The House assembled at 11.00  am. of Friday, the 8th 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 22 Elected Members.

QUESTIONS:

 (a)        In reply to Starred Question No. 521, asked by Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA regarding the selection of candidates for B.Sc Nursing course, the Hon’ble Minister (Health) made a reply.

 (b)        In reply to Starred Question No. 522, asked  by Shri N. Bihari Singh, MLA regarding the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme, the Hon’ble Minister (Minor Irrigation) gave a reply.

 (c)        In reply to Starred Question No. 523, asked by Shri S. Chandra Singh, MLA regarding the number of battalions of Central Security forces in Manipur, the Hon’ble Chief Minister made a reply.

(d)        In reply to Starred Question No. 524, asked by S/Shri O. Joy Singh and M. Bhorot Singh, MLAs  regarding the honorarium for Anganwadi workers, the Hon’ble MOS (Social Welfare) gave a reply.

(e)        In reply to Starred Question No. 525, asked by Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA regarding the non-completion of Kadangband and Kanto Achouba bridges, the Hon`ble  Minister (Works) made a reply.

(f)         In reply to Starred Question No. 526, asked by Shri B.D. Behring, MLA  regarding the soldiers from Manipur who died in the Kargil War, the Hon`ble Chief Minister  gave a reply.

(g)        In reply to Starred Question No. 527, asked by Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA regarding the allocated works for Tamenglong, the Hon`ble Minister (Works) made a reply.

(h)        In reply to Starred Question No. 528, asked by Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA regarding the NGOs receiving fund for Watershed Management, the Hon’ble Minister (RD & PR) made a reply.

            Answers to Unstarred Question Nos. 38 & 39 were laid on the Table as written replies.

ZERO - HOUR:

Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA raised matters regarding the D.C of Chandel District for not attending Chandel office for the last 40 days. He said that the D.C should immediately shift to the Chandel Head quarter.

          He said that the Judicial Stamp Paper, which cost Rs. 5, was presently sold at Rs. 15 by some black marketeers
and stressed the need to control them.

          He also highlighted the condition of the Ngakraba Bridge, which were still incomplete and caused inconveniences
to the public.

ANNOUNCEMENT  MADE  BY  THE  SPEAKER:

            The Hon’ble Speaker announced the term of reference of the House Committee constituted to investigate the illegal allotment of shops/stalls at Linthoingambi market.

            Term of reference of the House Committee shall be as under: -

            i.          To inquire into the circumstances leading to issue of allotment of Plots/Shops/Stalls by the Imphal Municipal Council from 1.1.2000 especially with reference to order Nos. IMC/B-City/Kh.B-1/2000 dated 19.2.2001, No.IMC/B-City/Kh.B.1/2000 dated 3.10.2001 and No.IMC/B-City/Kh.B.1/2000 dated 17.5.2003.

            ii.          To inquire and find out if any irregularity has been committed by the concerned Chairpersons, Councillors and Officers of IMC as well as the officers of the State Govt. both serving and/or retired in the allotment of Plots/Shops/Stalls in the IMC area.

            iii.         To consider the desirability of cancellation of any other allotment orders in public interest.

            iv.         To find out possibility of demolition of illegal/unauthorised Plots/Stalls/Shops in the IMC area which inter-alia would include Ima Market, Lakshmi Bazar, New Market and at B.T. Road, Surana Motors, Palace Gate, East of D.M. College (along NH-39).

            v.         To find out the acts of commission and/or omission on the part of those erring persons/officers of IMC and State Govt. and make appropriate recommendations to the State Govt. for taking suitable action against them under the Rules, etc.

            vi.         Generally.”

            The Hon’ble Speaker directed that the report of the Committee be presented within a month.

POINT  OF  ORDER:

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA raised a point of order regarding the Manipur Official Language (Amendment) Bill, 2003 which was not introduced in the House due to certain reasons on 25th July, 2003. He said that a fresh notice was given on 28th July 2003 and wanted the Bill be listed in the days business list.

            Hon’ble Speaker made a reminder of the recent agreement between the opposition and the treasury bench. He said that the matter could be raised during the next Session.

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA suggested that the matter be discussed in the Speaker’s Chamber during lunch break. He also raised a point of order regarding the advance intimation on the specific points to be discussed in the Appropriation Bill. He said that a specific time should be given to submit intimation for the conveniences of the Members.

            Hon’ble Speaker announced that the Assembly Secretariat would receive the advance intimation till 10.00 am of the next day in the interest of the House and the State.

ADOPTION  OF  COMMITTEE  REPORT:

            Shri L. Lala Singh, Deputy Speaker moved ‘ that the House agrees to adopt the 10th and 11th Report of the Rules Committee, 2003.’

            The House adopted the report.

CALLING  ATTENTION:

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA called the attention of the T.D. Minister on the alleged misappropriation of ROP arrears and increments for three years of 354 teachers of Ukhrul District Council by the Chief Executive Officer. He said that the arrear were sanctioned only on 25th March 2003 and the CEO had pocketed half of the amount while 15% of the amount was deducted by the cashier. He said that misappropriation of funds by the Government official was calculated at about Rs. 65,61,200. He observed that such practices had become the culture in the State. He sought a precise clarification from the Minister concerned.

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA expressed that such ongoing trends in Manipur was unfortunate. Queries were made regarding irregularities in the payment of ROP arrears and increments. He charged that some teachers drew salaries without performing their duties and said that necessary actions should be taken against them. He said a thorough enquiry should be conducted in the special interest of the tribal people.

            Shri Ngamthang Haokip, Minister (TD) said that on 4th August 2003, the Commissioner (Hills) sent a letter to the CEO for submitting a detailed report. The Minister informed the House that a report had been received on 7/8/2003 in which the CEO denied the charge leveled against him. He also mentioned a report published in Poknapham by the Ukhrul District Council Teachers Association that there was no such misappropriation. He assured the House that action would be taken against those involved in the matter if there were any irregularities.

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA refuting to the Ministers statement said that such serious matter should be handled effectively and demanded immediate action with regard to the alleged misappropriation of funds. He suggested that the DGP should be instructed to send a message to the SP Ukhrul to seize the AC rolls, payment registers and other relevant records and placed a report before the House.

            The Minister (TD) agreed to the suggestion of the MLA and said that no erring officials should be spared. He assured the House that the relevant documents would be tabled in the House on Monday.

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA appealed to the Deputy Speaker to issue an order to the appropriate authorities.

            The Hon’ble Deputy Speaker made certain observations and said that necessary instructions would be given to the DGP to seize the relevant documents.

POINT  OF  ORDER:

Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA raising a point of order asked the TD Minister to table the information regarding the seizure of the AC rolls, payment registers and other relevant documents from the CEO office, Ukhul District Council. He wanted all the documents to be placed before the House on 11th August 2003.

            Shri Ngamthang Haokip, Minister (TD) informed that a letter was sent by the Secretary, Manipur Legislative Assembly to the DGP, and Government of Manipur on the subject “Communication of the decision of the House”.

            The Hon’ble Deputy Speaker read out the letter in the House.

GENERAL DISCUSSION ON DEMANDS FOR EXCESS GRANTS, 1997-98 & 1998-99 AND DISCUSSION AND VOTING ON DEMANDS FOR EXCESS GRANTS,  1997-98 & 1998-99:

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister moved for discussion on Demands for Excess Grants, 1997-98 & 1998-99 in the House. The Demands were clubbed for a joint discussion.

          Shri S. Ibohal Singh, Chairman PAC, initiating the discussion made certain observations on the post facto approvals and said that the expenditure was more than the voted accounts. He emphasised the need for regularisation of the excess grants. Strict discipline in maintaining financial accounts should be observed and steps for preventing excess expenditure should be taken up, he added. He said that the irregularities of the previous Governments would be a lesson for the SPF Government to work effectively and maintain transparency in accounting.

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

Afternoon Session resumed at 2.10 pm.

            Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA participating in the discussion observed that funds allocated to various Departments should necessarily be checked for proper utilisation. He said that disciplinary action should be taken against the officers if they didn’t cooperate with the PAC while undergoing investigations. He suggested that the SPF Government must look forward to stop the practice of excess expenditure.

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA participating in the discussion highlighted the importance of PAC. All the excess grants had come under the purview of PAC, he added. He pointed out the irregularities in Home, FCS, Social Welfare and Health Departments and said that these Departments didn’t properly utilise their funds. He expressed unhappiness that the Government failed to submit action taken report to the PAC and wanted to take prompt action as recommended by the PAC.

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA while participating in the discussion said that two reports of PAC had already been submitted but no action taken report was seen from the Government. He said that PAC was checking irregularities in Departments whether the funds under their capital heads had been properly utilised or not and said that excess demands should be controlled in future.

            Chief Minister, Shri O. Ibobi Singh moved for passing Demand Nos. 5, 11, 16, 21, 23, 25, 26, 34 & 44 for the year 1997-98 and Demand Nos. 8, 20, 23 & 34 for the year 1998-99.

            The House unanimously passed the Demands for Excess Grants, 1997-98 and 1998-99.

INTRODUCTION  OF  BILL:

            i)          Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister moved for leave to introduce ‘The Manipur Appropriation (No. 4) Bill, 2003.’

            The House granted leave and the Bill was introduced.

            ii)         Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister moved for leave to introduce ‘The Manipur Appropriation (No. 5) Bill, 2003.’

            The House granted leave and the Bill was introduced.

PRIVATE  MEMBER’S  RESOLUTION:

            Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA moved the following resolution:

            ‘This House unanimously resolves to urge the Government of India to move the appropriate authority for
             declaration of the ‘Kangla’ as a World Heritage Site”

            He said that Kangla occupied a special significance for the State and was a symbol of pride and aspirations of all and added that it had a long history of about 2000 years from Nongda Lairen Pakhangba (33 AD) to Maharaj Buddhachandra (1955). He further said that Kangla had a rich cultural heritage, shining out in full splendour with the succession of kings who sustained its sanctity through the ages. He highlighted the rich culture and civilisation of that era, but unfortunately Kangla lost its sovereignty in 1891 in the hands of the Britishers. He expressed concern over the gradual demolition of Kangla and feared that it might be lost in obscurity. Obviously, no concrete steps were being taken up by the Government in the present context that it was being occupied by Assam Rifles and IRB forces. He said that the Manipur Legislative Assembly had already adopted a resolution on Kangla on 31st July 1981 but no progress was seen to that effect. He said that the blueprint for the reconstruction of Kangla should be brought out as a white paper. Highlighting other historical sites, which were included in the World Heritage Site, he said that Kangla should be declared as a World Heritage Site. To protect and preserve such a site was the bounden duty of all and that it would enhance the bond of love between the hills and plain, he maintained. He believed that the august House would adopt the resolution in the interest of the people of Manipur and in the light of its unique historical importance.

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister welcomed the spirit of the resolution and said that the resolution was a timely one. To protect Kangla was a concern for all, he added. He expressed the desire to urge the Union Government to declare Kangla as a World Heritage Site after consulting with experts. The State Level Empowerment Committee was examining this matter, he further informed the House.

            Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA proposed that the wordings of the Resolution be modified..

            The House unanimously adopted the following resolution:

                        “ This House unanimously resolves to urge the Government of India
                           to declare ‘KANGLA’ as a World Heritage Site”.

ANNOUNCEMENT  OF  THE  SPEAKER:

The Hon’ble Speaker made an announcement that there would be a photo session at lunch break on 11th August 2003, the last day of the Session and informed all the Members to attend it.

            The Hon`ble Speaker adjourned the House at 3.45 pm. till 11.00 am. of Monday, the 11th August, 2003.