* SUMMARY LIST OF GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS  

ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, THE GOVERNOR OF MANIPUR, SHRI OUDH NARAYAN SHRIVASTAVA, TO THE MANIPUR LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY ON 19-03-1999.

Hon’ble Mr. Speaker and Hon’ble Members,

I have great pleasure in welcoming you all to this 14th Session of the 6th Manipur Legislative Assembly. As this is the first Session in the current year, I take the privilege of wishing you all, and the people of Manipur, a very happy and prosperous year. During the past one year I am very happy to see several outstanding achievements my Government has made.

2.1 My Government has been making serious efforts to improve the general law and order including the insurgency problems. My Government believes in solving the problem of insurgency through peaceful negotiations. I sincerely appeal to the insurgents to come forward to lay down arms and adopt democratic approach for resolution of their problems. My Government is committed to maintaining peace. It shall continue to instil, in the common man, a sense of security by ensuring normalcy in the law and order situation in the State and protecting the territorial integrity of Manipur.

2.2 Hon’ble Members, the Kuki-Zomi clashes in Churachandpur District have been contained and normalcy restored. The ethnic clash claimed the lives of 352 persons, injured 136 and reduced 4670 houses to ashes. After the formation of the present Government a High Level Committee with the Hon’ble Chief Minister as the Chairman, assisted by a Sub-Committee under the Chairmanship of the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister was constituted. At the initiative of the Committee a final peace accord was signed in October, 1998. With the signing of the Final Peace Agreement the people of Manipur, particularly those residing in Churachandpur heaved a sigh of relief. The long cherished peace was welcomed with open arms. To enable the State Govt. to follow up relief and rehabilitation measures the Govt. of India sanctioned a sum of Rs. 123.95 lakhs for payment of ex-gratia to the affected families. In addition, the Govt. of India released another Rs. 4.67 crores for construction of 4670 houses to rehabilitate the victims who had been displaced during the ethnic disturbances. Steps for reconstruction of the houses have been started. 

2.3 The ‘Rapid Action Police force’ has been established exclusively to deal with counter insurgency. New Commando Units equipped with sophisticated weapons and new vehicles have been set up and posted at vulnerable and disturbed areas for continuous counter insurgency operations. Moreover, two Indian Reserve Battalions (IRB) have been raised for counter insurgency operations. The Bomb Disposal Squad has made significant achievement in the detection and disposal of bombs. During the period from January, 1998 to December 1998 the State Police Force with the aid of the CRPF, AR and Army arrested 1094 extremists belonging to various UG outfits, 78 others were killed while a total of 292 number of assorted weapons like LMGs, M-16s, AK-47/56 Rifles, Rocket Launchers, and 6648 rounds of ammunition were recovered. Rs. 1,68,000/- (Rupees one lakh sixty eight thousand) was seized from the extremists during the same period. 

3.1 Hon’ble Members, I am happy to mention that not only were the 5th National Games, 1999 held successfully but our sportspersons convincingly proved that given the opportunity they can do wonders. The most heartening achievement is the brilliant performance of our sportspersons surpassing all expectations by winning the Raja Bhalendra Singh Trophy, the Overall Championship Trophy. My Government has decided to observe every year the 25th February as the Players’ Day (Sanaroisingi Numit). Cash Award of over Rs. 62 lakhs were also given to the medal winners from Manipur.

3.2 The construction of Sports Infrastructure at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex was completed for the Games in a record time which boast of the following facilities:

- Main Stadium with Synthetic Track.
- Swimming Pool with gallery of 2000 capacity and diving pool with gallery of 1200 capacity.
- Indoor Stadium with seating capacity of 2200. 
- Cycle Velodrome with Gallery of 1200 capacity.
- Boxing Arena with gallery – 2 Nos.
- Kang Hall for Indigenous Game.
- Indoor Shooting range of 50, 25 and 10 m.
- Practice Field for Hockey and Football. 
- A 100 bedded Sports Hostel. 
- Construction of Rowing Canal, Compound Wall and drains.
- 4500 capacity Hockey Stadium with Astro-Turf

3.3 In addition to the facilities provided in the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, the following sports infrastructure at other venues were also created :

- Improvement and renovation including gallery & lighting for the Dr.Kamal Indoor Stadium, Manipur University, Canchipur. 
- Improvement of approach road and providing extra lighting for the RIMS Gymkhana at Lamphelpat. 
- Construction of floating jetti, boat house, change room etc. at Takmu (Loktak Lake).
- Construction of foot-ball ground with gallery at Kodompokpi,
- Improvement of Centenary Hall, Manipur University, Canchipur, 
- Improvement of Indoor Hall, D.M.College, 
- Construction of three Tennis Courts, Lamphelpat, 
- Improvement of THAU ground,
- 800 houses constructed at the National Games Village, Langol. The Project cost of the National Games village was Rs. 62.83 crores. The constructed buildings at the National Games Village will be disposed of by sale partly to the State Govt. Departments and partly to the public. Hon’ble Members, with the support of the State Government and with the full cooperation from various Departments and the people of Manipur, the improvement of the Mapal Kangjeibung Pologround including construction of gallery on the western side etc. was completed and dedicated to the people of Manipur on the 24th November, 1998. The total cost of the project is Rs. 237 lakhs of which Rs. 55.40 lakhs was one time grant of the State Government and the rest through public donations.

4.1 Hon’ble Members, I am happy to say that my Government had agreed to revise the pay scales of the employees on the pattern of the Central R.O.P., 1997 and accordingly the Manipur Services (Revised Pay) Rules, 1999 has been notified granting the benefits w.e.f. 1/1/96. In spite of the acute financial crunch the State is facing and also the additional burden to be borne on account of the revisions of pay, my Govt. has also agreed to extend to the employees the different allowances that the Central Govt. employees are entitled to. The revision of pay scales implies an additional expenditure to the tune of Rs. 11.4 crores per month over and above the average monthly expenditure on salary of Rs. 35.00 crores. With the revision of pay scales, the monthly expenditure on salary alone is estimated to total 46.4 crores. Considering the limited resource position of the State and the additional funds required due to revision of pay scales, my Govt. has taken up the matter of streamlining its finances with the Central Govt. and various measures have been initiated to augment the resources of the State. The requirement on account of revisions of pay scales has also been projected to the eleventh Finance Commission for fixing Non Plan Grants for a deficit State like Manipur.

5.1 Hon’ble Members, my Government has been making every effort to accelerate the economic growth of the State. Provision of basic amenities under the short term measures while our effort is to upgrade the infrastructure facilities in terms of roads, power, irrigation, etc. as long term measures. Further, my Government have also been exploring to get various development projects funded externally. We have been able to complete the installation of KIOSKS/Ultra Filtration Unit, a water supply project in the Khuman Lampak with French assistance. Three more projects viz. Improvement of Imphal-Ukhrul Road, Improvement of Kangchup Water Supply Scheme and Ground Water Exploration at Potsangbam are also being taken up with French assistance. In addition to these, up-gradation and improvement of roads are taken up with World Bank assistance. Because of the initiative of my Government a 3rd National Highway has been sanctioned from Jessami to Aizawl via Ukhrul, Imphal Churachandpur and Tipaimukh. The up gradation and improvement of NH-53 have been started under non-lapsable Central Resources Pool. Further, on the request of my Government, Prime Minister’s “Express Highway” has been extended from Silchar to Imphal via Jiribam. Under NEC scheme, Tamei-Tenning Road and Tuivai-Bungpilon, Hanship-Bukpi Road were taken up. NEC has also agreed to accommodate 2 more Road projects viz. Mahadeva-Tolloi-Pfutsero (222km) and Saitual-Tuivai-Daido-Bukpi (167 kms). A 6-lane bridge was also constructed at Keishampat by dismantling the old bridge of 5.4 m width. Further, under BMS, a total road length of 660 kms have been constructed. 

6.1 On 27th June, 1998, the State Government constituted the Manipur Human Rights Commission. The Commission is constituted under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. With the constitution of the Commission, all matters of violation of human rights can be taken up by the State Commission within its jurisdiction. 

7.1 Hon’ble Members, I am happy to inform you that my Government has established a College of Technology with disciplines in Civil Engineering, Electronics Engineering and Computer Engineering. Various categories of Scholarships to 407 students for further studies have been provided. To encourage younger students of classes I to V to attend schools the scheme of Mid-Day-Meal is being implemented in the Government and Govt.Aided Primary Schools. By the end of December, 1998 a total quantity of 30550.20 quintals of rice has been distributed to cover 2,54,585 students. 

8.1 As livestock continues to play a major role in our economy, my Government has launched various schemes for the introduction of improved breed of animals and birds, improvement of animal health coverage and creation of self-employment through livestock and poultry activities. My Government has been taking up improvement of the indigenous Cattle wealth of the State through Cross Breeding Programme with exotic Germplasm by way of Frozen Semen technology. With regards to animal health coverage, 3.5 and 5.00 lakhs of animals and birds respectively were vaccinated during the current year. 

9.1 My Government is fully aware of the problem of availability of safe drinking water in villages and towns. During the year, 85 villages have been covered with safe drinking water and 500 units of individual household low cost pour flush latrines were constructed. There is an approved outlay of Rs. 1253.09 lakhs for Imphal Water Supply for 1998-99 and expenditure incurred up to the end of February 1999 is Rs. 723.86 lakhs. Augmentation of Moreh and Jiribam water supply schemes has been commissioned. Augmentation of Heirok water supply will be commissioned during the current year. The Beautification of Kangla Moat at an estimated cost of Rs. 1.45 crores has been taken up as part of beautification of Imphal city. Fencing all around the moat, with decorative grills, construction of foot-path, deepening of the northern side portion of the moat has been carried out for beautification of the city. 

10.1 Hon’ble Members, in addition to the 3541 old aged citizens who were being given old aged pension under Manipur Old Aged Pension Scheme, another 10400 beneficiaries have been covered under National Old Aged Pension Scheme. Scholarships have been awarded to 400 disabled students reading in different schools and vocational training imparted to destitute women and disabled persons. 

11.1 Hon’ble Members would be happy to note that a sum of Rs. 270 lakhs have been provided to the Manipur Spinning Mills Ltd. as part of rehabilitation package. With the infusion of fund, the Corporation has resumed production. Govt. of India has provided a sum of Rs. 2 crores for construction of two Trade Centres at Moreh and Imphal to facilitate the Indo-Myanmar Trade transaction. Construction of Trade Centre at Moreh has since been completed and it will be operationalised very soon. Export Promotion Industrial Park will be set up at Kakching with the Central assistance to the tune of Rs. 15 crores. To enhance handloom promotion, 14 projects had been sanctioned under Project Package Scheme and Rs. 69.65 lakhs has been released by Ministry of Textiles against the total allocation of Rs. 223.57 lakhs. With a view to take up steps for development of tourism related sectors, Tourism has been declared as an industry in the state.

12.1 A Project named “MANIPUR SERICULTURE PROJECT” has been started with the assistance of Japanese Government. To start the first phase of the said Project, Govt. of Japan has sanctioned Rs. 116.90 crores for five years commencing from 1998-99. M/S NIPPON KOEI CO.LTD., Japan has been entrusted the task of implementing the Project. 1556 farmers have been imparted training and have started plantation programme. 

13.1 The State received a sum of Rs. 99.69 lakhs as loan, share capital and subsidy from NCDC for construction of rural godowns, share capital to Primary Marketing Cooperation Societies etc. 

14.1 To facilitate better administration and to improve input delivery system, one office of District Agriculture Officer was opened in June, 1998 in Imphal West District with District Head Quarter at Lamphelpat. During the year, 377.49 MT of seeds of different kinds of improved and high yielding crop varieties were distributed to the farmers at subsidised rate. The level of consumption of fertilizer recorded an increase of 25% over the last year, 25 MT of Plant Protection Chemicals (Technical Grade) were distributed to cover 95,000 ha. In the field of Farm Mechanisation, 110 nos. of Power Tillers and 80 nos. of Sprinklers Sets were distributed during 1998-99. 52.9 ha of water area have been developed and brought under fish culture operation benefiting 106 nos. of fish Farmers and 105 nos. of fish Farmers were imparted training on scientific fish culture. A 25 MT capacity cold storage for storage of fish has been commissioned at Lamphelpat. 

15.1 Hon’ble Members, you are already aware of my Government’s concern in preservation and protection of environment. During the year, 22 schemes under Forestry and Wildlife sector were taken up. Emphasis has been laid on the plantation schemes such as Economic Plantation (Plantation of industrial and commercial species) and Social Forestry. Under Plantation sector Rubber Plantation Scheme is successful and started production. My Government has also initiated steps to establish a Forest Development Corporation in the state for scientific management and better economic return from the forest. A State Botanical Garden is also being opened in the Langol Hills at Khonghampat.

16.1 The Computerised Passenger Railway Reservation System (CPRS) Counter at Imphal is now linked to PRS of Calcutta, Delhi and Secundarabad enabling passengers to conveniently book their railway tickets from Imphal. Tickets worth over Rs. 1.50 cores were sold up to now during current financial year. 

17.1 My Government has accorded high priority to provide the health needs of the people in general and particularly to those living in rural and tribal areas of the State through a network of 420 PHSCs, 72 PHCs, 16 CHCs, 7 District Hospitals and 1 State Hospital. The national norm for establishment of Sub-Centres, PHCs and CHCs has been achieved. The CHC, Parbung and PHC, Maram were inaugurated during the year while the CHCs of Thoubal and Bishnupur were up graded to District Hospitals. Emphasis has been given to consolidate and strengthen the Health Centres by the addition of diagnostic and treatment equipments and rational deployment of various categories of health manpower to optimise the efficiency of their function with the limited resources. About 42% of the Doctors are now working in the hill and rural areas of Manipur. This is a significant achievement when compared with the rest of the country. It is hoped that with the addition of another 100 beds at J.N.Hospital over and above the sophisticated diagnostic and treatment facilities of ultrasonography, C.T. Scanner, Haemodialysis unit and implementation of cardiac pacemaker etc. the long-standing demand of the people will be fulfilled. Cases detected, cases discharged and health education under Leprosy Control Programme are more than 300% of the targets given by the Govt. of India. The performance of T.B. Control Programme is very much improved and with the approval of a World Bank Project for implementation of T.B. Control Programme in Imphal District, the necessary activities of the programme like drug supply and diagnostic facilities have been revamped. Under Family Welfare Programme, my Government could achieve more than cent per cent coverage of children between zero to five years under Special Pulse Polio Immunization operation. In addition, Family Welfare Department has started implementing reproductive Child Health Project sanctioned by the Government of India for accelerating mother and child health care programme in the State.

18.1 With a view to improving socio-economic condition of the SC&ST in the State, my Government has launched various family oriented and welfare schemes. The primary focus is on implementation of family oriented schemes, welfare schemes, welfare schemes and infrastructure development programmes. One of the major programmes is the extension of post matric scholarship to the students with 100% assistance from the Government of India. Already Rs. 5 crores have been released by the Government of India. The Manipur Tribal Development Corporation is a channelising agency for extending credit facilities to deserving persons with funds from 3 national level Corporations namely 1) National Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribe Finance & Development Corporation 2) National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation 3) National Minorities Development & Finance Corporation. The Corporations had secured over Rs. 10.99 crores for the benefit of the SC, ST, OBC and other minority communities and thus has provided an avenue for generating self employment opportunities to the unemployed youth. Considering the need for added focus to the development of the other backward classes and minority communities, my Government has constituted a separate Directorate of Minorities and other Backward Classes. My Government is also setting up a Residential School for ST students to be financed 100% by the Government of India. Rs. 100 lakhs has been released by the Government of India as first instalment out of the approved projects cost of Rs. 2.5 crores.

19.1 To enable the Panchayati Raj Institutions function as vibrant institutions of local self-government and also to implement and supervise schemes for economic development and social justice particularly in rural areas in this State, my Government has devolved powers and functions to the Panchayati Raj Institutions relating to the items listed in the 11th Schedule of the Constitution.

20.1 Hon’ble Members, I am glad to mention that the Government of India has sanctioned Rs. 10 crores for construction of a Cultural Complex at Imphal and also for improvement of INA Martyr’s Memorial out of which a sum of Rs. 447.17 lakhs has been released. Construction of Nupilal Memorial Complex has been taken up. Out of the total cost of Rs. 72 lakhs, it is my pleasure to mention that my State Government very kindly encouraged the construction by making a contribution of Rs. 35 lakhs. The remaining amount has been raised by public donations. The Memorial is being dedicated to the ‘Imas’ of Manipur very shortly. I and my State Government feel privileged in having been associated with this very noble venture.

21.1 My Government is committed to ensure the smooth working of the Public Distribution System. I am happy to inform the Hon’ble Members that the working of the Public Distribution System has been substantially improved. At present FCI has stored 60,000 qtls of rice at Imphal and hence the stock position is comfortable. The State have made arrangement for building buffer stocks of rice to store in the hilly centres at Tousem, Tamenglong, Kasomkhullen, Tipaimukh and Henglep which are difficult areas during the monsoon season, when roads are frequently disrupted.

22.1 Hon’ble Members may be aware that the power requirement is met by purchasing from Central Sector Generating Stations of this region. The maximum power available in the rainy season and the lean season are 80 MW and 52 MW, respectively. Heavy Fuel Based Power Project of 36 MW capacity under the Non-lapsable Central Resource fund has been taken up at Leimakhong. At the initiative of my Government, the Government of India has sanctioned Loktak Down Stream H.E. Project (3 X 30 MW Capacity) and NHPC has been entrusted for implementation. As an interim arrangement to improve the power supply position in the state, Electricity Department purchased 20 MW of power from the Meghalaya State Electricity Board for a period of one year. 132 KV transmission line from Kakching to Churachandpur will be completed this year. The construction of 33 KV double circuit line from Yurembam to Khuman Lampak via Iroisemba have been completed. The construction of 33 KV line from Hundung to Kamjong has also been completed. Construction works for installation of 33/11 KV sub-station at Saikul, Moreh and Nambol are in progress.

23.1 Hon’ble Members, the State produced 2,850 MT of fruits against the target of 3,000 MT and 2,500 MT of vegetables against the target of 2,780 MT. The regional Potato farm at Mao also produced 200 MT of foundation seed potatoes. During the year Magfruit factory produced 100 MT of finished products. The State aimed to increase production and productivity of horticultural commodities in the coming years. To contain the practice of jhuming in the hills, my Government, with Central Government’s assistance, is implementing 24 Watershed Development Project one in each Administrative Block in the hill districts. Another 10(ten) Micro-watershed projects are also being implemented under National Watershed Development Project for Rain-fed Areas.

24.1 Hon’ble Members, recently an Inter-State-Agreement between Assam and Manipur was signed for construction of “Jiri Irrigation Project”. Once completed, the Project will irrigate 2010 ha in Manipur and 3740 ha in Assam respectively. It will also supply 1.2 MGD of drinking water. The left canal system will be executed by the Government of Manipur and the right canal system will be executed by the Government of Assam. The Khuga Multi-purpose Project, which is targeted to be completed by 2001, is now in good progress and 60% of the work has since been completed. To accelerate the progress of work, Central Loan Assistance under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme has been obtained. Further, flood control schemes are being implemented for Imphal River, Thoubal River, Sekmai River, Iril River, Nambul River, Merakhong and Waishel River. The construction of the Thoubal Multi-purpose Project and the Dolaithabi Project are also in good progress. 

25.1 Hon’ble Members, for administrative convenience the office of SDO/Moreh has been upgraded to ADC. It has also been decided to create a new Sub-Division cum Block office called the Saitu-Gamphajol with Headquarters at Gamnom-Sapermeina. Further, for maintenance of law and order, it has been decided to upgrade the Wangoi and Porompat Police Outposts to Police Stations.

26.1 Hon’ble Members, I have presented before you, in brief, some areas of concern and the policy perspectives and programmes that my Government has implemented and will be implementing. I once again reiterate that my Government is committed to maintaining peace and social harmony in the State. I am sure that my Government will receive unequivocal co-operation of all Hon’ble members and the people of Manipur in its efforts aimed at solving the problems confronting our State and in its socio-economic development.

27.1 The purpose for which I have summoned this session of the State Assembly is to provide an opportunity to the Hon’ble members to participate in and deliberate upon the business of the House and the budget. I am sure the deliberations will be in the best interest of the people of Manipur. I now, with all my best wishes, leave you to your deliberations.

JAI HIND