The House assembled at 11.00 am of Monday, the 4th 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 Minister (Social Welfare) made a reply to Starred Question No. 763,  asked by Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA regarding the promotion made in the Department.           

(b)       Hon’ble Minister (Social Welfare) made a reply to Starred Question No. 764,  asked by Shri Erabot Yumkham, MLA regarding provision of diet allowance to  Blind College students.           

(c)       Hon’ble  Minister (Health)  made a reply to Starred Question No. 765, asked by  Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA regarding the construction of Urban Health  Centre at Singjamei.           

(d)       Hon’ble Minister (Health) made a reply to Starred Question No. 766, asked    by Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA regarding the non-performing of operation in  J.N. Hospital.           

(e)       Hon’ble Chief Minister  gave a reply to Starred Question No. 767, asked by  Shri S. Gopal Singh, MLA regarding the shifting of Moirang Sub-Treasury Office. 

(f)        Hon’ble Minister (Transport) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 768, asked by  Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA regarding the opening of District Transport Office.           

(g)       Hon’ble Minister (Health) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 770, asked by  Shri B.D. Behring, MLA regarding the recognition of Private Hospitals as  referral hospitals.           

(h)       Hon’ble Chief Minister gave a reply to Starred Question No. 771, asked by  Shri Th. Tomba Singh, MLA regarding the construction of Fire  Service Station at Kakching.    

(i)        Hon’ble Minister (IFCD) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 773, asked by  Shri M. Nabadwip Singh, MLA regarding the incompletion of retaining         wall constructed by the Department. 

            Answer to Starred Question No. 772 was laid on the Table of the House. 

ANNOUNCEMENT OF BUSINESS: 

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

CALLING ATTENTION: 

            (i)        Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA called the attention of the MAHUD Minister on the reported allotment of shops and plots by the Chairperson of IMC. He expressed unhappiness over the discrepancies in the allotment of shops and plots in the temporary market shed and said that there were reports of irregular allotment of plots and issue of licence by the Chairman, IMC. He said that the number of shops constructed was not in conformity with the IMC record. He said that proper verification was not conducted at the time of allotment and that a spot verification should be conducted immediately. He said that it was a serious problem and sought a threadbare clarification from the Chief Minister. 

            Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri O. Ibobi Singh, replying to the motion said that there was no information for irregular allotment and that if there were any documentary evidence, the official involved would be fixed responsibilities. He said that physical verification was conducted altogether by an Official Committee comprising of both ruling and opposition members. Verification of licence holders of the three markets would be made simultaneously, he said. He said that there was no question of favouritism on the part of the government and cited the hurdles faced by the government. 

            Further clarifications were sought by the mover. And the Hon’ble Chief Minister made  clarifications to it. 

            Shri M. Nilchandra Singh, MLA also made some observations. 

            The Hon’ble Chairman, Dr. M. Nara Singh gave a direction that a spot inquiry at the temporary market shed be made by the Members of the Official Committee along with the mover of the motion at a convenient time and a detailed report be tabled to the House. 

            (ii)       S/Shri Erabot Yumkham and M. Bhorot Singh called the attention of the Revenue Minister on the casualties following the land acquisition for Capital Project.  

            Shri Erabot Yumkham, MLA highlighted the apprehension in the mind of the people due to the steps taken up by the government for land acquisition of Lei-Ingkhol area and Thangmeiband as a result of the construction of the Capital Project. Due to the road blockade and other form of agitation against the construction of the Capital Project by the people, there were lathicharge, resulting in a number of casualties and disturbances in the law and order, he added. He observed that alternate arrangements should be made by selecting a convenient site. He raised questions on why the construction should be done in densely populated areas and sought a precise statement from the minister concerned. 

(Hon’ble Chairman, Dr. M. Nara Singh adjourned the morning session at 1.05 p.m. till 2.05 p.m. of the day). 

(The afternoon session resumed at 2.15 p.m. with the Hon’ble Speaker in the Chair). 

            Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA co-mover of the Call-Attention-Motion pointed out that the Capital Project lacked proper planning and highlighted the woes of the residents of Thangmeiband and Chingmeirong due to constant water logging as a result of Capital Project being taken up hastily. The people of Tarung village too were suffering due to the project, he commented. He expressed resentment on the plan of the Government to evict Lei-Ingkhol for the Project and added that since the residents were mostly lepers and TB patients, they should be protected instead of evicting them. The Project site, he said, could be shifted elsewhere.  

            Shri Th. Debendra Singh, Minister (Revenue) clarifying to the Calling Attention Motion said that Capital Project would house the three biggest institutions of Judiciary, Legislature and Executive but since Chingmeirong Firing Range was unable to accommodate all the three, the site of Lei-Ingkhol was chosen after several surveys. He expressed concern over the number of encroachers and said that verification was underway. He also clarified that while taking up the Project, the Government would try not to disturb existing structures including the hospital and office buildings. He said that land acquisition notice was not yet notified and that opportunity of being heard would be given. If required at all, the hospital and residents would be shifted to another selected place before taking up the Project, he said. 

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

            Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri O. Ibobi Singh moved Demand No. 17 - Agriculture, Demand No. 20 - Community Development and ANP, IRDP & NREP, Demand No. 36 - Minor Irrigation and Demand No. 41 - Art & Culture for discussion. 

            The Hon’ble Speaker, clubbed all the four demands for a joint consideration. 

            Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA moving a Cut Motion said that Agriculture Department was paying no attention to agriculture and farmers and that the Department was a total failure. He said that, inspite of the low rainfall this season, no step was taken up by the department to face the drought like situation. He enquired about the plan of the government to make available community nursery, fertilizers, insecticides and other facilities to the farmers under the Central Sponsored Scheme, Micro Management Mode of Agriculture. He further commented on the process of distributing lime as a process to reclaim soil at rain water logged areas. The District Agricultural Officers, he pointed out, did not discharge their duties and added that the Department was not properly streamlined due to the absence of Service Rule. 

            Shri M. Nilchandra Singh, MLA moving a Cut Motion pointed out the dependence of the State on agriculture and the need to have a Agricultural Policy to give more thrust to agriculture. He wanted the government to provide more fund to agriculture to alleviate poverty and further commented on the lack of Intensive Agriculture with modern facilities and irrigation facilities in the State. He urged the need to keep the fields green all the year round and develop more agricultural lands. He also pointed out the need to implement more Centrally Sponsored Schemes in the state to enhance agricultural production to bring about a balanced development of the rural and urban areas and also to set up agro-based Industries to generate more employment. He expressed the need to provide facilities like electricity, drinking water, loans, etc. to farmers. 

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA, moving Cut Motions, pointed out the absence of an Agricultural Policy of the state and commented on the lack of  irrigation facility for agriculture. Blaming the government for the present failure of agriculture, he said that it was due to lack of timely supervision and pointed out the need to install pump sets at many locations. Pointing out the non-availability of fertilizers in the state, he urged the government to check its hoarding and selling them off to Myanmar by unscrupulous persons. Highlighting the narrowing of Tamengkhok canal and condition of Itok Dam, he urged the government to repair them. On Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, he said that inspite of  decentralisation of power to the Zilla Parishads, Pradhan, etc. the central sponsored schemes were not implemented properly. 

            Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA, moving Cut Motion pointed out the need to give a combined direction to Agriculture and Minor Irrigation as they have a common objective. He commented on the lack of financial allocation to MI and said that non completion of various projects were due to non-payment to contractors. He said that the state couldn’t utilise properly the loan from NABARD for Minor Irrigation schemes leading to the stalling of further fund or loan. He sought clarification how much of the targeted land was to be irrigated and suggested for the better performance of the Minor Irrigation Department. 

            Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA moving cut motion highlighted the historical and cultural importance of the Kangla in the context of the communal harmony between the people of hill and valley. He observed that the excavation of the inner moat in the Kangla using bulldozers might destroy valuable artifacts inside the heritage site and enquired whether it was done with the approval of the Kangla Fort Board. He suggested that all renovation works of this heritage site should be done with transparency and honesty and wanted all the monuments to be preserved properly. 

            Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA, supporting the Cut Motions, drew the attention of the Minister (Agriculture) for urging the Centre for increasing the quantity of seeds and fertilizers for free distribution to the farmers and sought clarifications regarding the number of tractors and power tillers supplied by the Government to the farmers. Regarding community development, he said the State Government failed to utilise many Central Schemes. The Zilla Parishad administration was not functioning properly due to bickering and fights  for the post of the Adhyaksha, and he suggested abolition of the Zilla Parishad for such malpractice. 

            Shri Th. Tomba Singh, MLA supporting the Demands, observed that there had recently been a trend of cultivating cash crops rather than food crops and expressed apprehension of food scarcity. Highlighting the diminishing area of paddy fields, he observed that the State Government needed a far sighted vision for an agricultural policy in Manipur. He described Thoubal District as the granary of Manipur and suggested the installation of a cold storage in the District and streamlining of irrigation work. 

            Shri B.D. Behring, MLA, moving a Cut Motion, suggested implementation of Food For Work Programme to the villagers. He expressed unhappiness on the appointment of 12 members of DRDA , Chandel and alleged that there were some irregularities in the purchase of GI sheet for Rural Housing Schemes. He asserted that there was no Film Policy in Manipur although film industry flourish in the neighbouring states and suggested for framing a Film Policy for Manipur. 

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA, moving Cut Motions, alleged that the State Government lacked prudence and seriousness in tackling the problem of drought. There was lack of understanding and coordination between the Minor Irrigation and Agriculture Department, he added and suggested protection of agricultural land. He observed that a verification was needed for the lime scattering of acid soils for reclamation of land whether it was implemented in the field. Regarding the Rural Development Schemes, he alleged that the State Government could not implement PMGSY Schemes.  He sought clarification regarding the reported misappropriation of fund in Rural development Schemes  implemented in Langthabal A/C and suggested streamlining the department.            

            Md. Allaudin Khan, Minister of State (Community Development and AND, RDP & NREP),  replying to the discussion, said that 16 departments had been assigned for rural development works in the context of devolution of power to the people at the grassroot level. Regarding the malpractice in the Zilla Parishad, he assured the House that appropriate action as per rules would be taken up. He also clarified that the implementation of the PMGSY was in full swing and that the remaining phases of the PMGSY Schemes would be completed soon. Regarding the number of DRDA members, he clarified that 12 members was not in excess but was made under laid down guidelines and necessity for strengthening it. He said that actions would be taken up against those persons involved in the reported misappropriation of fund by the Chandel DRDA and an FIR had been lodged in this connection. He suggested for withdrawing the Cut Motions. 

            Shri P. Parijat Singh, Minister (Agriculture, Minor Irrigation and  Art & Culture),  replying to the discussion said that the government was unable to complete pending works of canals due to financial crunch but added that NABARD had sanctioned Rs.6 crores as loan and as such the pending works would be completed. He also added that a proposal of 175 new Projects had been submitted to the Centre. The government, he said was taking up steps for reviving the Manipur Film Development Corporation. He further added that the government would do the needful for earmarking land for the construction of a film studio. A draft of the Manipur Film Policy had been completed, he added. Regarding the Manipur Agricultural Policy, he said a draft had been formulated and was trying to get the assent of the central government. He informed the House that a rupees 2.30 crores scheme had been earmarked to contain flood after getting due approval of the Cabinet Sub committee.

            Necessary clarifications were made to the queries raised by Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, Shri Ningthoujam Biren and Shri B.D. Behring, MLAs.  

            All the cut motions were withdrawn and the four demands, Demand Nos.  17, 20, 36 & 41 were passed unanimously by the House. 

            Hon’ble Chairman, Shri R.K. Thekho  adjourned the House at 6.55p.m till 11.00 a.m of  Tuesday, the 5th July, 2005.