendment Bill, 2005 be taken into consideration.” 

Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA, proposed to refer it to a Select Committee for further examination. 

            The Hon’ble Speaker referred the Bill to a Select Committee constituting of the following members to look into the Bill and to submit  a report to the House on the same day.           

(1)       Shri Th. Debendra Singh, Minister (Law & Legislative Affairs);

                        (2)       Dr. M. Nara Singh, MLA;

                        (3)       Shri Bijoy Koijam, MLA;

                        (4)       Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA;

                        (5)       Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA;

                        (6)       Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA; and

                        (7)       Shri Z. Mangaibou, MLA.           

(ii)       Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister moved the Manipur Appropriation (No.3) Bill, 2005 for consideration.

Shri M. Nilchandra Singh, MLA initiating the consideration of the Bill observed that the Government’s expenditure policy should have a direction and that large investment had been made on unproductive sectors. Development works were hardly taken up, he said and added that productive sectors should be attended to. He suggested framing of an economic policy for generation of income and for checking misuse of fund.            

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA observed that the plan allocation for Manipur was not adequate. He wanted the Medical Minister to clarify on the alleged misuse of AIDS fund. He drew the attention of the Government for giving compensation for the rehabilitation of the 17 families which were affected by the eviction drive in and around Manipur University. He asserted that the Sericulture Department was a sick department and sought clarification on the drawal of Rs. 2 crores as AC bill as reported in the local dailies. The power tillers were not available to the farmers but were misused by the officers of Sericulture Department, he alleged.            

            Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA participating in the consideration observed that the police modernisation process was not up to the optimum level. He expressed concern over the non-streamlining and non-strengthening of Manipur Police Wireless Department and insisted the Home Minister to take remedial steps. Regarding rural development he said that there were two lists of beneficiaries of CSS innovative housing schemes under DRDA, Bishnupur District. He drew the attention of the Minister concerned for verifying the names of the beneficiaries before giving the second instalment of the loan under the said scheme. He also drew the attention of the Government for giving relief or compensation to the  victims of storm which devastated many areas in the valley and for giving appointment to those meritorious sportspersons whom the Government had already assured for the same.  

            Ningthoujam Biren, MLA participating in the consideration suggested for increase of ration money for the police personnel. He asserted that the police lacked morality and observed that the activities of the police officers should be monitored to detect illegal earning. Regarding Industries Department, he said that many self employment handloom schemes under CSS could not be implemented due to non-submission of utilisation certificates to the Centre and added that timely recommendation to the Banks was needed for timely implementation of PMRY. Regarding the Japan funded Sericulture Project, he proposed for proper implementation of the project. He drew the attention of the Ministers concerned for repairing minor irrigation dams, for rectifying irregular promotion in Social Welfare Department and for proper implementation of water shed management projects.  

            Shri N. Mangi Singh, Minister (Commerce & Industries, Sericulture and Fisheries) replying to the consideration said that the fund flow for the CSS handloom development schemes was stalled earlier due to non-submission of utilisation certificates and backlog of the State share of the schemes and added that the SPF Government since its inception prioritised the State share and had submitted the utilisation certificates. Regarding the PMRY, he clarified that there were some inconveniences as some constituencies were not covered by the Banks concerned. He admitted that the Sericulture Department was a sick department but asserted that it would be revamped very soon. Regarding the Japan funded Sericulture project, he clarified that there was no case of misappropriation of Rs. 2 crores which was deposited to MANIDCO. He added that the purchase of the power tillers was needed for the sericulture project. The Manipur Police Housing Corporation and the National Building Corporation had been entrusted for the construction works of the project. 

            Md. Alauddin Khan, Minister (RD & PR) clarifying to the consideration of the Manipur Appropriation (No. 3) Bill, 2005, said that beneficiaries of innovative housing schemes were selected as per the documents furnished by the DC, Bishnupur and added that mistakes, if any, would be rectified. He further informed that several Centrally Sponsored Schemes for rural development were sanctioned by the Central Government and were implemented through DRDA.  

            Smt. W. Leima Devi, Minister (Co-operation and Social Welfare) clarifying to the consideration of the Bill said that Social Welfare Department was implementing mostly Centrally Sponsored Schemes. She further clarified that some ACDPOs were made in-charge of CDPOs as a stop gap arrangement and added that no central guidelines were flouted in the process.  

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister clarifying to the consideration of the Bill informed that police modernisation was done with fund from the Central Government. Abolition of a number of Government posts under the MOU signed by the State and the Central Government did not give immediate relief to the financial position of the State, he said. He further informed that Central Sponsored Schemes were given top priority by the Government. He also clarified that the encroachers at MU campus were evicted as proper demarcation was necessary for converting it into a Central University. Such demarcation, he said, was also necessary for Loktak Lake and Central Agriculture University. 

            After clause by clause consideration, the Manipur Appropriation (No.3) Bill, 2005 was passed unanimously by the House.  

            (iii)     Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister moved the Manipur Appropriation (No.7) Bill, 2005,  the Manipur Appropriation (No.8) Bill, 2005 and the Manipur Appropriation (No.9) Bill, 2005 for consideration. 

            Hon’ble Speaker clubbed  the three Bills for a joint consideration.  

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA participating in the consideration of the Bills observed that several irregularities were detected in the process of releasing LOC in the PWD and further pointed out that several works of PWD were taken up without work orders. He further observed that DDO of Head Office, Vety. & A.H. Department, was keeping fund of the department in his account which was against the rule. Those riflemen suspended due to the snatching of their guns by an underground outfits should be reinstated on humanitarian ground, he said. 

            Shri Th. Debendra Singh, Minister (Works) clarifying to the consideration said that irregularities in the implementation and release of LOC of works of PWD would be examined and further informed that action would be taken up against defaulter.  

            Md. Alauddin Khan, Minister of State (Veterinary and Animal Husbandry) clarified that some funds for the purchase of machines of the Veterinary Department was kept in the account of the DDO of Head Office, Imphal, considering the law and order of the State. 

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang and Shri O. Joy Singh, MLAs sought further clarifications and Shri Alaudin Khan, MOS(Vety. & A.H.) gave clarifications and Hon’ble Chief Minister supplemented to the clarification.  

            Hon’ble Speaker, Shri T.N. Haokip suggested for verifying the matter by the Estimates Committee Chairman, the Minister concerned and the two MLAs, Dr. Nimaichand Luwang and Shri O. Joy Singh. 

            After clause by clause consideration, the following Bills:

                        (1)       The Manipur Appropriation (No.7) Bill, 2005;

                        (2)       The Manipur Appropriation (No.8) Bill, 2005; and

                        (3)       The Manipur Appropriation (No.9) Bill, 2005.           

            were passed unanimously by the House.           

            (vi)      Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister moved the Manipur Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Bill, 2005 for consideration. 

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA participating in the consideration observed that the Bill was for bringing about a transparent and responsible budget management. He wanted the Government to enforce the Bill effectively for better financial management.  

            Shri M. Nilchandra Singh, MLA participating in the consideration observed that the Government should be transparent and honest while implementing the Bill. He commented that though the objective of the Bill was fiscal management it lacked emphasis on saving. He observed that the effectiveness of the Bill would depend on the sincerity and honesty of the Government. 

            Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA participating in the consideration of the Bill pointed out the need for training officers of the different departments  at the State Academy of Training  regarding financial management. 

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA suggested for enforcing effectively the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Bill for improving the present financial position of the State and also pointed out the need for giving attention to the employment policy of the state. 

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister replying to the consideration of the Bill said that the Bill was introduced with the objective of improving the present financial position of the state and added that the guidelines laid down by the 12th Finance Commission would be followed effectively with the passing of this Bill. 

            After clause by clause consideration, the Manipur Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Bill, 2005 was passed unanimously by the House.             

            (v)       Shri L. Nandakumar Singh, Health Minister moved the Manipur Nursing Council Bill, 2005 for consideration. 

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA welcoming the Bill said that the mushrooming growth of nursing schools and colleges could now be regulated. He also expressed desire for a Bill for regulating private clinics. 

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA observed that numerous nursing schools and colleges in the state could now be regulated with this Bill. He supported the Bill, except Clause 23,30 and 3(f) which he said needed amendment. 

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA participating in the consideration of the Bill endorsed the views of Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA, and suggested that an educationist as a nominee in the constitution of Members of the Manipur Nursing Council should be one related with the health service. 

            Shri L. Nandakumar Singh, Minister (Health) replying to the consideration of the Bill said that the objective the Bill was to regulate nursing schools and colleges in the state. Regarding Clause 23,30 and 3(f), he said that it was quite acceptable and added that amendment, in any, could be made after the Bill was passed.  

            Dr. S. Budhichandra Singh, MLA made some observations and supported the Bill. 

            Hon’ble Speaker, Shri T.N. Haokip directed the Health Minister to note Clause 23 and 30 of the Bill for further improvement. 

            After clause by clause consideration, the Manipur Nursing Council Bill, 2005 was passed by the House. But the Opposition Members opposed Clauses 23 and 30 of the Bill. 

            (vi)      Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister moved the Manipur Municipalities (Second Amendment) Bill, 2004 as reported by the Select Committee of the House for consideration. 

            When Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA rose for making some observations on the Bill, the Hon’ble Speaker disallowed him on the ground that it was reported by the Select Committee of the House. 

            After clause by clause consideration, the Manipur Municipalities (Second Amendment) Bill, 2004 was passed by the House. 

            (vii)     Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister moved the Manipur Municipalities (Third Amendment) Bill, 2005 for consideration. 

            After clause by clause consideration, the Manipur Municipalities (Third Amendment) Bill, 2005 was passed by the House.             

            (viii)    Md. Alauddin Khan, RD & PR Minister moved the Manipur Panchayati Raj (Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2005 as reported by the Select Committee of the House for consideration. 

            After clause by clause consideration, the Manipur Panchayati Raj (Fourth Amendment) Bill, 2005 was passed by the House. 

PRESENTATION OF SELECT COMMITTEE REPORT: 

            Shri Th. Debendra Singh, Minister (Law & Legislative Affairs) presented the report of the Select Committee on the Salaries and Allowances of Members of the Legislative Assembly (Manipur) Seventeenth Amendment Bill, 2005. 

            After clause by clause consideration, the Salaries and Allowances of Members of the Legislative Assembly (Manipur) Seventeenth Amendment Bill, 2005 was passed by the House. 

            Hon’ble Speaker, Shri T.N. Haokip made a valedictory statement and adjourned the House sine-die at 7.50 p.m.