The House assembled at 11.00  am. of Wednesday, the 6th August, 2003 in the Assembly Hall with the Hon’ble  Speaker in the Chair. 

MEMBERS  PRESENT: 

            Hon’ble Chief Minister, 25 Cabinet Ministers, Chairman (Hill Areas Committee),   Hon’ble Deputy Speaker, 9 Ministers of State and  21 Elected Members. 

QUESTIONS: 

            (a)       In reply to Starred Question No. 504, asked by Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA regarding the State policy for the upliftment of Sagol Kangjei, the Hon’ble Minister                        (Youths Affairs and Sports) made a reply. 

            (b)       In reply to Starred Question No. 505, asked by Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA regarding the nutritious food provided to Anganwadi Centres, the Hon’ble MOS (Social                        Welfare) gave a reply.                                   

            (c)       In reply to Starred Question No. 506 &  513, asked by Shri Erabot Yumkham, MLA  regarding  the number of land encroachers and allotment of land, the                        Hon’ble Minister  (Revenue) made a reply. 

            (d)       In reply to Starred Question No. 507, asked by Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA  regarding the allotment of land at Moirang INA Complex, the Hon’ble Minister                        (Revenue) gave a reply. 

            (e)       In reply to Starred Question No. 508,  asked by Shri P.S. Henry Paotei, MLA regarding the number of IAS cadre post in the State,  the Hon`ble Chief Minister                         made a reply. 

            (f)        In reply to Starred Question No. 509,  asked by Shri Vivek Raj Wangkhem, MLA  regarding the allotment of S.K. Oil Extension Counters, the Hon`ble Minister                        (FCS) gave a reply.                                    

            (g)       In reply to Starred Question No. 510, asked by Shri B.D. Behring, MLA regarding the vehicular pollution rate in Imphal City, the Hon`ble Minister (Forest &                        Environment) made a reply. 

            (h)       In reply to Starred Question No. 511, asked by Shri S. Chandra Singh, MLA regarding the historical protected areas,    the Hon’ble Minister (Arts & Culture)                        made a reply.  

            (i)        In reply to Starred Question No. 512, asked by Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA regarding the public debt and liabilities of the State, the Hon`ble Chief Minister                         gave a reply. 

            (j)        In reply to Starred Question No. 514, asked by Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA regarding the Manipur feature films and producers entitled to get Government subsidy,                        the Hon`ble  Minister (Arts & Culture)  gave a reply.

            (k)       In reply to Starred Question No. 515, asked by Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA regarding the preservation of Sangai and Keibul Lamjao National Park, the                                    Hon`ble  Minister (Forest &  Environment) gave a reply. 

 Answer to Unstarred Question No. 34 was laid on the Table as written reply.

NOTICE  OF  BREACH  OF PRIVILEGE: 

            The Hon’ble Speaker announced that he received a notice of a Breach of Privilege jointly submitted by Dr. Nimaichand Luwang and Shri O. Joy Singh, MLAs. He asked the Hon`ble Member to make a statement. 

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA referring to the 27th July, 2003 Iramdam and 30th July, 2003 Sanaleibak editions, quoted some portion of the news items. He said that the derogatory comments made against the House amounts to contempt of the House and a breach of privilege of the Members. 

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA observed that the remarks made by some organisation to the 60 Members of the House on the issue of Manipur integrity was unfortunate. Regarding a statement made by an intellectual on the proposed “Organised Crime Bill” , he said that until and unless the Bill was introduced no comment could be made. He further stated that such trends of comments and accusations would lower the dignity of the House and expressed the need to uphold democracy.  

            The Hon’ble Speaker admitted the motion after the House granted leave. 

            The Hon`ble Speaker sought the opinion of the House for a decision.  

            Shri C. Doungel, Minister (Forest & Environment) wanted that the matter be examined properly and expressed the view that a hasty decision  might not be a wise step.    

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA suggested that the matter be referred to the Committee of Privileges for a detailed examination. 

            Dr. M. Nara Singh, Minister (Arts & Culture) also expressed the necessity for a thorough examination and wanted the matter to be referred to the Committee of Privileges. 

            The Hon’ble Speaker referred  the matter to the Committee of Privileges. 

CALLING   ATTENTION: 

            Shri N. Bihari Singh, MLA called the attention of the Arts & Culture Minister on the selection of tableau design of the State for the Republic Day Celebration, 2004 at New- Delhi. 

            He quoted the 2nd August, 2003 Poknapham edition regarding the irregularities in the selection of tableau design. He said that no timely notification was published and that there was corruption in the selection process. Queries were made regarding the two selected persons and the themes of the design. He asked whether the expert Committee of the selection knew the selection norms and added that it might lower the image of the State. He said that the selection should be rescheduled and actions should be taken against the Expert Committee members and Director, Arts & Culture. 

            Dr. M. Nara Singh, Minister (Arts & Culture) said that no error was found in the selection procedure. He mentioned the different criteria in the tableau designing recommended by the Defence Ministry. He said that DIPR was informed for the notification in the local papers on June 25th, 2003 to submit the tableau design and sketches within July 15th, 2003. He informed the House that the final selection would be done by the Centre. The recommendation was done by a Committee under his supervision on 29th July, 2003 at 9.30 am. at the Manipur State Museum, he further added. 

           Shri N. Bihari Singh, MLA reiterated the charge that timely notification was not made through local dailies and wanted a fresh selection. 

            The Hon’ble Speaker directed that the matter be settled  between the Hon’ble Minister and the Hon’ble Member. 

DISCUSSION  AND  VOTING  ON  DEMANDS  FOR  GRANTS, 2003-2004: 

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister moved Demand No, 13- Labour and Employment, Demand No. 14- Development of Tribal and Scheduled Castes, Demand No. 16- Cooperation and Demand No. 47- Minorities & Other Backward Classes for discussion. The Demands were clubbed for a joint discussion.  

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA moving cut motions expressed that various communities were gathered in the august House having the same interest to work for the welfare of the State. He urged the T.D. Minister to perform the Tribal Welfare activities effectively in the interior areas. He made a remark that the Department had become Tribal Warfare Department. On Labour and Employment, he said that the Compulsory Notification Act must be strictly followed. The approved rate of minimum wages should be paid to workers and that the Department must pay attention towards that end, he said.  

Hon’ble Speaker adjourned the House at 1.00 pm. till 2.00 pm. of the day. 

The afternoon Session resumed at 2.05 pm. 

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA continuing urged the  Labour Minister to properly implement the Labour Acts in the State. Highlighting the role of Press, he charged the Government for not implementing R.K. Manisana Wage Board recommendation and added that efforts should be made to enhance the wages of the pressmen. He blamed the Department for violation of MOU and said that appointments in the ITI Centres were made without the recommendation of the Committee of Officers’ headed by the Chief Secretary and the concurrence of Finance Department. He also pointed out the irregularities in the Directorate of Craftsman Training Institute.  

            Shri B. D. Behring, MLA moving cut motions pointed out the failure to implement the Sixth Schedule in the hills and  reminded that Union Home Ministry had sought clarification of the term “Local Area Adjustment” made in the State Government’s recommendation for extension of the Sixth Schedule to Manipur. He said that the reservation policy for SC/ST was not properly implemented. He further said that a separate and suitable Land law should be introduced in the hills. He expressed concern over the implementation of pension scheme for District Council employees and charged that the Government had delayed its implementation. He pointed out various irregularities in the utilisation of funds of different schemes and projects under the Tribal Development funds and wanted the concerned Minister to clarify and take up prompt action in this regard. Regarding Cooperation Department he highlighted irregularities in the implementation of ICDP in Thoubal and Churachandpur and added that beneficiaries were selected beyond the guidelines. 

            Shri I. Hemochanra Singh, MLA moving a cut motion charged the Labour Minister for failure in the implementation of Minimum Wages despite his assurances and wanted a clear cut policy in this respect. Highlighting the grievances of muster roll and casual employees in IFCD, he drew the attention of the Minister to increase their salaries. Regarding Cooperation Department, he said that a fresh election for Board of Directors in Imphal Urban Cooperative bank should be conducted very soon. He pointed out irregularities in the T.D Department and said that Tribal Development funds for Churachandpur District had been misappropriated. He wanted a final report from the T.D Minister in this regard. He further highlighted the misappropriation case in the District Council Engineering Cell that an EE had misappropriated some of its funds and wanted to constitute a House Committee to make a thorough enquiry into the matter.           

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA moving cut motions insisted the concerned Minister to streamline the service condition in the Employment Department. He pointed out irregularities in the Engineering Cell under T.D Department. Regarding Cooperation Department he highlighted irregularities in implementing ICDP Schemes and expressed that loans for Apex Housing Cooperative Society were not recovered properly. He said that bogus payment of loans caused irregularities and wanted a House Committee to look into the matter. Talking on the M & OBC, he said that Muslims had been receiving double benefit of scholarships and added that all the officials in the Minority Office were mostly Muslims. He wanted to make Central Services Recruitment Rules for OBCs and further said that necessary steps must be taken to facilitate the issue of OBC certificates. 

            Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA moving cut motion pointed out the gross negligence and unhealthy practices in all spheres of the Cooperative Department including the publication of the Administrative Report. He said that political advantage was taken due to the non- existence of a transfer policy of the Department. He critically commented the inclusion of many unregistered bodies in the training conducted by the Department and further pointed out various mismanagements and irregularities in the implementation of different schemes including ICDP. He also emphasised the need to follow a Cooperative Policy already announced by the Central Government.  

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA moving cut motions said that the present problem of Hill and Valley divide was due to the failure of tribal Ministers and MLAs of successive Government to implement the Tribal Development programmes to the grassroots level and that it had been wrongly conceived by the tribals as exploitation by the valley people. He further expressed that Deptt. of Cooperation, a department meant for employment generation had done very little in this direction. He also pointed out several irregularities in the management of Imphal Urban Cooperative Society, implementation of ICDP, assistance to Women Cooperative societies, selection of beneficiaries of minority and OBC etc. Referring to a resolution passed in the House on 16th July 1999 regarding an Employment Policy, he asked the Minister of its progress.  

            Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA participating in the Demand discussion sought a clarification from the Minister ( Cooperation) regarding the receipt of a letter of De- sanctioning of ICDP funds from the National Development Cooperation (NCDC). He also pointed out several irregularities in the selection of beneficiaries, purchasing of furniture and computers of ICDP schemes. He further questioned the reasons behind the purchase of Polycon Water Tank in T.D Department and not the local made Sangai Water Tank. He also stated that an MOU was violated by appointing several Road Mohoris. S.Os and a Deputy Director. 

            Shri Erabot Yumkham, MLA participating in the discussion said that the department of Minorities and OBC had several developmental programmes but were not properly implemented. He cited the problems and difficulties faced by actual OBCs in getting their certificates. He referred to the history of terming a certain community as minority and asked the Government to streamline the whole system. He also wanted  to know the member of the WAQF Board and alleged that many corrupt official were in the board. He also criticised the M&OBC Department for doing nothing for the development of the minorities. 

            Shri  Z. Mangaibaou, Minister (Labour and Employment) replying to the demand discussion highlighted the schemes implemented by the three units of his department. He informed the House that all the departments had been notified regarding the Compulsory Notification Act, 1959. He also informed that the recommendation of R.K. Manisana Wage Board could not be implemented due to various reasons but the revised rate was submitted for Cabinet approval and hoped that it would be implemented soon. He further clarified that MOU was not violated in the recruitment of ITI employees as the project was 100% Centrally funded and the post being technical, redeployment was not possible and that the appointment were on contract basis. He emphasised that various schemes and projects were taken up for the better future of the Youths. 

            Shri Ngamthang Haokip, Minister (TD) replying to the demand discussion highlighted the various schemes and programmes taken up by the SPF Government. He informed that various benefits were given to several needy families in the field of Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Carpentry, Medical aids like providing hearing aids, wheelchairs etc. He also highlighted the various infrastructure developments in schools,construction of marketing sheds, water reservoir, bridges, inter village roads and distribution of pre and post metric scholarships to the needy students. Regarding the implementation of Sixth Schedule he informed the House that the Chief Minister had written to the Central Government and a reply was expected soon. He clarified that reservation of SC/ST in Government service was under the Department of Personnel and not T.D. He further reaffirmed that district wise distribution of works and schemes were properly made. Regarding the complaint that funds were not received, he said it was due to the non release of fund by the Finance Department. Regarding the misuse of Tribal Welfare fund as alleged by some section he said that truth would be known after the submission of the Enquiry Commission Report. He further added that a committee was formed under his Chairmanship for amending the Village Authority Act. To the allegation that an officer of the District Council Engineering Cell had misused a huge amount of fund he said that an Officers Committee would be formed to investigate it and anybody found guilty would be suitably punished. 

            Shri Abdul Salam, Minister (Cooperation and M&OBC) replying to the demand discussion gave a brief historical background of the development of Cooperative movement in the State. He said till 2002-03 there were 4832 registered Cooperative Societies in the State with the membership of around 4,25,000. Under NCDC, 3 ICDP projects were set up in the State as a trial method, he said and further added that 3 more projects would be taken up one each in Imphal East, Imphal West and Ukhrul District. Election  for the elected board of the Imphal Urban Cooperative Bank, and Apex Housing Cooperative Society would be held very soon, he said. Recognising the contribution made by the women of the State, he informed that the Women Cooperative Bank which was delicensed was reopened on 16th April 2003. Replying to M&OBC he said that the department was bifurcated from Tribal Development in 1998 with a strength of only 24 employees. He said that the State Minority Commission would be opened up very soon. Regarding the payment of scholarship he said one pre-metric scholarship, 50% borne by the Central and 50% by the State and another post metric scholarship, 100% Central sponsored were given to students of M&OBC. He further added that a copy of the WAQF Board Members list would be made available to the Member.  

            Further clarification were sought by S/Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, S. Ibohal Singh, I. Hemochandra Singh, M. Bhorot Singh, BD Behring, O. Joy Singh, Ningthoujam Biren, M. Nilchandra Singh and Erabot Yumkham, MLAs. 

            Shri Z. Mangaibou, Minister (Labour and Employment) making further clarification said that the available documents would be tabled as sought by Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA.  

            Shri Ngamthang Haokip, Minister (TD) making further clarification said that the supply order of Polycon water container was made during the President Rule. He further added that the Ch. Birendra Enquiry Commission had finished its investigation and final report would be submitted very soon.  

            Shri Abdul Salam, Minister (Cooperation and M&OBC) said that officials deputed to the ICDP projects were those trained at Haryana. Clarifying about Kishan Credit Card, he said that Rs. 50 lakhs from NABARD were given to the card holders and another Rs 300 lakhs had been proposed to NABARD.  

            Chief Minister Shri O. Ibobi Singh moved for the passing of Demand No. 13- Labour and Employment, Demand No.  14- Development of Tribal and Scheduled Caste, Demand No. 16- Cooperation and Demand No.  47- Welfare of Minorities and Other Backward Classes for passing. 

            All the cut motions were withdrawn and demands were passed unanimously by the House.  

            The Hon`ble Speaker adjourned the House at 7.50pm. till 11.00 am. of Thursday, the 7th August, 2003.