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* SUMMARY
LIST OF GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS
Address
by His Excellency, the Governor of Manipur, Shri Lallan Prasad Singh
to the Manipur Legislative Assembly on 6.3.1975.
Mr. Speaker and Hon’ble Members of the Legislature,
I welcome you once again in this august Assembly with my greetings
and best wishes. I am happy to note that the year that has slipped
past us has, despite the initial difficulties, sustained the
democratic processes and I hope that we shall in the ensuing year
find a greater measure of fulfilment of the aspirations of the
people in Manipur.
LAW & ORDER
The general law and order situation in the Manipur valley continues
to be generally under control. The marginal increase in crime in the
State in the year 1974 compared to the previous year was largely due
to increased coverage provided by the Police during the year
1973-74. My Government continues to deal with crime with firmness
and increasing efficiency. In the Hill districts, the underground
insurgent activities remained alive during the year 1974. Although
paucity of force was a serious handicap, all possible efforts were
made to keep the underground hostile activities adequately
contained. I congratulate the members of the Security Forces for the
success they have achieved in dealing with the insurgents. At the
same time my Government appeals to the misguided insurgents to
return to the path of peace and tranquillity and to give up
insurgency to take up development work in the interest of the State
and its welfare.
On the occasion of Republic Day 1975 my Government released 3 life
convicts and 9 long term convicts and granted special remission to 5
life convicts. My Government has also withdrawn all cases registered
in regard to and as an aftermath of the September 1973 incident in
so far as the general public are concerned. It has also withdrawn
various cases against some of the ring leaders and persons connected
with the co-called Revolutionary Government of Manipur.
FINANCE
The current financial year started with an optimistic note and the
financial transactions of the year were expected to result in a
marginal surplus. However, large unbudgeted liabilities, mainly
relating to the purchases made in the past through D.G.S. & D.
and settlement of discrepancies in the figures of the State’s
deposit account with the Reserve Bank of India, had to be met during
the year. These have seriously affected the resources of the State.
The situation demanded that my Government should save even from out
of the budgeted provisions in order to keep the total spending under
control. While a part of the unforeseen liabilities are being met by
exercising economy in non-plan expenditure and by stepping up the
collection of revenue, my Government has sought special assistance
from the Central Government for meeting the remaining part of the
unforeseen financial burden. The position in the coming year is,
however, likely to improve though the need for exercising utmost
economy in non-plan expenditure will continue to be there so that
maximum resources can be diverted for financing development
activities in the State. The size of the Annual plan for the coming
year is yet to be settled with the Planning Commission. My
Government has also taken steps for tapping additional resources for
the Plan and the expected additional yield during 1975-76 is Rs.
75.00 lakhs. Efforts are being made to step up the collection of
Revenue. The Taxation and Excise Departments are being re-organised.
A proposal to constitute a Finance & Accounts Service is also
under active consideration for ensuring better management and
control of the finances of the State. A separate Cadre for Finance
& Treasuries in Class III Service has also been created to
streamline working of Treasuries.
My Government is fully alive to the needs of improving the
emoluments and service condition of its employees, notwithstanding
the financial difficulties being faced by it. The basic needs of the
employees have been taken into account and the Pay Commission’s
report is in the process of examination and implementation, as a
result of which every employee will be assured of a minimum raise of
Rs. 31.00 per month. My Government has also decided to provide
social security to the families of Government employees by taking a
Group Insurance cover for all the employees.
PLANNING
Planning for development is a continuous process. The broad social
and economic objectives as formulated in the 5th plan of this State
have been incorporated in an overall outlay of Rs.91.77 crores
which, as you are aware, is nearly three times the size of the 4th
plan. Although the outlay for the Annual Plan for 1975-76 proposed
by the Planning Commission was of the tune of Rs. 12.78 crores, my
Government has been making positive and reasoned effort to apprise
the Planning Commission of some basic issues such as increase in the
quantum of market borrowings and improvement in the formula for
Central assistance which are relevant to the financial well being of
Manipur State. As a result of the revision of the formula it would
be possible to expect an Annual Outlay of a higher order. Besides
the national priorities given to the Agriculture and Power sectors,
my Government has taken care to aim at improvement of the
infra-structure, with particular reference to communication, power,
credit, skills and entrepreneurship, and the stabilization of the
economy with emphasis on Agriculture and Food production, and
optimum exploitation of industrial resources, etc.
LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT
My Government is making serious efforts to place the labour movement
on a proper footing and to improve the relations of the Government
with the Trade Unions. The minimum wage for a labourer is being
increased to Rs. 6/- per day. Industrial Training Institutes have
been established at Karong and Tamenglong and it will be the
endeavour of my Government to provide more employment opportunities
in the State in the coming year. Full-fledged Employment Exchanges
will be opened in the next year at 3 outlying headquarters to afford
opportunities for registration and employment to employment seekers.
The Labour Department is being strengthened and expanded suitably.
LOCAL SELF-GOVERNMENT
My Government has taken action for construction of vendor sheds at
different market places of Imphal Municipality and other Notified
Areas. Programme for the beautification of Imphal Town and for slum
clearance is being taken up soon, inclusive of the commencement of
the new Phase of Kangla Park, renovation of Purana Bazar, repairing
of the New Market and Lakshmi Bazar and erection of a Shahid Minar
at Bir Tikendrajit Park. While new important places will be declared
as Notified Areas, upgrading of some of the Town Committees into
Municipalities will also be taken up. Important towns will be
brought under the Master Plans. (My Government is contemplating also
to enact laws for the establishment of an Urban Development
Authority for Manipur and to convert Imphal Municipality into a
corporation).
EDUCATION
A Working Group consisting of 6 members, including 2 representatives
of the Jawaharlal Nehru University to be nominated by them in
consultation with the University Grants Commission, 2
representatives of the State Government, the Director of the
University Centre and the Director of the National Council of
Educational Research & Training has been set up for planning a
university to be started by the beginning of the 6th Plan.
My Government has taken a decision to introduce the 2-year Higher
Secondary course from the academic session 1975-76 in selected
Higher Secondary Schools. It is proposed to introduce a wide range
of vocational subjects in the proposed 2 year Higher Secondary
Course in due course. My Government has started giving
grants-in-aids to colleges in the District Headquarters in the Hill
Areas.
Introduction of text books for tribal dialects as language subjects
in the primary schools has been approved by my Government. Steps
have also been taken for translation of the N.C.E.R.T. text books on
social studies, sciences etc, into Manipuri and tribal dialects. My
Government have also approved of the introduction of Manipuri as a
medium of instruction upto High School standard with immediate
effect, and as a medium of examination upto High School Leaving
Certificate Examination from 1976. A review of the Manipur Education
Code already introduced earlier has been taken up. Some of the Rules
which have been adopted are in regard to (1) The Manipur Aided
College Employees (Service Conditions), (2) The Manipur Aided
College Employees (Leave), (3) The Manipur Non-Government Schools
and Colleges (Recognition), and (4) The Manipur Aided Secondary
Schools (Managing Committee), My Government have also decided to fix
the age of retirement of Aided School Teachers at 60. A separate
Directorate of Physical Education has been created. My Government
lays great emphasis on technical Education. The annual intake of the
Government Polytechnic has been raised from 70 to 120 in fulfilment
of the 5th Plan target for technical education. A part of the
Polytechnic will shift to its new building at Takyel by the time the
next working session starts. The aim is to convert the Polytechnic
into an Engineering College in due course.
HILL AREAS AUTONOMOUS DISTRICT COUNCIL
My Government have under active consideration the question of
transferring more responsibilities to the District Councils.
LEGISLATION
THE Assam Motor Vehicles Taxation (Manipur Amendment) Bill, 1974,
the Salaries and Allowances of Ministers (Manipur) (2nd Amendment)
Bill, 1974, and the Manipur Legislative Assembly Members, Salaries
& Allowances (1st Amendment) Bill, 1974 were introduced on 5th
July, 1974 in the Vidhan Sabha, and these Bills are likely to come
up for enactment in the present session of the Sabha. In addition to
these, my Government will introduce the following Bills in the
current session:-
(a) The Manipur Legislature (Removal of Disqualifications)
(Amendment) Bill, 1975.
(b) The Manipur Hill Areas (House Tax) Amendment Bill, 1975.
(c) The Indian Registration (Manipur Amendment) Bill, 1975.
(d) The Manipur Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 1975.
(e) The Manipur Town & Country Planning Bill, 1975.
(f) The Manipur Land Revenue & Land Reforms (Amendment) Bill,
1975.
(g) The Manipur Panchayati Raj Bill, 1975.
(h) The Manipur Municipalities Bill, 1975.
An amendment to the Hill Areas Autonomous District Council Act is
also contemplated by the Government.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
My Government made special effort for the construction of the Nungba-Tamenglong
Road which was completed upto a jeepable standard by the joint
effort of the Manipur Public Works Department and the Border Roads
Development Organisation. This road is now being widened to an
all-weather motorable standard under the auspices of the North
Eastern Council. Construction of important bridges such as Kakching,
Sekmai, Lamlong Likli and Ningomthong bridges is in full swing, and
the bridges are likely to be completed very soon. Work on Sekmaijing,
Thumbuthong, Mahariver bridges (Pallel-Chandel Road) and the bridge
on Nambul River connecting Mayang-Imphal Road to Naga Mapal Road
will also be taken up shortly. The North Eastern Council has already
agreed to take up the construction of Jiri-Tipaimuk Road under its
programme and the work on the road is being started afresh. The
Council has allotted Rs. 20 lakhs for this financial year for taking
up Nungba-Tamenglong and Jiribam-Parbung road. The Water Supply
Schemes at Ukhrul, Jiribam, Churachandpur, Karong and Mao and in
other rural areas are in advanced stage of construction and the
water reservoir at Chinga Hillock is being completed shortly.
Works on improving Imphal Water Supply and Distribution is in
progress.
My Government has started work on Singda, Iramsiphai and Khoupum
irrigation projects which were recently approved by the Planning
Commission. The Loktak Lift Irrigation Scheme is also making
satisfactory progress and is expected to be commissioned by 1976-77,
in time with the completion of the Loktak project.
FOREST
Forest being one of the main natural resources of the State, my
Government is planning to undertake a complete review of overall
forest policies, reorganisation of forest administration, raising
forest produce, and developing forest industries with the ultimate
objective of generating enhanced economic growth in the State.
My Government proposes to take up economic plantation of 900
hectares, construction of 10 km. and maintenance of 40 km of Forest
roads, reservation of 200 sq kms and demarcation of 120 km of
forests, cutting of 60 kms. of fire-lines, compilation of working
plan for 150 sq kms opening of 3 Range and 5 Beat Offices, opening
of 6 Research Centres, creation of a Forest Publicity Division,
compilation and publication of statistical data, opening of a Forest
School, training of 2 Forest Officers, 3 Rangers and 4 Foresters,
establishment of a sanctuary and zoo, construction of one Rest
House, one D.F.O.s office, 2 Range and Beat offices and installation
of a seasoning plant and saw mill. Under Minor Forest Produce scheme
a new item namely, plantation of rubber over an area of 50 hectares
has been taken up with the approval of the Planning Commission.
ANIMAL HUSBANDRY & VETERINARY
One Statistical Cell was opened towards the close of the year
1974-75 and the recruitment of the necessary staff is now underway.
Under a scheme of Training & Education, 11 students were sent
for qualifying in degree courses in Veterinary Science and 3
Veterinary Graduates and 2 other Veterinary Graduates were also sent
to different colleges in the country and outside India, respectively
for specialisation in different subjects. Ten other fresh students
and a few Veterinary graduates will also be deputed for graduation
and specialisation in different subjects under the Annual Plan for
1975-76. More than one lakh animals have so far been vaccinated
against different epidemic diseases upto the end of December 1974,
and one medicine and vaccine store has also been opened for
procuring medicines and the vaccines centrally for further
distribution to the districts. My Government is putting emphasis on
the poultry production programme, and the piggery development
programme in addition to the cattle development programme. The
1975-76 Annual Plan has been suitably modified to provide for a
prospective scheme of opening of a State Cattle Farm with a view to
produce the required number of pure breed animals to meet the demand
of the State.
PANCHAYAT & COOPERATION
My Government has taken steps for the enactment of a law of its own
to replace the present U.P. Panchayati Raj Act, 1974, as extended to
Manipur. The proposed Manipur Panchayati Raj Bill is under active
examination of the Government and is calculated to provide for wider
ramification in the Panchayati Raj Movement. Training and study
tours, both for officials and non-officials, have been conducted and
3 Pradhans have so far been sent out.
The emphasis is now on developing institutional agencies in the
cooperative sector to meet the growing demand for Agricultural
Credit and re-organisation of Agricultural Credit societies; and
consolidation and rehabilitation of other types of cooperatives,
including consumer cooperatives, are going to be taken up. Manipur
Whole-sale Cooperative Society opened a Departmental Store at Paona
Bazar, Imphal under the name of Sanakeithel with financial
assistance received from the Government of India and the State
Government, as a result of which the Whole-sale Society has been
able to increase its sale considerably and to attract more and more
customers. Sub-branches are also being opened. Under the
Half-a-Million Job Programme, 5 Graduates and 33 Matriculates have
so far been given employment through the implementation of different
schemes.
AGRICULTURE
One of the highlights of our agricultural successes is that, against
the target of 16,000 hectares during 1974-75, 30,000 hectares were
brought under high yielding varieties. In other words, my Government
had already achieved the 5th Plan target of 30,000 hectares (as
planned earlier) by the end of the 4th Plan. As a result, the price
of rice is lower than in any other part of the country. Production
of rice in Manipur went up as a result of introduction of irrigation
by constructing seasonal dams across rivers, rivulets, digging
canal, drainage and application of fertilizers and insecticides. In
1974-75 only 4,000 hectares were brought under double-cropping in
rice. This year our target is 10,000 hectares, both in the hills and
plains. My Government is trying to increase production of wheat,
potato, pulses, oil-seeds and other rabi crops. I note with
satisfaction that as against the production target of 2.71 lakh
M.Tonnes of food-grains in the 4th Plan, the achievement was around
2.83 lakh M.Tonnes. Similarly the likely achievement in respect of
food-grains production this year is around 3.09 lakh M.Tonnes as
against the target of 3.05 lakh M.Tonnes. This achievement has been
kept in view while fixing the target of 3.19 lakh M.Tonnes of
food-grains for 1975-76. For horticulture, village-wise approach has
been adopted with success. Soil Conservation work has been
channelled through the Hill Areas District Councils on village basis
to replace Jhum cultivation. This will receive greater attention
next year as the N.E.C. has sanctioned a Pilot Project for Jhum
control in the catchment area of Iril watershed. Besides, my
Government is giving full encouragement to terrace cultivation.
MEDICAL
It is gratifying that the students of the Regional Medical College
secured the second, the seventh and the eighth position in the 1st
M.B.B.S. Examination under the University of Gauhati held in
December, 1974 and January, 1975 and the percentage of pass in the
said Examination was 45%. My Government is also doing its best for
completion of buildings for 3 new Primary Health Centres and 9
Primary Health sub-centres. Two 30-Bedded District Hospitals and two
30-Bedded Rural Hospitals have also been approved by my Government
and a new Dental Unit has been opened at Ukhrul. Stipends for 110
students were awarded for training in M.B.B.S. in various colleges
and 9 doctors were deputed for Post Graduate studies. Training of 19
regular Nurses has been completed and another batch of 25 has been
recruited for training. Six Lady Health Visitors were deputed during
the year for training at Lady Reading Health School, New Delhi.
The posts of one Radiologist, one Physiologist, one Radiographer and
2 X-Ray Technicians have been created. 5 Professors have been
appointed in the Regional Medical College, Imphal. One Drug
Inspector was sent on a course and one doctor sent on Leprosy
Training.
A significant feature of the next year’s Annual Plan is the
sanction of Rs. 1 crore by the North Eastern Council for completing
construction of the Regional Medical College. Another amount of
Rs.30 lakhs has also been sanctioned for the current financial year.
REVENUE
3 important amendments of the existing legislation in respect of (1)
The Manipur Hill Areas (House Tax) Act, 1966, (2) The Indian
Registration Act, 1908 as applicable to Manipur and (3) The Manipur
Land Revenue and Land Reforms Act, 1960 are proposed to be
introduced during the current session. The objective of the
amendment is to increase, even though not substantially, the
resources of the State. As the Hon’ble Members are aware, the rate
of Hill House Tax at the rate of Rs.3/- per house was fixed in 1891
and the proposal is to increase it to Rs.10/- per house. In the Bill
for amendment of the Indian Registration Act, 1908, it is proposed
to insert suitable clauses for grant of licences, fixation of rates
and other terms and conditions of the Deed Writers. The third
amendment is calculated to fix a ceiling on holdings and to fix a
date for their introduction as also for exemption and compensation
for land acquired and for distribution of surplus land.
As last year, continued, concerted efforts have been made for the
liquidation of the heavy arrears of land revenue and other
Government dues. The total demand in respect of land revenue, as on
1.1.75 was Rs. 64 lakhs, approximately. Out of this, the arrears
demand alone was over rupees forty lakhs. In respect of outstanding
loans due for recovery, an amount of over rupees seventy one lakhs
was outstanding on 1.1.74 in the valley areas of the State only.
From the beginning of the current financial year, the land revenue
collection upto date was Rs.13.37 lakhs and it is hoped that by the
end of the current financial year the targeted figures, for the
current financial year, of rupees twenty lakhs would be achieved. In
respect of recovery of outstanding loans the achievement is not
equally satisfactory. It is, however, hoped that the targeted figure
of Rupees eight lakhs for the current financial year would be
achieved.
In the case of Hill Districts where the main source of revenue is
the Hill House Tax, an amount of Rs.2.24 lakhs has so far been
realised from 1.1.74.
FOOD & CIVIL SUPPLIES
The overall food position in the State is satisfactory. My
Government made concerted and detailed planning for food production,
procurement and distribution of food grains throughout the State
through fair price shops/ration shops. During the lean period of
1974, 5,200 M.Tonnes of rice, 1,200 M.Tonnes of paddy and 1,062
M.Tonnes of wheat were distributed.
The Paddy production in the State during Kharif season, 1974-75, was
comparatively better. An intensive procurement drive had been
undertaken by my Government with financial assistance from the F.C.I.
As a result, a total quantity of 55,000 quintals of paddy has
already been procured. The procurement operation is still
continuing.
The position of supply of Kerosene oil, sugar, cement and motor
tyres is satisfactory. There is however shortage of G.C.I. sheets
but my Government has taken appropriate steps to ensure supply of
G.C.I. sheets also.
My Government levied a permit fee of fifty paise per quintal from
16th October, 1974 on export of maize outside the State. The permit
fee was raised to Re.1/- per quintal from 1st January, 1975. A
revenue of over Rs.60,000/- has so far been earned by the State on
this account.
On the request of my Government the Centre has agreed to treat
Imphal as the railhead in respect of fertilizers. Action is being
taken for extension of the same facility in respect of other
commodities too. My Government is also taking active steps to
control prices through price Fixation Committees and other agencies.
MANIPUR STATE TRANSPORT
With the completion of some of the buildings at Mantripukhri a part
of the workshop and stores section has been shifted to the new site,
relieving much congestion. Hon’ble members are aware that there is
a proposal for converting M.S.T. into a corporation to enable it to
draw upon institutional finance. The General Manager was sent to
study the working of the State Transport Corporations of Delhi,
Himachal Pradesh and Tripura and the scheme is now taking concrete
shape. The Department operated daily 1334 km for city service, 2184
km. for district service, 1161 km. for Inter-state service on an
average, and the average daily earning for city, district and
inter-state services were Rs.854/-, Rs.1,935/- and Rs. 2,328/-,
respectively during the year 1974-75. The department carried 25.65
lakhs passengers and transported 4,23,930/- quintals of goods from
Dimapur to Imphal during the year 1973-74, as against 3,49,812
quintals in 1972-73. The estimated borrowing and non-borrowing
Revenue receipts were Rs. 102.39 lakhs as against an estimated
revenue expenditure of Rs. 96 lakhs during 1973-74. The M.S.T.
trained 50 Matriculates in Motor Mechanics for six months under
Half-a-Million Jobs programme. So far an amount of Rs.2,40,590/- has
been advanced to 34 loanees for purchase of vehicles under the
Scheme.
Steps are being taken to add a number of trucks and buses to the
M.S.T.fleet and 10 chassis have already been received, and 6 others
are being used for body construction.
My Government is making efforts through the North Eastern Council
for extension of the railways to Jiribam. The survey work has
already been completed.
SERVICES & SECRETARIAT ADMINISTRATION
Considerable headway has been made in framing of Recruitment Rules,
new Service Rules for Cadres, progressive liquidation of ad-hoc
appointments, confirmation of eligible Manipur Police Service
Officers, and Manipur Civil Service Officers, preparation of select
lists for the I.A.S. and I.P.S. reservation for Scheduled Castes
and Scheduled Tribes etc. It is the policy of my Government to
streamline the system of recruitment, promotion, maintenance of
A.C.Rs, and to generally tone up working of the Services in the
State.
A total of Rs. 10 lakhs has been deposited with the C.P.W.D, New
Delhi for expeditious construction of the Manipur Bhavan at
Ramkrishna Puram.
ELECTRICITY
Action is being taken by my Government to install one 132/33 KV
receiving sub-stations at Yurembam so as to enable the State to
utilise the power from Loktak Project. This sub-station will cater
for the distribution of power both in the Hills and the valley
through 33/11KV sub-stations. The state is also executing 2
inter-state lines for feeding the requirements of the North Eastern
Region when Loktak Power is available. The overall supply of power
against the demand continues to be inadequate. The Department has
taken up the installation of one 1060 KW Diesel generating set
procured from Gujarat Electricity Board and 8 numbers of 248KW new
diesel generating sets.
The Department is being strengthened consistent with the increasing
work-load.
INDUSTRIES
My Government proposes to appoint shortly, an Industrial Advisor to
step up the industrialisation process. A Project Officer for the
Spinning Mill is also expected to join shortly for taking concrete
steps for installation of the Mill. Hon’ble Members would be glad
to know that a letter of intent for setting up of a Pulp & Paper
Mill at Chandighat in Jiribam and an insulated Paper Mill at Karong
has been granted by the Government of India. Appointment of a
Project Manager for this is also under consideration of my
Government. Similarly a letter of intent for setting up a 125
M.Tonnes, Insulating Paper Mill based on pine has also been received.
Thirty two new sales depots were opened for the sale of handloom
products and a Weavers Service Centre of the Government of India is
being established. A separate Handloom & Handicraft Corporation
is being set up for meeting the needs of the handloom weavers in
Manipur.
Steps are also being taken to take up more small scale and Khadi
& Village Industries such as a number of Gobargas plants.
Hon’ble members, I wish to conclude my address by wishing all
success to the women of Manipur , alongside the women of the rest of
India, and indeed the world, and also congratulate them in their
march towards constructive activities in all spheres of welfare in
this International Women’s Year. I hope that their endeavours
would prove fruitful for the betterment of society as a whole.
Although women are not represented in this Assembly, they
nevertheless can play a significant role in achieving the overall
social, political stability and economic progress of this State.
Finally, I wish you all complete success in your deliberations.
JAI HIND
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