The House assembled at 11.00 am of Wednesday, the 13th July, 2005 in the Assembly Hall with the Hon’ble Speaker in the Chair. 

MEMBERS  PRESENT: 

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

QUESTIONS:

(a)       Hon’ble  Minister (Education)  made a reply to Starred Question No. 821, asked by Shri Vivek Raj Wangkhem, MLA regarding the utilisation of Primary School teachers in other Government Departments. 

(b)       Hon’ble Minister (Education) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 824, asked  by Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA regarding the present position for conversion of  Manipur University into a Central University.           

(c)       Hon’ble Minister (Forest) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 825, asked by  Shri S. Gopal Singh, MLA regarding the misuse of machines belonging to the  Loktak Development Authority. 

(d)       Hon’ble Chief Minister gave a reply to Starred Question No. 823 asked by Shri Nongthombam Biren, MLA regarding the development works taken up in  the hill areas.           

(e)       Hon’ble Minister (T.D.) made a reply to Starred Question No. 822, asked by  Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA regarding the selection of Scheduled Caste  beneficiaries.           

(f)        Hon’ble Minister (Education) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 826, asked  by Shri Th. Tomba Singh, MLA regarding the construction of class room of  DIET, Kakching. 

(g)       Hon’ble Chief Minister gave a reply to Starred Question No. 827, asked by  Shri N. Bihari Singh, MLA regarding the payment of PDA cash housing loan, Phase-XIV. 

            Answer to Starred Question No. 820 was laid on the Table of the House. 

ZERO HOUR: 

            During Zero Hour, Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA urged the government to take necessary steps for curbing inflammatory statements and counter statement by anybody or organisation which might cause communal disharmony. 

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA raising a point of order under Rule 336 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Manipur Legislative Assembly, sought a detailed statement from Shri Erabot Yumkham, MLA regarding the firing at the latter’s residence. He also drew the attention of the Government on the incident and to take up adequate measures to counter such acts in future. 

            Shri Erabot Yumkham, MLA informed that the incident occurred at 8 p.m. of 8th July, 2005 over his refusal to give the UNLF (an underground organisation) a share of the Old Age Pension Scheme. He further informed that they threatened him with dire consequences in the future and added that the Government was not protecting the lives of the people of the state. 

            Hon’ble Speaker, Shri T.N. Haokip said that the Chief Minister would give a statement on the incident at an appropriate time as it involved the interest of all the Members. 

CALLING ATTENTION: 

            (i)        Dr. Nimaichand Luwang and Shri O. Joy Singh, MLAs called the attention of the Chief Minister on the reported killing of one Ph. Keshorjit Singh of Nongda Awang Leikai by Assam Rifles.           

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA moving the  motion quoted newspaper report of the incident and contradictory versions of the Assam Rifles authorities and the local people. He enquired what steps had been taken up by the Government regarding the incident. He expressed his desire for a judicial enquiry into the incident and sought a detail clarification regarding it. 

             Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA co-mover of the motion expressing concern over the killing said that it was a case of custodial death and sought a detailed statement of the incident from the Hon’ble Chief Minister. He also pointed out the need to apprise the Home Ministry of the incident. 

            Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri O. Ibobi Singh replying to the call attention said that there was report that Ph. Keshorjit Singh was killed in an encounter with the Assam Rifles. He further said that a complaint was lodged with the Lamlai Police Station by the mother of the deceased reporting that her son was arrested by the AR and later on killed in fake encounter. The Lamlai Police Station registered a case and investigation was underway, he said. A court of enquiry was being conducted by the Assam Rifles authorities and its report was awaited, he said. Appropriate action would be taken after enquiry reports were received, he informed the House and added that the question of a judicial enquiry didn’t arise for the present. 

            (ii)       Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA called the attention of the Chief Minister on the non-release of matured amount to the investors by the Denizen Company, Imphal Branch. He enquired what steps had been taken up regarding the matter. He pointed out that the Finance Department need to take up steps for regulating the mushrooming growth of private financial companies in the state. He urged the Finance Department for recovering the amount embezzled by the company by consulting with the Home Department.            

            Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri O. Ibobi Singh replying to the Call Attention informed that 5 persons out of 11 accused persons had been arrested and a message had also been sent to Kolkata Police for arresting the main accused. He also said that the Government would look into the numerous unauthorised private banks and financial institutions operating in the state without obtaining the approval of the Finance Department. He further informed that steps were being taken up for recovering the due amounts. 

DISCUSSION AND VOTING ON DEMANDS FOR GRANTS, 2005-2006: 

            Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri O. Ibobi Singh moved Demand No. 11 - Medical, Health and Family Welfare Services, Demand No. 13 -  Labour and Employment, Demand No. 18 - Animal Husbandry and Veterinary including Dairy Farming, Demand No. 22 - Public Health Engineering and Demand No. 45 - Tourism for discussion. 

            The Hon’ble Chairman, Shri R.K. Thekho, clubbed all the five demands for a joint discussion. 

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA moving cut motion pointed out the non functioning of O.T., X-Rays and other equipment, lack of postmortem facilities and non availability of HIV drugs in J.N. Hospital. Regarding Labour and Employment, he stressed the need to abolish child labour and give equal wages for equal work. Poultry farming, which was giving employment to many persons in the state was affected due to the ongoing blockade, he said and enquired what steps had been taken up regarding it. Regarding PHED, he drew the attention of the Minister to the irregular water supply, non laying of pipes, unhygienic water, non collection of taxes, failed drainage system for taking up necessary steps. 

(Hon’ble Chairman, Shri R.K. Thekho adjourned the morning session at 1.05 p.m. till 2.00 p.m. of the day).

(The afternoon session resumed at 2.10 p.m. with the Hon’ble Speaker in the Chair). 

            Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA moving cut motions commented on the pathetic condition of J.N. Hospital inspite of adequate manpower and infrastructure. He said that the management was a failure due to the negligence of the Medical Directorate which led to the opening of Private Clinics. He expressed disappointment on the non-availability of life saving drugs and supply of substandard items. He pointed out the mismanagement of the Veterinary Department and said that the Veterinary Service Rules should be properly implemented for its development. 

            Shri M. Nilchandra Singh, MLA moving cut motions made certain observation on the Labour and Employment Department. He said that the provision of the Labour Act was not implemented in the State. He wanted the Government to be more effective in monitoring and policy making. He also highlighted the employment problem arising out of downsizing and lack of employment generating facilities. He remarked that Veterinary Department was totally defunct. Regarding the failure of various schemes, he urged the Government to take a serious note of it.  

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA moving cut motions made comments on the deplorable condition of J.N. Hospital. He said that the maternity facility of both RIMS and J.N. Hospital should be improved. He expressed the need to check Government Doctors engaged in Private Hospitals and Clinics. He wanted the Government to lift the freezing on the Non-Practising Allowance of doctors. He made certain observations on the Veterinary Department for not implementing its various schemes successfully. He also said that due to shortage of pipes, the supply of drinking water could not be sufficiently made.  

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA moving cut motions observed on the mal-administration in the hospitals. He pointed out the structural and management defects and said that those responsible should be booked. He said that there was lack of professional ethics in the Medical Department. He said that Veterinary Department failed to implement all the schemes and added that ‘Operation Flood’ was a failure. Regarding failure to provide adequate drinking water, he said that it was due to mis-utilisation of funds. He wanted the Government to provide adequate supply of raw water and channelise the distribution system.

            Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA raising a cut motion highlighted the acute problem of scarcity of drinking water in Imphal area. He sought clarification regarding functioning of Canchipur water supply scheme and Chinga water supply scheme. Expressing concern over the non-functioning of water supply schemes, he proposed a pilot project for water harvesting for Greater Imphal area. He stressed the need on the development and improvement of ponds and tanks for conserving water. A mechanism must be found out, he suggested, for checking water wastage, theft and for effective tax collection. He sought clarification about the progress of the French funded sewerage project and suggested that attention should be focused on drainage system.

            Shri Th. Tomba Singh, MLA supporting the demands observed that the hospitals in the rural areas lacked various amenities and that such hospitals should be improved to avoid the congestion in the hospitals in Imphal. He drew the attention of the PHE Minister  for completing the Kakching water supply scheme and for ascertaining the presence of arsenic in water of Kakching area. He also sought clarification regarding the non-completion of the ITI at Kakching and suggested for improving the Buffalo Farm at Wabagai. 

            Dr. S. Budhichandra Singh, MLA supporting the demands observed that the medical profession needed dedication, sincerity and punctuality but the doctors faced many problems of law and order. He further observed that the non-functioning of sophisticated equipment in J.N. Hospital was due to the financial crunch of the State. He proposed for enhancing the contingency fund of hospital and improving the infrastructures. Regular promotion and rational transfer policy of doctors was urgently needed for the functioning of hospitals, he added and observed that specialist doctors were needed in the District Hospitals. He drew the attention of the Minister concerned for implementing veterinary schemes and for solving the problem of scarcity of drinking water in Konthoujam A/C. 

            Md. Allaudin Khan, Minister (Veterinary and Animal Husbandry) replying to the discussion clarified that the budget allocation for the Veterinary Department was insufficient for various development works. He informed the House that two diagnostic centres would be set up at Churachandpur and Thoubal besides the one at Sanjenthong. Vaccination programme for animals and birds was undertaken throughout the State, he added. The failure of Artificial Insemination Unit at Kakching was due to lack of power supply and that a high power generator would be installed there, he informed the House. He said that the Department had conducted Field Staff training for giving public awareness regarding artificial insemination of cows. The poultry farms at Mantripukhri and Porompat were being renovated with central assistance and would be completed within a few months, he added. Funds had been earmarked for reviving the piggery farms in Churachandpur and Tamenglong, he informed. Measures for revamping buffalo and pony farms were underway, he said. He further said that the Dairy Farm at Porompat was being renovated and it would be completed by September or October.

            Shri L. Nandakumar Singh, Minister (Health, Labour & Employment) replying to the discussion admitted the shortage of equipment in the J.N. Hospital and clarified that the plan outlay for the Department of Health could hardly meet the expenditure of hospital management. Except the check-ups using sophisticated equipments, routine medical check-ups and treatments were going on in J.N. Hospital, he informed. Steps for solid waste disposal in J.N. Hospital would be taken up, he said and added that the repairing of the Hospital floor was made on hygienic ground. He also clarified that the interference by unknown persons caused the non-repairing of the latrines in the hospital and added that the OT would be made functional very soon by installing requisite equipment. The matter of reintroducing Non-Practising Allowance for doctors would be considered, he said. Welcoming all the constructive suggestions, he assured the House that all irregularities in promotion matters and deputation of doctors for PG courses would be rectified. Regarding Labour Department, he clarified that there was no case of women working at night in Manipur and that a survey had been completed for child labour. He also said that the matter of increasing wage rate would be examined. The ITIs would be strengthened, he added. He also pointed out the need for increasing the budgetary provision for the department. Regarding the MBBS/BDS Entrance Examination, 2005, he said that all the relevant documents had been examined in the Speaker’s Chamber and that listing of Ravishwaree Asem as a meritorious sportsperson would be retained. 

            Shri Govindas Konthoujam, Minister (PHED, YAS and Tourism), replying to the discussion clarified that the budget for PHED was mostly for non-plan and CSS leaving insufficient fund for new plan and schemes. Regarding the French funded Sewerage Project, he said that the Government had urged the Central Government for giving additional funds to complete it. Laying of pipelines would be taken up when the pipes lying at Dimapur Railway Yard reached Imphal, he said and added that augmentation schemes in Imphal city would be completed within December. The water supply schemes at Yairipok and Canchipur would be completed very soon, he informed the House. Regarding water tax collection, he said that the department was trying at the  best level for tax collection  and  for checking water theft or leakage and clarified that public awareness was needed for this matter. He also informed the House that raw water harvesting had been implemented in the hills of Senapati and Chandel Districts. The problem of water scarcity in Singjamei area would be solved after the completion of augmentation work of some water supply schemes, he assured the House and added that necessary steps would be taken up for developing and preserving ponds and tanks. Regarding the reported presence of arsenic in tubewells of Kakching area, he clarified that the water was not fit for drinking but could be used for washing purposes. Regarding Tourism Department, he observed that the prevailing law and order situation hindered development of tourism in the State.   

            Clarifications were sought by S/Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, O. Joy Singh, M. Bhorot Singh, Th. Tomba Singh and Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLAs and concerned Ministers and Minister of State clarified.           

            Dr. M. Nara Singh, Chairman, directed that an enquiry into the supply of rectified spirit in J.N. Hospital be conducted by the Health Minister starting from the next day.

            Shri O. Joy Singh and Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLAs wanted verifications of the relevant documents of Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry selection test, 2005-2006. 

            Hon’ble Chairman, Dr. M.Nara Singh directed that the relevant documents of the recent selection test of the Bachelor of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry would be made available in the Speaker’s Chamber by the concerned Minister of State (Veterinary and Animal Husbandry) the next day and further directed the PHE Minister to issue a press release in connection with the arsenic presence in the water of Kakching area. 

            All the cut motions were withdrawn and the five demands, Demand Nos.  11, 13, 18, 22 & 45 were passed unanimously by the House.

INTRODUCTION OF BILL: 

            Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri O. Ibobi Singh moved for leave to introduce the Manipur Appropriation (No. 3) Bill, 2005. 

            The House granted leave.  

            And the Bill was introduced.

            Hon’ble Chairman, Dr. M. Nara Singh adjourned the House at 7.05 p.m till 11.00 a.m of  Thursday, the 14th July, 2005.