Hon’ble Chief Minister, 10 Cabinet Ministers, Chairman (Hill Areas Committee), 1 Minister of State and 45 Elected Members.

QUESTIONS:

(a) Hon’ble Minister (MAHUD) made a reply to Starred Question No. 705, jointly asked by S/Shri M. Nilchandra Singh and S. Chandra Singh, MLAs regarding the acquisition of land for the construction of Capital Project.

(b) Hon’ble Minister (IFCD) made a reply to Starred Question No. 706, asked by Shri S. Natum Singh, MLA regarding the construction of slab culvert at Hodam Leirak & Thouda Bhabok Leikai.

(c) Hon’ble Chief Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 707, asked by Shri P.S. Henry Paotei, MLA regarding the draft rules for reservation of vacancies in service for SC/ST.

(d) Hon’ble Chief Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 708, jointly asked by S/Shri Bijoy Koijam and N. Bihari Singh, MLAs regarding the Police Stations in Imphal East District.

(e) Hon’ble Chief Minister made a reply to Starred Question No. 709, asked by Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA regarding the response of the Central Government to the proposal put up by an underground organisation.

(f) Hon’ble Minister (IFCD) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 710, asked by Shri Y. Mani Singh, MLA regarding the present status of Waishel Project.

(g) Hon’ble Chief Minister gave a reply to Starred Question No. 711, asked by Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA regarding the action taken on the representation for payment of ex-gratia.

(h) Hon’ble Chief Minister gave a reply to Starred Question No. 712, asked by Shri Erabot Yumkham, MLA regarding the payment of ex-gratia to a deceased polling official.

(i) Hon’ble Chief Minister gave a reply to Starred Question No. 714, asked by Shri B.D. Behring, MLA regarding the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958.

(j) Hon’ble Minister (Agriculture) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 715, asked by Shri N. Bihari Singh, MLA regarding the allocation of fertilisers for Manipur, for the year, 2005-2006.

Answers to Starred Question Nos. 697, 713 & 716, Unstarred Question No. 52 and Short Notice Question No. 5 were laid on the Table of the House.

       During Zero-hour Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA drew the attention of the House to the muddy road of Thangmeiband Yumnam Leikai.

      Shri S. Chandra Singh, MLA drew the attention of the government to the bad condition of the Ngariyan-Andro Khunjao Road.

     Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA drew the attention of the government to clear the pending salaries of employees of the MANITRON and also to revise the remuneration of Home Guards personnel.

    Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA drew the attention of the Chief Minister to the brutal murder of Laishram Phalguni Singh, S/o L. Devendra Singh of Lalambung Makhong, a student of 4th Year in Alva’s College of Physiotherapy, Mangalore. He insisted the Government to investigate the case and punish the culprits with the co-operation of the police of the state concerned.

    Shri B.D. Behring, MLA drew the attention of the Speaker to arrange for live telecast of the Assembly proceedings.

    Shri Erabot Yumkham, MLA drew the attention of the Chief Minister to expedite the findings of the enquiry regarding the killing of three Kuki students at New Lambulane. He also drew the attention of the Revenue Minister to the cases of fake pattas and allotment of MSCP office building areas to 4 individuals.

     Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Leader of the House announced the Business of the House for the week.

(i) Shri R.K. Dorendra Singh, Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee presented the Twenty Seventh Report of the Committee.

(ii) Shri Vivek Raj Wangkhem, Chairman of the Committee on Estimates presented the Twenty Second Report of the Committee.

    The House adopted the Report of the Committee.

        Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA presented the Petition No. 3.

         Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chairman of the Select Committee on the Manipur Municipality (Second Amendment) Bill, 2005 moved the following motion:

       "This House agrees that the time for the presentation of the Report by the Select Committee on the Manipur Municipality (Second Amendment) Bill, 2005 be extended for a period of 4 (four) months w.e.f. 21.3.2005."

(a) Shri Erabot Yumkham, MLA called the attention of the Revenue Minister on the eviction/acquisition of land in connection with the Capital Project at the Shooting Range at Chingmeirong.

       Shri Erabot Yumkham, MLA expressed apprehension over the proposed extension of 50 ft. of land in connection with the Capitol Project. He said that the Central guidelines were not followed and that there were procedural lapses. Other spacious site could have been considered for the Capital Project, he said.

      Shri M. Nilchandra Singh, MLA said that eviction of several homes were undesirable. A series of procedures and guidelines had to be strictly followed in the eviction of the affected families, he maintained.

     Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri O. Ibobi Singh replying to the motion stated that the present Assembly Secretariat and Civil Secretariat buildings were too congested and needed to be expanded. He added that sufficient space was required for accommodating an Assembly building with two Houses capacity. The agitation of the inhabitants of Chingmeirong Maning Leikai need not continue because the government had taken no decision to evict their lands at present. He appealed to the residents of the area not to feel anxiety and unrest. He assured that there would be no forcible acquisition and that rules would be strictly observed.

     (Hon’ble Chairman, Dr. M. Nara Singh adjourned the morning session at 1.00 p.m. till 2.00 p.m. of the day.)

(b) Shri Th. Tomba Singh and Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLAs called the attention of the PHED Minister on the presence of arsenic in the water sources within the Kakching areas.

     Shri Th. Tomba Singh , MLA referred to a news item appearing on Sangai Express of 10th March regarding the alarming news of the presence of arsenic in the underground water in and around Kakching. Pointing out the health hazards, he informed that an NGO detected the presence but said that the matter was not too alarming as only at two places out of 11 places the presence was found above the permitted limit. He further informed that the matter was apprised to the Minister after a meeting of all Political Parties, local organisations, ex-Ministers and ex-MLAs. He also wanted the implementation of Rajiv Gandhi National Drinking Water Mission in the state. He suggested that the water of Kakching area be re-checked and appealed to the media to refrain from making news too sensational.

        Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA observed that the situation was not too alarming though certain measures should be taken up and urged the PHED Minister to check the water not just for Kakching area but for the whole state. He further drew the attention of the Minister to the non-availability of drinking water in the state and enquired about the long and short term measures of the Government.

      Shri Govindas Konthoujam, Minister (PHED) replying to the Calling Attention Motion informed that as soon as he got the news his department collected water samples and was sent to Silchar for testing. He also informed that a team of expert was called from Kolkata to check the water contamination of the state. As a short term measure water was distributed through water tankers to the affected areas and as long term measures the Kakching Water Supply Scheme would soon be inaugurated, he informed and appealed to the people of Kakching not to panic as the matter was not very serious.

       S/Shri M. Nilchandra Singh and P.S. Henry Paotei, MLAs raised a discussion on the refusal of RBI to grant banking licence to the Manipur State Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Development Co-operative Bank (MSSC & STCB) Limited due to non-release of State Government’s share which is a must to facilitate recommendation by NABARD to RBI.

      Shri M. Nilchandra Singh, MLA said that due to RBI’s refusal to issue licence to (MSSC & STCB) Limited, the SC & ST communities had suffered. He appealed to the government to provide state’s share for obtaining RBI licence for the bank.

      Shri P.S. Henry Paotei, MLA participating in the discussion appealed to the government to help the unemployed youths and the various co-operative Societies in the Hill by making the (MSSC & STCB) Limited functional.

      Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister replying to the discussion said that the government had no intention of neglecting (MSSC & STCB) Limited but the government had to examine all the pros and cons on the matter before extending help to the bank. The Government was still paying heavily due to mistakes in the past and cited some co-operative Banks which were to be liquidated due to non repayment of loan from NABARD and other agencies, he said. He further said that no specific commitment could be given at the moment but added that the government would look into the matter very carefully.

(i) The Speaker clubbed the Manipur Appropriation (No.1) Bill, 2005 and the Manipur Appropriation (No.2) Bill, 2005 for a joint consideration.

      Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister moved the Bills for consideration.

    Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA initiating the discussion on consideration and passing of Government’s Bill pointed out various irregularities in the Education Department. Giving reference to the revocation of the three suspended Headmasters and the withdrawal of money by some Head pandits/ Headmasters of the Education Department in connection with ROP of the 5th Pay Commission, he urged the government to enquire into the matter and to book those if found guilty. He further commented on the unequal distribution of schemes and benefits to the minorities and OBC. He suggested the need for a clarification from the government on the proposal of Assam Rifles for acquiring land at various places. VAT, he said, should only be introduced in the State only when it was introduced throughout the country.

       Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA participating in the discussion said that good employees should be rewarded while defaulting employees punished. He wanted the government to look into the ongoing agitation of Home Guards and alleged deduction of money from their salaries and demanded an enquiry to it. He strongly urged the Hon’ble Chief Minister to increase their salaries. He also pointed out the irregular utilisation of MANITRON employees by the CEO in the preparation of electoral rolls. He observed that the recent eviction drive should be done rationally and under extreme necessity. He further pointed out the non-availability of drinking water in his constituency inspite of the implementation of scheme involving huge sum of money.

      Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA commenting on the non-availability of textbook for classes VI to VIII, urged the Education Minister to look into the matter. He demanded for a proper investigation regarding the allotment of land on the sly by the officials of the Revenue Department in Imphal Municipal Area without the knowledge of the Imphal Municipal Council. He also highlighted the misappropriation of funds released by DRDA for SJSRY Scheme. Commenting on the construction of toilets by MAHUD on river banks as unhygienic and unsightly in a city, he drew the concerned Minister’s attention. He also enquired on the merit of the test pending in court regarding the admission in MBBS course which had cost the government in terms of lakhs of rupees.

        Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA observed the need for increasing the fish production of our state to meet the demand. He drew the Forest Minister’s attention to conserve Sangai which was endengered due to the closure of Ethai Barrage and other ecological factors. Regarding the ration money allowance of the Manipur Rifles personnel, he urged the Home Minister to increase their allowance in view of their huge responsibilities. Further he urged the IFCD Minister to look into the matter regarding the mud slide at Mao Pukhamei area and to give relief to the affected people. He also pointed out the non-completion of Health Centres in his constituency and the need to make it functional.

        Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA wanted the government to provide pension schemes and other facilities to the Government Aided teachers (approved) in the line of other regular teachers. He also pointed out the pathetic condition of teacher’s quarter of D.M. College, Imphal. He expressed the need to make the PDS items available to the general public through the District Headquarters as the public were deprived of it. He suggested that appointment of doctors for filling up the vacant seats in Health Department be made through the MPSC. Further he demanded that identification of the roads to be widened be notified and prior notice be served to the residents who would be affected by the eviction.

       Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA pointed out the lack of staff and other basic amenities in the Health Centres of his constituency. He expressed regret over the discrimination in the allocation of funds for implementation of various programme under the Works Department. Regarding the collection of money from local residents by some officials of the Power Department for the installation of transformers, he demanded that the matter be looked into properly. He also urged the Youth Affairs & Sports Minister to give incentives to meritorious sport persons.

     Shri Nongthombam Biren, MLA urged the Hon’ble Chief Minister not to concede to the demands of Assam Rifles to give land in Luwangsangbam and nearby areas for construction of their camps. Further he drew the attention of the Agriculture Minister on the need to conserve agricultural land. He also suggested for rectification of some human error that had crept in during the rationalisation of teachers.

         Shri N. Mangi Singh, Minister in charge of Fisheries replying to the discussion informed that the supply of high yielding seedlings to the fish farmers, setting up of hatchery units, training for rearing and breeding of different fishes, conservation of indigenous fishes, replacing of wooden boats by plastic boats, welfare programmes for the fishing community etc. were some of the steps undertaken to increase the fish production of the state. He also informed that a Cold Storage at Lamphelpat was already inaugurated. Further he mentioned that a project report for the development of Loktak’s periphery amounting to Rs. 1 crore had been submitted to NABARD.

         Shri L. Nandakumar Singh, Minister (Health) replying to the query of Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA assured that work for completion of Primary Health Centres would be taken up at the earliest as funds had already been sanctioned for this purpose. As to the suggestion made by Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA, he said that recruitment of doctors through MPSC would take time and the proposal to make the appointment on contract basis was to meet the immediate requirement. Regarding the query raised by Shri Ningthoujam Biren, he said the unavailability of doctors in Health Centres was due to the shortage of more than 100 doctors. Further, he informed that steps had been taken to improve health service in the state on a war footing.

        Md. Alauddin Khan, Minister of State (RD & PR and OBC) clarified that the selection of beneficiaries for various schemes of MOBC was on the basis of population ratio.

        Shri Francis Ngajokpa, Minister (Education) replying to the consideration , clarified that the revocation of three Headmasters was done under rules. Regarding the alleged excess payment to 294 Head Pundits/Headmasters in connection with the ROP of the 5th Pay Commission, he said that the Department would enquire into it and would take appropriate action. He said that he would check the problem of non-availability of textbooks. Regarding the pension benefit of aided teachers, he asserted that the matter would be examined. He further informed the House that he was ready to rectify any irregularities in the rationalisation of teachers.

        Shri Ngamthang Haokip, Minister, (Forest & Environment) clarified that he would try to improve the Keibul Lamjao National Park for saving the endangered Sangai and its ecology. He further informed the House that he would look into the feasibility of the construction of FCI Godown at Churachandpur after consultation with the DC concerned. Necessary steps would be taken to improve the public distribution system in the state, he said.

         Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Hon`ble Chief Minister replying to the consideration of the two Bills said that the alleged excess payment to 294 Head Pundits/Headmasters in the Education Department and the case of the Home Guards were the two serious issues and added that a thorough enquiry would be made in this regard. He assured the House that the remuneration of Home Guards would be enhanced on a reasonable basis after consultation with the Finance Department. He said that relief materials had been extended to the victims of Gopibung mud slide. Regarding the land allotment to the Assam Rifles at Koirengei area, he maintained that the government had no commitment to do so and added that a Committee headed by the Chief Secretary as its Chairman was constituted to look into the matter. The government had its own land policy, he said and further added that a Cabinet Sub-Committee had been constituted to examine land allotment in Imphal and greater Imphal areas.

         S/Shri S. Ibohal Singh, M. Ibomcha Singh, M. Bhorot Singh, MLAs sought further clarifications.

          Hon’ble Minister, Shri Th. Devendra Singh replying to the query of Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA said that the matter of the expansion of roads would be finalised by a Committee after examining it.

        Hon’ble Chief Minister expressed the opinion that a House Committee would better be constituted to examine the alleged misappropriation of money in respect of the drawal of arrears and salaries of 294 Headpandits /Headmasters in the Education Department.

       Dr. Nimaichand Luwang and Shri O. Joy Singh, MLAs made similar observations to constitute a House Committee. However, Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA wanted the matter to be referred to an independent investigating agency. Dr. M. Nara Singh, MLA maintained that if the matter be referred to an independent investigating agency, it would lower the dignity of the House and supported the constitution of a House Committee.

       Hon’ble Speaker referred the matter to a House Committee consisting of the following Members :

1. Shri C. Doungel, MLA - Chairman;

2. Shri R.K. Thekho, MLA - Member;

3. Shri Th. Tomba Singh, MLA - Member;

4. Shri W. Brajabidhu Singh, MLA - Member;

5. Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA - Member;

6. Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA - Member; and

7. Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA - Member;

          When Shri P. Parijat Singh, Minister (Agriculture) raised the question of similar cases in the department, the Hon’ble Speaker observed that it was left to the wisdom of the House Committee.

(ii) Md. Alauddin Khan, Minister of State (RD & PR) moved the Manipur Panchayati Raj (Fourth Amendment) (No.3) Bill, 2005 for consideration and passing.

           Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA initiating the discussion pointed out some lapses and lacunae in the bill and wanted it to be referred to a Select Committee for further examination.

            S/Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, M. Bhorot Singh, S. Ibohal Singh, and E. Biramani Singh, MLAs supported the view of Shri O. Joy singh, MLA.

           Shri Th. Debendra Singh, Minister (Law and Legislative Affairs) wanted the bill to be referred to a Select Committee.

             Hon’ble Speaker referred the Manipur Panchayati Raj (Fourth Amendment)Bill, 2005 to a Select Committee comprising of the following Members:

1. Md. Alauddin Khan, Minister (RD & PR) - Chairman

2. Shri A. Aza, MLA - Member

3. Shri E. Biramani Singh, MLA - Member

4. Dr. S. Budhichandra Singh, MLA - Member

5. Shri S. Gopal Singh, MLA - Member

6. Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA - Member, and

7. Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA - Member.

           Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, Member-in-charge of the Private Members’ Bill moved the Manipur Official Language (Amendment) Bill, 2005 for consideration and passing.

           Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA while seeking amendment of the Manipur Official Language Act in order to replace Bengali script by the Meetei Mayek as the official script of the Manipuri Language (Meeteilon), traced the history of Meetei Mayek and substantiated that after the burning up of Puyas in 1732, Meetei Mayek had long been forgotten by the people of Manipur. He informed the House that in 1925 the then Manipur Durbar made a decision to learn Meetei Mayek, whereas in May 30, 1934 the Nikhil Manipur Hindu Mahasabha decided to learn Meeteilon written in Bengali script. He said that Meetei Mayek was inserted in the amusement tax stamp in November 12, 1957. On five occasions, state level conference on Manipuri Language and Script had been organised by the government of Manipur and subsequently text book for Meetei Mayek was introduced in the year 1983 to be taught in Class VI. After that in August 1992, Manipuri Language was included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution (78th Amendment), he said and added that on 2nd December 1996, the Government of Manipur made a Gazette Notification reaffirming the 27 letters of Meetei Mayek. He said that, despite the fact, the government still failed to implement Meetei Mayek in the state and inscription in the currency note of our country. He charged that the successive governments lacked initiative for the promotion of Meetei Mayek for many years and added that the promotion work had been done by NGOs and volunteers due to lack of government initiative. He, however, made it clear that he did not support the ongoing movement of burning of text books by MEELAL( Meetei Erol Eyek Loinasillon Apunba Lup) volunteers for the implementation of Meetei Mayek and wanted the government to make an amicable solution through negotiation with the agitators. He further informed the House that despite difficulties in the immediate implementation of Meetei Mayek, there would be modalities to be sorted out for the promotion of Meetei Mayek. He strongly urged the House to pass the Bill in the interest of the public.

           Shri R.K. Dorendro Singh, MLA while supporting the Bill said that the government needed a strong will if they had the intention to promote Meetei Mayek. He wanted the government to frame a policy to convert Bengali script into Meetei Mayek within a time frame.

           Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA participating in the consideration and passing of the Private Member’s Bill condemned all past governments for delaying the implementation of Meetei Mayek. The spirit of the Bill, he said,was not the immediate switch over to Meetei Mayek and added that it was the duty of the government to implement it. He appealed to all the Members to pass the Bill unanimously in the interest of the people of Manipur.

           Shri Nongthombam Biren, MLA participating in the discussion said that the present issue of Meetei Mayek arose due to non implementation by the past governments but added that government should not go by emotion. He highlighted the steps taken up by the present government regarding the matter and observed that a unanimous script should be popularised first before amending the Bill.

            Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA taking part in the discussion highlighted the use of 36 script by various Kings of Manipur in the past and also on the writing on the 7th century copper plate and stone inscriptions found at Andro. The script, he opined, should be analysed thoroughly seeking expert opinions before implementing it.

            Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA taking part in the discussion appealed to all to pass the Bill unanimously. He urged the government to negotiate with MEELAL who were agitating for the implementation of Meetei Mayek and also to state the stand of the government on this issue.

           Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA taking part in the discussion observed that the proposed amendment of the Bill was only for the clause "Manipur Language written in Bengali Script". He emphasised that the tussle of the number of script was over since the government had already adopted the 27 scripts. He wondered why there was misunderstanding and confusion among the Members of the House. He opined that the passing of the Bill would not affect the aspirants of civil service examination and other competitive examinations and therefore it should be passed unanimously.

          Shri Thangso Baite, MLA participating in the discussion expressed the opinion that enforcing of the Bill after passing it would have serious backlash since the script was not known by the majority of the people and that even the Legislators might face certain difficulties. He further observed that the script should be popularised and modernised first before implementing it.

           Shri L. Lala Singh, MLA taking part in the discussipon said that Manipuri language was the lingua franca of all the communities and stressed the importance of the promotion of the Meetei Mayek. However, he suggested for phase by phase introduction of the script in the state.

         Dr. M. Nara Singh, MLA participating in the discussion gave the opinion that the implementation got delayed due to the tussle amongst ourselves over the number of the Meetei Mayek.He further highlighted the efforts of CPI and its leader Hijam Erabot in the development of Meetei Mayek. He was of the opinion that the script should be introduced gradually after a unanimous decision of all and incorporating the sentiments of all sections of the society.

            Shri Th. Debendra Singh, Minister in-charge of Law& Legislative Affairs taking part in the discussion said that the government was strongly committed to the implementation of the Meetei Mayek. He reaffirmed that the discision of the government regarding the adoption of the 27 scripts remain unchanged. However, he expressed reservation over the passing of the amendment bill citing various dificulties and ramifications. Government notification and other procedures for the introduction of the Meetei Mayek would be made at the ripe time. The factor of delay in replacing the Bengali script by the Meetei Mayek was the dispute among two groups resulting in prolonged litigations, he added. He observed that immediate replacement of Bengali script by Meetei Mayek would cause practical difficulties.

          Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Hon`ble Chief Minister replying to the consideration of the Amendment Bill observed that everyone in Manipur would support to the promotion and introduction of the Meetei Mayek but the sudden replacement of Bengali script by the Meetei Mayek would cause difficulties to numerous students and it was impossible to transcribe all the Manipuri books in Bengali script into Meetei Mayek at once. He made it clear that it would be impractical to amend The Manipur Official Language Act, 1979 at this juncture and the gradual changing from Bengali script to Meetei Mayek would be feasible only when the majority of the population of the state was conversant with the Meetei Mayek. He also appealed through the House to the activist of MEELAL and other organisations to shun violent approaches in this script issue.

         Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA proposed to make negotiation with MEELAL and the government to settle the ongoing agitation.

        Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA observed the view of passing the Bill and framing a stipulated time for the introduction of meetei mayek in a feasible way.

       Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA insisting to pass the Bill, observed that some members deliberated on hypothetical basis and not on factual documents. He added that previous governments had been delaying the process of implementing the Meetei Mayek.

        Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA supporting the Bill proposed to proceed it under Rules 153 and 155 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

        Shri Th. Debendra singh, Minister in-charge of Law & Legislative Affairs expressed the view of putting up a Bill by the government at an opportune time in future.

        Hon’ble Chief Minister appealed to the mover, Dr Nimaichand Luwang to withdraw the motion. Dr Nimaichand Luwang pressed for passing the Bill.

        The Hon’ble Speaker gave the ruling of conducting a voice vote and the Motion was defeated by a voice vote.

        And the Manipur Official Language (Amendment) Bill, 2005 was defeated.

                  Shri N. Bihari Singh, MLA as authorised by Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA raising a discussion on the rationalisation of School Teachers/ Transfer Policy pointed out certain lapses and demanded the Education Minister to admit it adding that the Minister was misguided by officials of the Education Department. Further, he demanded that actions be taken against those erring officials. He observed that the rationalisation policy needed rectification.

                Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA participating in the discussion pointed out certain lapses in the rationalisation policy. He suggested the need for reviewing the recent transfer orders.

               Shri Francis Ngajokpa, Minister (Education) while replying to the discussion admitted certain human errors in the rationalisation policy. He informed that those erring officers had been suspended. Further he assured the House that he would look into the matter to prevent such mistakes in future.

                 After a brief valedictory speech, the Hon’ble Speaker, adjourned the House sine-die at 10.30 pm.