|
* SUMMARY
LIST OF GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS
Address
by His Excellency, the Governor of Manipur, Shri B.K.Nehru to the
Manipur Legislative Assembly on 21.2.1973.
Mr. Speaker and Hon’ble Members of the Manipur Vidhan Sabha,
Once again I welcome you with my warm greetings and good wishes.
When I addressed you last time about a year ago, it was a historical
occasion, which marked the birth of the State of Manipur and the
beginning of a new Chapter in the historical setting. Almost one
full year has elapsed since then—an important and significant
period marking the foundations on which the edifice of the full
statehood is to be built up for the future prosperity of the people
of Manipur. It is natural for us, therefore, to recollect in
retrospect our programmes and achievements and to re-dedicate
ourselves for greater achievements in the ensuing year.
DROUGHT AND AGRICULTURE
The year just gone by has been a year of anxiety due to failure of
rains which still continue to threaten us and due to the severe
drought conditions brought about in its trail. From the rainfall
data collected from January 1972, it is clear that there has been
deficit of 527 mm of rainfall from the normal. The moisture
contained in the soil of the paddy fields fell to 14% only against
the minimum of 18% required for the seed to germinate. About
1,20,000 hectares of land has been affected during the kharif season
of 1972. Consequently, a target of about 25,000 hectares was set for
the rabi crop and about 500 pump sets were purchased for
distribution to the interested farmers in the affected areas at 50%
subsidy. However, the continued drought even during the winter
months has adversely affected the Emergency Agricultural Production
Programme.
My Government is now busy reforming its forces for a determined
drive for the early kharif crop (March-July). A target of 10,000
hectares of land has been fixed and about 800 M. Tonnes of seeds of
the early variety of paddy have been ordered for the immediate
supply within February 1973. Several check dams have been put up
across many rivers in order to utilise river water to feed the
fields. Dams at Iram Siphai, Khuga and Wabgai are proposed to be
made permanent.
So far the Government of India have sanctioned Rs.37.70 lakhs for
minor irrigation under the EAPP which include construction of
irrigation dams and bunds etc. A further sum of 25 lakhs has been
sanctioned for purchase of seeds, fertilizers and chemicals under
this emergency programme. Also a further sum of 20 lakhs have been
sanctioned for Lift Irrigation Programmes in 1972-73.
This drought has not only brought about a serious reduction in yield
of cereals but has also affected adversely growth of pineapples and
orange etc. In all, there would be a short fall of about 1 lakh 5
thousand tonnes of clean rice due to drought thus resulting in
wastage of 72 lakhs man-days which would have been utilised in a
normal year from harvesting to de-husking. It is also estimated that
about 30,000 man-days have already been wasted for the loss of yield
of maize in the kharif season.
My Government has, therefore, submitted a comprehensive scheme for
Test Relief to the Government of India so that the drought affected
people may be given purchasing capacity for food grains from the
Government Godowns.
My Government is also taking steps to start an Agriculture
University during the 5th Plan. Tea and Coffee plantation in
Tamenglong areas and Churachandpur/Jiribam/Moreh and Rubber
plantation at Moreh is also receiving attention of my Government.
FISHERIES
Fish being the staple food for the majority of the population, a sum of Rs.10
lakhs was provided for the year 1972-73. It is expected that 13
lakhs of fish fingerlings will be produced and the capital works for
all the commercial fish farms completed.
ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
During the year 1972-73, 5 Veterinary Hospitals, 4 Dispensaries and
3 Stockman Training
Centres are likely to be opened.
DAIRYING AND MILK SUPPLY
A sum of Rs. 5 lakhs is provided for handling of 21 lakhs 90
thousand litres of milk and production of 5000 kgs of butter, 5000
kgs of ghee, 2000 kgs of cheese and 20,000 kgs, of curds.
CO-OPERATION AND PANCHAYATS
A Panchayati Raj Bill has been introduced in the Assembly Session of
January 1973 and the same has been referred to a Select Committee.
For 1972-73, an outlay of Rs. 1.40 lakhs is provided for giving
grants to 41 Gram Panchayats for pisciculture, horticulture, poultry
farming and for bee keeping etc.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
There are at the moment 14 CD and 21 TD Blocks in different stages.
These Blocks are the agency for development for all schemes and
programmes including SFDA, CNP, ANP, CSRE and MP/SFAL. 96 Feeding
Centres have been opened all over Manipur out of which 91 are in the
Hills and 5 are in the Valley and a budget provision of Rs. 8.46 lakhs
has been made for 1972-73. The scheme is expected to benefit 12,000
children of 0 to 6 age-group in 1972-73.
A sum of Rs. 27 lakhs has been sanctioned by the Government of India
in the Budget for 1972-73 in order to generate 2,50,000 man-days in
each district under CSRE Schemes. My Government has asked for the
release of the balance amount of Rs. 20.25 lakhs from the Government
of India.
My Government took special care for Tribal Welfare and gave generous
grants for their medical treatment outside Manipur. Government aid
was also given for production of text books in tribal dialects.
INDUSTRIES
My Government is making efforts for not only modernizing the
traditional and rural and cottage industries like handloom and
handicrafts so as to make them competitive in outside markets but
also to set up modern industries. One of the highlights of the year
1972-73 has been the setting up of the Khandsari Sugar Factory at
Khangabok near Thoubal with the rated capacity of 60 tonnes per day.
The expansion and improvement of the handloom design centre under
which 4 modern power looms have been installed under the Directorate
at Imphal for evolving new designs and patterns has been another
highlight of the year. The sanction of the Government of India was
also received for establishing 25,520 cotton spindles spinning mill
at Loitam Khunou and also for the Manipur Oak Tasar Project. A
correlative scheme for growing cotton has also been undertaken. The
proposal regarding establishment of bamboo based pulp mill at
Chandighat at Jiribam and pine based paper mill at Karong is under
advance consideration of the Government of India.
For the year 1973-74 the main highlights will be taking up of
preliminary works for setting up of one distillery plant based on
molasses produced by Khandsari Sugar Factory. Secondly, the main
work regarding implementation of Manipur Oak Tasar Silk Project and
the Spinning Mill will be taken up. Under the former 60 Tasar
Centres for rearing cocoons on modern lines will be set up during
the year all over Manipur and preparations for setting up of
filature factory at Imphal in public sector will be taken up. In
order to support the growing number of industries in the State in
the small sector the role of the Manipur Small Industries
Corporation in feeding them with the requisite raw material and
other technical expertise is proposed to be substantially increased
during the year by doubling its present authorized capital 10 lakhs
to 20 lakhs during 1973-74.
EDUCATION
Uniform Pattern of Education:
In pursuance of the recommendation of the 36th Session of the
Central Advisory Board of Education, my Government has also agreed
in principle to the adoption of a uniform pattern of education
consisting of 10 years of high school education, 2 years of higher
secondary or pre-university education and 3 years of education for
the first degree examination. The Government has taken a decision
that the 10 +2 pattern of secondary education will be implemented
with effect from the academic session 1973-74. Implementation of the
3 year Degree Course as part of a 10+2+3 pattern will however, be
dependent on the acceptance of the same by the Gauhati University.
Free Education up to Class-X:
It has been decided that education will be free for boys also up to
class X with effect from the academic session 1973-74. Education has
already been made free for girls up to the end of the Higher
Secondary Course.
Free & Universal Primary Education:
It has been decided that free and universal primary education for
children of the age group 6 to 11 years will be brought about in
Manipur by the end of the 5th Five Year Plan (1978-79). Free and
universal education for children of the age group 11 to 14 will be
brought about by 1980-81. Advance action for achievement of these
targets has been initiated.
Board of Secondary Education:
A separate Board of Secondary Education for Manipur has been
constituted and it has started working. The first High School
Certificate Examination under this Board will be held in April 1973.
Provision of more facilities to Aided College Teachers:
The existing grant-in-aid Rules to private college have been amended
for providing more facilities to teachers of Aided Colleges.
Provision has been made in the Annual Plan for 1973-74 for matching
grants from the State Government to enable the private colleges to
lift U.G.C. Grants. Funds have also been provided for grants-in-aid
to colleges to enable them to start Science classes.
Higher Education:
The foundation stone for the Jawaharlal Nehru University Centre has
been laid at Canchipur. Construction of administrative and academic
buildings for the Centre will be taken up in right earnest. Post
Graduate Classes in Manipuri, Political Science and Applied Biology
have been opened over and above the existing classes in Mathematics,
English, History and Economics.
Education Policy:
My Government has constituted a high level Committee of Experts
including some top educationists in the country to examine the
educational system in the State and recommend a suitable educational
policy and organization, which will best serve the interests of
education and the social and economic development of the area. A
preliminary meeting of some of the members of the Committee was held
in Delhi in September 1972.
Comprehensive Educational Survey:
In pursuance of the recommendations of the said meeting, the
N.C.E.R.T. has conducted a comprehensive survey of education in
Manipur. The high level committee will examine the report of this
survey and recommend suitable measures for re-organisation and
improvement of education in the State.
The University Grants Commission also constituted a Visiting Team to
inspect the colleges in Manipur and recommend suitable measures for
improvement in the quality of collegiate education in Manipur. The
team visited colleges in November 1972. Their recommendations will
be examined by the Govt. and suitable measures taken to bring about
improvement in higher education.
Teaching of Science:
A pilot project for the teaching of Science at the school stage
under UNICEF Aided Project will be taken up in 80 Schools from the
session, 1973-74.
Separate Post Graduate Training College:
A separate Post Graduate Teachers’ Training College with a
separate Principal and separate staff has been established. The
intake capacity of this college has also been increased from 60 to
100. Over and above this, 40 fresh candidates will be given
admission for pre-service training during the session 1973-74.
State Institute of Education and Science:
A State Institute of Education and Science is being opened during
the current year. This will serve as the academic wing of the
Education Department. Training and Research facilities in education
and science will be provided in this Institute.
Technical Education:
The Adimjati Technical Institute has now been taken over by my
Government and converted into a Government Polytechnic. 16 acres of
land have been allotted for it at Takyel for construction of new
buildings. Construction of workshop buildings and staff quarters at
the new site is in progress. The intake capacity has been raised
from 60 to 70. New courses will be opened during the Fifth Plan to
cater to the needs of agriculture, industries and Government
Departments like the P.W.D. and Electricity.
Stipends and Scholarships:
Action for payment of stipend to deserving candidates for the All
India Services like the I.A.S., I.P.S. etc. and the Central Services
for attending classes in approved coaching institutions has been
taken up by the Government.
A scheme for the grant of research scholarships to deserving
candidates for research in the fields of science, humanities,
technology etc. is also being taken up.
Youth Services, Sports, Games & Culture:
During the current year a Nehru Yuva Kendra has been inaugurated at
Imphal for providing youth services and community services for all
sections of youth including non-student youth.
For promotion of games and sports in the state, a stadium is being
constructed at Khuman Lampak, Imphal. A regional coaching centre for
games and sports has also been opened at Imphal in collaboration
with the National Institute of Sports. Five Rural Sports Centres
have also been opened at the five District headquarters. The
physical education staff has also been strengthened. The 18th All
India National Schools (Autumn) Championship, 1972 was held at
Imphal in October, 1972.
My Government is also taking action to open a Centre for Manipuri
Culture at Imphal.
Publicity:
The publicity organisation has been strengthened and District Offices are
being opened shortly. Action is also being taken to open a T.V.
Centre at Imphal during the 5th Plan period.
RESOURCE MOBILISATION & PLAN
My Government appreciated that the resources for this new State have
to be generated through our own effort and took steps with effect
from the first September, 1972 to raise certain taxes and duties
with a view to make a substantial addition to the State’s tax
revenues. As a result of this resource mobilisation and that of the
centre, our plan outlay was enhanced by about Rs. 17 lakhs. The
additional plan outlay, as a result of our own effort, granted by
the Planning Commission would be mainly spent on communication and
agriculture. My state, however, is spending about Rs. 9 crores on
various development schemes this year.
The plan outlay for 1973-74 is expected to hit the target of Rs.
8.91 crores. In addition, an outlay of about Rs. 1.40 crores on the
Loktak Lift Irrigation is being considered for being met from a
special programme being formulated by the Planning Commission. In
order to give an idea of some important projects in the coming year,
I may mention the following:-
(i) Expansion of the Potato farm at Mao and the State mechanised
farm at Lamphelpat.
(ii) Setting up of 2 sub-stations for research in growing of
temperate and tropical and sub-tropical fruits.
(iii) Expansion of the Fruit Preservation Factory at a new site.
(iv) Comprehensive ground water survey to be financed separately by
the Government of India outside the State Plan.
(v) Under the Loktak Lift Irrigation Scheme it is expected that with
the outlay mentioned above in 1973-74 and some more outlay up to
June 1974, about 8000 hectares can be provided with irrigation
facilities.
(vi) To reduce the power shortage additional diesel generating sets
manufactured by M/S Garden Reach Workshop Ltd., are expected to be
received and commissioned shortly. It should be possible to
electrify more villages in the coming year.
(vii) Construction work on 25,520 cotton spindles Spinning Mill will
be stepped up.
(viii) The Khandsari Sugar Factory, in which trial crushing is
proposed to be undertaken shortly, will go in full production in the
coming year’s season. A Distillery is also proposed to be taken up
for execution alongside.
(ix) Surveys for a Vacuum Pan Sugar Factory, Minerals, use of other
agricultural products like cinnamon, ginger are proposed to be
undertaken through the agency of the National Council of Applied
Economic Research.
(x) The Oak Tasar Silk Project which will eventually provide
employment to about 10,000 persons directly and to about 1 lakh on
part-time basis. It will be taken up for execution from the
beginning of the year 1973-74.
(xi) The Sainik School is expected to shift to its permanent site in
the coming year. Activities of Manipur State Kala Academy, Board of
Secondary Education, the State Institute of Science & Education,
Adimjati Technical Institute are proposed to be stepped up.
(xii) Preparation of Imphal Capital Project Scheme to provide for
various amenities and services befitting a State Capital is on hand
and my Government proposes to submit a scheme in this respect to the
Planning Commission shortly.
(xiii) My Government is also contemplating formulation and
presentation of certain schemes to be taken up in the coming year as
advance action for the Fifth Five Year Plan for which funds are
expected to be separately provided by the Centre.
(xiv) An Area Development Programme outside the Plan is also
proposed to be undertaken in the Khoupum Valley with substantial
outlays.
REGIONAL SCHEMES
In addition, my Government has also submitted some important
regional schemes and projects to the North-Eastern Council
Secretariat for consideration out of the 50 crores allotment made to
this Council by the Government of India for the 4th Plan period.
As for the formulation of the 5th Plan, every effort has to be made
not only to get an outlay double the size of the 4th Plan but also
to present a good case before the Planning Commission for a much
larger 5th Plan which should aim at removing the regional imbalances
as well as provide for the basic infrastructure so essential in
Manipur. We have to make up for the late start in our Statehood and
to come up abreast with many other States in this region as well as
outside.
ELECTIONS
My Government held free and fair elections for Imphal Municipality
and five notified areas. Elections to the District Council under the
Manipur (Hill area) District Councils Act 71 are scheduled to be
held during the month of April 1973.
LEGISLATION
My Government introduced 21 Bills during 1972-73 which were all
passed except the Bills relating to the Land Ceiling Law and to the
Manipur Panchayati Raj which have been referred to the Select
Committee. A particular reference may be made to Shri Govindajee’s
Temple Act, 1972 which will cater to the proper management of the
seva puja of the Deity and of the debutar properties by a Board to be
constituted by the Government.
FOREST
My Government has plans to increase the extension of activity under
the Forest Department by opening some new forest divisions and to
increase the coverage throughout Manipur. Survey work was undertaken
for the enumeration of pine and bamboo for setting up the Paper
Mills based on pine and bamboo trees.
The anticipated expenditure during 1972-73 is expected to be of the
tune of 12 lakhs. The anticipated physical targets are to cover 460
hectares with plantations. Other expected targets are 460 hectares
of economic trees and firewood species, consolidation of 360 sq.km.
of forest, preparation of working plant for 440 sq.km. of forest,
construction/improvement of 10 kms. of Forest Road, extraction of
15000 Electric posts, 4000 railway sleepers and preservative
treatment of 400 cubic metres of timber as well as construction of
10 buildings and 2 rest houses and enhancement of growing stock of
Teak Gurjan and other economic species on Burma border.
MEDICAL
My Government took steps to establish the Regional Medical College
at Imphal with effect from 14th September, 1972 with 79 students.
The existing 80-bedded Women’s Hospital is being upgraded into
131-bedded hospital and the existing 300-bedded General Hospital is
being expanded into 600-bedded Hospital not only to meet the
requirements of medical services but also to serve as teaching
Hospitals. Similarly the Women’s Hospital, T.B.Hospital and the Leprosy
Hospital have also been declared as the Teaching Hospitals and these
will work under the control of the Principal of the Regional Medical
College. A Public Health Laboratory is being established in the General
Hospital by the UNICEF which will also extend their assistance to the
pediatric Department during1972-73. Churachandpur hospital has already
been upgraded to 50-bedded hospital which is also being planned for
Tamenglong, Karong, Ukhrul and Jiribam. Similarly, establishment of
Primary Health Centre in each Block head quarter and upgradation of the
PHCs is closely under consideration.
EMPLOYMENT, LABOUR AND TRAINING
As on 31st December 1972 there were 42,249 males and 6620 females on
the live register out of which placements were made for 562 males
and 75 females. A new Employment Exchange was also opened at
Jiribam. 4 Industrial Training Institutes are being opened in the 4
Hill Districts with limited number of training courses. The two Hill
I.T.Is at Ukhrul and Churachandpur were started from October 1972
and the remaining two I.T.Is at Karong and Tamenglong will be
started from the first August 1973.
My Government has so far declared 15 notified areas during 1972-73.
Sufficient funds are allotted to these notified areas for
implementing development schemes. A master plan for Imphal is under
active consideration of my Government. This will be published very
shortly for eliciting views of the general public. A draft Town and
Country Planning Bill will also be introduced in the Assembly in due
course.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity supply position continued to be acute during 1972-73.
Efforts were made for purchase of additional Diesel generating sets
of the aggregate capacity of 1400 k.w. My Government purchased power
from Loktak Project. The Gujarat State Electricity Board has already
promised to give us one set of 1060 k.ws as soon as the power
situation in that state improved sometime in 1973. To improve
distribution of power inside Manipur, action is underway for
erection of 33 k.v. Ring-main around Imphal and radial lines for
Kakching, Litan, Kangpokpi and Moirang.
Under the rural electrification programme the benefit of electricity
has been extended so far to 193 villages and all the hill district
Head Quarters have been electrified.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
So far 2295 kms of roads have been constructed and my Government is
trying to reach the target of 2790 kms of roads by the end of 1973
and 2874 kms of road by 1973-74. My Government is also giving
special attention for the development of communications in the Hills
against a provision of Rs. 165 lakhs for roads in 1972-73. Rs. 287
lakhs have been proposed for 1973-74. Some inter-village roads
maintained by the C.D. Department are also being taken over by the
P.W.D.
During 1972-73 total anticipated expenditure on buildings will be of
the order of Rs. 173 lakhs. Important building projects such as the
Medical College, extension of General Hospital, Industrial
establishments, Polytechnic at Takyel, Spinning Mill at Loitam Khunou,
Ghana Priya Women’s College, Sainik School at Pangei and Manipur
State Transport Office Workshop at Mantri Pukhri, Khandsari Sugar
Factory at Wangbal and Jawaharlal Nehru University Centre have been
taken up and some of them have progressed satisfactorily.
To improve 60 year old water supply in Imphal Town, arrangements
have been made for construction of reservoirs at Chinga Hill,
Chingmeirong and Porompat. Action has also been taken for augmenting
water at source by taking Leimakhong water to Shingda. In the
current year my Government is planning also to provide water supply
schemes to 24 Hill and 26 Valley Villages Water Supply Works at
important villages like Moirang, Mao, Maram, Sugnu, Thoubal,
Kakching and Pukhao are also in hand and it is hoped that the
problem of scarcity of drinking water will be notably relieved.
The failure of rains during 1972-73 created drought conditions. The
Irrigation Department took up a number of schemes by way of damming
rivers. Bunds have been erected on the Imphal river at Iram Siphai,
Sekmai river and Khuga river etc. to enable the cultivators to get
water in the fields. My Government has proposed an outlay of Rs. 150
lakhs for minor irrigation schemes during 1973-74 in addition to Rs.
104 lakhs for the Loktak Lift Irrigation Project which would enable
lifting of 600 cusecs of water from the Loktak Power Channel for
distribution to 60,000 acres of land.
PRICES AND FOOD
During 1972-73 there was wide spread drought which still continues.
This led to scarcity conditions in food grains. The prices soar
high. In order to stabilise the prices, my Government distributed
11,000 M.Tonnes of rice and 580 M.Tonnes of wheat. The Government
also arranged for procuring and distribution of levy sugar quota.
Fair Price shops were opened. In order to meet the deficit during
the coming year, my Government is taking necessary steps to procure
sufficient quantities of food grains. About 1970 acres of land was
allotted to people and agricultural, land improvement, horticulture
and Punjab Backward Class loans amounting to Rs. 3,90,000 were
distributed during the year. The drought situation, however,
continues and the recovery of the land revenues and other Government
dues has been adversely affected so far.
RE-ORGANISATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE REFORM
I have so far described some of the important land marks in various
sectors of Development in Manipur which my Government had taken up.
In order to carry out and implement such a varied programme it was
necessary to gradually put our own household machinery in order.
Manipur, during the course of years gone by, have passed through a
number of administrative changes and the State inherited an
administrative machinery which was the culmination of such an
evolution. With the attainment of full-fledged Statehood it was not
only necessary to oil-up that machinery but also gradually to
transform it to suit the requirements of Statehood. The joint All
India Cadres of Manipur/ Tripura were accordingly to be subjected to
a triennial review to provide for the basic administrative
infrastructure. Such a triennial review have rightly provided for a
Commissioner for the Hills and a Commissioner for revenue, Land
Reforms and taxes. Development being the key note of a Government
these days, a Development Commissioner has also been provided. With
the positioning of these officers the administrative re-organisation
is now being given a shape. The Government continues to suffer
however, from the lack of sufficient officers in the All India
Cadres and for the delays in recruitment to these cadres from the
State Services. I hope that the process of arriving at a final re-organisation
with necessary reforms will be completed before long. My Government
is also taking steps for the constitution of a Manipur Health
Service Cadre and a Manipur Judicial Service Cadre.
The efficiency and morale of the services count enormously towards
the stability of any Government and my Government took steps to
establish the Manipur Public Service Commission as early as October
last year. Simultaneously my Government has reviewed all the rules
and procedures for recruitment, promotion and disciplinary action
and has evolved necessary revised guidelines and instructions for
various Government departments. When implemented, it is hoped that
the new rules and procedures will result in greater efficiency,
stability and security for the services.
My Government also took steps to set up a Law Commission and a Pay
Commission both of which have been functioning in right earnest. The
proposal for constituting a Vigilance Commission to meet the
requirements for Vigilance is also under consideration and it is
hoped that the Vigilance Commission will come up in the ensuing
year.
LAW AND ORDER
Crime situation remained well under control. There was appreciable
decrease in murder, attempted murder, robbery and theft as compared
with the previous year.
My Government undertook to raise a new Battalion of the Manipur
Rifles to be known as the 5th Battalion, and a part of it is already
being raised in the current year. Re-organisation of the District
Administration has been receiving attention of my Government and it
is hoped that proper administrative infrastructure along with new
Police Stations will be accomplished during the coming year.
Expansion of Manipur Fire Service to combat rapidly increasing fire
risks will be one of the major concerns of the Government in the
coming year. The Police earned a number of commendations for
extraordinary devotion to duty under different conditions, 8 other
ranks were recipients of the police medals for meritorious services
during the last year.
INSURGENCY
Above all I should like to repeat how important it is for the
development and growth of Manipur at large and hill areas in particular
to ensure the basic requirement of maintaining peace and tranquility.
My Government is aware that the political aspirations of the people
have already been fulfilled by the attainment of the Statehood and it
is expected that the insurgent organisation would dissolve themselves
and fall in line with the masses at large in promoting the economic
growth and prosperity of this State. I should like to remind again that
peace and tranquility is something that should take roots in the minds
of all sections of people in Manipur and the fruitless and futile
confrontation with the Government forces of law and order should end
for good. The politicians, intellectuals, religious leaders and above
all the elected representatives should jointly exercise their minds on
this most pressing problem of restoring complete security of life and
property and maintenance of peace and tranquility particularly in the
Hills. The Indian Constitution bestows equal rights and opportunities
for all and has no place for violent means, I hope that all patriotic
people will exert their maximum pressures for restoration of peace and
tranquility in the hills in particular which continue to be disturbed
by the senseless insurgency by a few who hold the welfare of the
majority to ransom.
I have placed before this House in retrospection a narration of what
my Government has been engaged in. I also wish to congratulate the
members of this august House for the dignity of manner with which
they have devoted themselves to the task of legislation in the
service of this State and its people. The people indeed look to this
House with great hope and expectation for their overall development
and welfare. I have no doubt that this House will seriously devote
itself to its task and face the challenge of poverty and
backwardness.
JAI HIND
|
|
