The House assembled at 11.00 am of Wednesday, the 6th 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 Chief Minister made a reply to Starred Question No.784, asked by  Shri Thangso Baite, MLA regarding the proposal for the lifting of ban of  fresh recruitment.           

(b)       Hon’ble  Minister (T.D)  made a reply to Starred Question No. 785, asked by  Shri S. Natum Singh, MLA regarding the benefits of the tribals residing in the  valley areas.           

(c)       Hon’ble Minister (MAHUD) made a reply to Starred Question No. 786, asked by   Shri I. Hemochandra  Singh, MLA regarding the construction of Flyover  bridge  at B.T. Road.           

(d)       Hon’ble Minister (Education) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 787, asked by Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA regarding the rationalisation policy of  school teachers.           

(e)       Hon’ble Minister (Education) gave a reply to Starred Question No. 788, asked  by Shri Vivek Raj Wangkhem, MLA regarding the opening of a DIET centre  in Imphal East district.           

(f)        Hon’ble  Chief Minister gave a reply to Starred Question No. 789, asked by  Shri Ningthoujam Biren, MLA regarding the appointment of MR/IRB/MP  (Constables). 

(g)       Hon’ble Chief Minister gave a reply to Starred Question No. 790, asked by  Shri S. Gopal Singh, MLA regarding the report of the Commission set up to investigate the circumstances leading to the death of K. Bimol Singh. 

ZERO HOUR: 

            Shri S. Chandra Singh, MLA drew the attention of the Works Minister to the non-plying of buses on the Andro-Ngariyan road due to the damage caused to the road by angry local people in protest against the non repairing of the road by the government. 

CALLING ATTENTION: 

            (i)        Shri O. Joy Singh and Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLAs called the attention of the Transport Minister on the closing down of Indian Airlines /Alliance Air Office at Imphal. 

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA moving the motion, quoted local dailies and expressed apprehension that the Airline Office might be closed down and handed over its work to a handling party. He pointed out the importance of air service in the state, where frequent bandhs and blockades on the National Highways occur and added that the closure of such an office would be an insult to the government and the people of Manipur. He expressed suspicion that such a step might be the handiwork of some Airline officials in connivance with a certain travel agency for some selfish motives. He urged the government to find out the reason for such a closure and also to intimate the Civil Aviation Ministry to prevent it.  

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA  co-mover of the motion said that nowhere had Airline Offices been closed down and added that such a step to close down the Airline Office at Imphal would have some selfish motive. He expressed suspicion that the step might have been taken by officials of Indian Airlines of Imphal and Kolkata in connivance with some travel agencies. He urged the government to prevent such a closure since this was a prestigious issue of the state and added that such a step would create a sense of alienation to the mind of the people. He further urged the government to intimate the matter to the Civil Aviation Ministry.  

            Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri O. Ibobi Singh replying to the Calling Attention Motion clarified that closure of Airline Office didn’t mean closure of Air service but merely handing over management of ticketing and cargo to an agency. With the ‘Look East policy’ of the Central Government, the state government was pursuing the Centre to upgrade Imphal Airport. He further said that Civil Aviation Ministry was always apprised of for any issue relating to Indian Airlines in Manipur. He also informed that the Chief Minister of all the North Eastern states had been constantly pursuing for an airport at every state capital and therefore, there was no question of closing the Air service of Manipur. If required, he said, a resolution could be taken in the House expressing disagreement to the step to close down Airline Office at Imphal and sent it to the Central Government. 

            S/Shri O. Joy Singh, Th. Debendra Singh, Minister (Law & Legislative Affairs), Phungzathang, Minister (Transport) and Dr. Nara Singh endorsed the view of adopting a government resolution for forwarding it to the Centre. 

            The following Resolution was adopted by the House:           

            The Manipur Legislative Assembly in its sitting held on 06-07-2005 noted with concern over the reported move for handing over ticketing and cargo management to a private agency of Indian Airlines/Alliance Air Office at Imphal.

            “This august House, therefore, resolved to urge the Government of India, Ministry of Civil Aviation to look into the matter and to maintain status quo.”           

(ii)             S/Shri S. Ibohal Singh and L. Ibomcha Singh, MLAs called the attention of the Hon’ble Chief Minister and the Works Minister on the resignation of 86 Engineers led by the Chief Engineer in the Public Works Department. 

            Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA quoting local daily said that all Engineers of PWD had decided to resign en-masse in protest against the shooting of Executive Engineer, R.K. Mobisana at the leg by some unidentified persons and added that other Engineering Departments were supporting them. He pointed out that such an incident was not new and that every Head of Departments, officials and Engineers were all living in fear due to threat from various quarters and critically commented on the inability of the government to handle the issue. He opined that unless the trend was stopped and a conducive atmosphere for work was created then the state would suffer. Critically commenting on the lack of a clear cut policy of the government to solve such incidents, he asked the Minister about the steps for solving the current impasse and prevent such incidents in other departments. 

(Hon’ble Chairman, Shri R.K. Thekho adjourned the morning session at 12.55 p.m. till 2.00 p.m. of the day).

(The afternoon session resumed at 2.05 p.m. with the Hon’ble Speaker in the Chair). 

Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA  supporting the motion said the mass resignation of the engineers was the first in the history of Manipur. He said that the engineers were becoming soft targets and due to the pressure exerted on them, they were compelled to resign. He welcomed the Chief Minister’s move to give foolproof security arrangements and asked the Minister to solve the problem by meeting the demands of the engineers. He suggested that a discussion should be held by cutting across party lines. He also asked the Chief Minister to give a precise statement in the House in the present context. 

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA co-mover of the motion said that it was a serious and unfortunate incident. He stressed the need to foolproof the offices and sought the aid of the Intelligence Department. He wanted the government to take up effective measures to solve the problem soon. 

            Shri Th. Devendra Singh, Minister (Works) replying to the motion expressed the need to maintain a conducive atmosphere for the engineers to discharge their duties. He said that a solution should be sorted out. Adequate security arrangements had been made to provide security cover to the office complex, he added. He informed the House that a meeting would be held in the evening with the striking agencies. 

            Shri O. Ibobi Singh, Chief Minister said that it was a chronic problem. He highlighted the mushrooming growth of insurgent organisations causing unprecedented disturbances and said that strategies to check it would be sought. He gave assurance to protect the life and property of everyone at any cost. He informed that some security arrangements had been made for the protection of the engineers and that their demands would be considered. 

            As Shri I. Hemochandra Singh, MLA sought a statement from the Chief Minister on the development of the issue, the Hon’ble Chief Minister assured to do so.  

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

            Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri O. Ibobi Singh moved Demand No. 5 - Finance Department, Demand No. 9 -  Information & Publicity, Demand No. 23 - Power, Demand No. 28 - State Excise, Demand No. 29 - Sales Tax, Other Taxes/Duties on Commodities & Services and Demand No. 43 - Horticulture & Soil conservation for discussion. 

            The Hon’ble Speaker clubbed all the six demands for a joint consideration. 

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA moving cut motions pointed out the unlimited Financial power enjoyed by the Head of Departments and stressed the need to control it by keeping limitations and amend the provisions of the financial rules.He pointed out many shortcomings in the functioning of the Department of Information and Public Relations. He also made observation on the irregular power supply and the need to increase power supply. Regarding Horticulture and Soil Conservation, he said that serious attention should be paid to implement Centrally Sponsored Schemes. 

            Shri M. Nilchandra Singh, MLA, moving a cut motion pointed out the lack of proper directions in the policy of the Finance Department. He observed that emphasis should be given to employment generation schemes and that a policy should be framed in order to encourage banks to give loans for such schemes. Pointing out the poor functioning of the Department of Information and Public Relations, he stressed the need for improving it. In view of the need for power in different fields like factories, industries, offices, domestic consumption, etc. he emphasised the need for improving the power supply. He wanted all the ongoing power projects to be completed on a priority basis.           

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA, moving cut motions observed that though fund for various development schemes were reflected in the budget, no expenditure was made for the various development works. He pointed out the non-prioritisation in releasing funds and financial irregularities and the need to check it. Ragarding the poor power supply in the state, he suggested the need to utilise properly the available power by checking pilferage. He proposed for installation of a power sub- station at Yairipok and for procuring adequate Transformers. He observed that various schemes taken up by the Horticulture Department need proper monitoring and suggested for checking misappropriation of funds of the Technology Mission. Further, he enquired the reason for the delay in the start of the project at the Regional Potato Farm, Mao.  

            Shri M. Bhorot Singh, MLA, moving a cut motion pointed out the lack of coordination between the Finance Department and the different Departments. He said that there were no reports from the Director of Local Fund and Audit and the Financial Advisors. Regarding the Directorate of Financial Institute, he enquired the purpose for setting up this Institute and asked whether it was functional. There was lack of transparency in the management of relief fund, he said. The non-completion of various works were due to the deposit of fund in the state account and the Abstract Contingent Bill, he said. He stressed the need for deputing Personnel of Manipur Finance Service to every department for proper financial management. 

            Shri S. Ibohal Singh, MLA, moving a cut motion drew the attention of the Power Minister on the poor power supply in villages. Steps for clearing the huge amount of dues which the state government owed to NHPC and other Corporations for purchasing power should be taken up, he said. Expressing his desire for making operational the Loktak Down Steam Project, he enquired whether or not the government was taking up the project. He wanted to know the exact target of the collection of power revenue. 

            Shri Th. Tomba Singh, MLA, participating in the discussion observed the need for setting up of Rural Banks for giving credit to farmers. He suggested for urging the Central Government to hand over Loktak Hydro Electric Project to the state government. Further, he enquired what steps had been taken up for improving the power supply in his area.  He said that proper attention should be paid for implementation of Horticulture Schemes and proposed for setting up of a Cold Storage unit in Thoubal district. 

            Shri Gaikhangam, Minister (Power, Information & Publicity and Horticulture & Soil Conservation) replying to the discussion said that fund allocated to the DIPR was very small but it was doing its best with the available fund. Suggestion for improving the Department had been noted down and necessary action had been taken up accordingly, he said. Regarding Power, he said that though there was a big gap between demand and supply, means were being devised to utilise the available power rationally. Inspite of financial constraint in procuring transformers, only some transformers had been distributed in the first phase on need basis, he informed. He further informed that tenders had been floated for procuring more transformers and it would be made available at the earliest. Measure for controlling power thefts and for collection of power revenue were undertaken, he said and added that the target for resource mobilisation for the current year was Rs. 85 crores. Regarding the Regional Potato Farm, Mao he said that it was functioning very well and that certified seeds could be produced at present. Breeder seeds was also produced for the first time in Manipur and steps for producing it on a large scale were being taken up, he informed the House.  

            Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri O. Ibobi Singh, replying to the discussion clarified that the Finance Department was trying hard to maintain financial discipline in the state and informed the House that any irregularity in the department would be rectified. He said that the revenue collection of departments like Power, Taxation, Excise, etc. could not reach up to the targeted level. Regarding the relief funds from the Centre, he said that there was no mismanagement of such funds and informed the House that the statement of account for five years in respect of relief funds be made available on the next day. The Finance Department, he further said, had no intention to hamper Projects or Schemes by depositing the central fund in the Government Account No. 8449 and that it was for better financial management. The Finance Department monitored release of funds in all the departments, he added. He informed the House that the Finance Department had been targeting cent percent utilisation of annual plan outlay. Regarding the delay in the implementation of Loktak Down Stream Project, he clarified that NHPC feared that the project would not be economically viable and added that the government was exploring other avenues to start the project.  

            Clarification to the queries of S/Shri M. Bhorot Singh, L. Ibomcha Singh and M. Nilchandra Singh, MLAs was made by the Chief Minister and Hon’ble Minister (Power, Horticulture & Soil Conservation) made clarification to the query of Dr Nimaichand Luwang, MLA. 

            All the cut motions were withdrawn and the six demands, Demand Nos.  5, 9, 23, 28, 29 & 43 were passed unanimously by the House.

NO-DAY-YET-NAMED-MOTION:           

            Shri O. Joy Singh, Dr. Nimaichand Luwang and Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLAs raised a discussion on the controversial issue of appearing the name of Ravishwaree Asem the meritorious sportperson in the merit list of General Category (O.C) of MBBS/BDS Entrance Examination held on 30th May, 2005. 

            Shri O. Joy Singh, MLA, initiating the discussion pointed out that the government had no concrete policy in the Medical Entrance Examination of Manipur. Regarding the recent MBBS/BDS Entrance Examination, 2005 he said that as Ravishwaree Asem was selected in the merit list of the general category, another meritorious  sports person should be selected under sports category. 

            Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA, co-mover of the motion asked the Health Minister whether the MBBS/BDS Entrance Examination was conducted with all sincerity and charged the Minister that the said examination lacked transparency. He expressed regret over the non-availability of relevant documents of the Entrance Examination which was assured earlier by the Minister in the House. He also expressed the desire that negative marking be reintroduced in such examinations. Voicing concern on the repeated controversies in the MBBS/BDS Entrance Examinations, he suggested that this examination be handed over to CBSE. He further said that as Ravishwaree  Asem had been in the merit list of general category, then the candidate in the next list of meritorious list should be selected under sports category and wanted the Minister an amendment of MBBS/BDS Entrance Examination Rules. 

            Shri L. Ibomcha Singh, MLA, co-mover of the motion pointed out the irregularities in the selection list and question setting as well and said that two candidates were listed in the selection list of both the reserved and general category. He also pointed out the loopholes in the MBBS/BDS Entrance Examination Rules. He charged that the conduct of MBBS/BDS Entrance Examination lacked transparency and wanted amendment of the revised selection list. 

            Shri L. Nandakumar Singh, Minister (Health), replying to the discussion of the motion clarified that the recent MBBS/BDS Entrance Examination 2005 was conducted with all justice and fairness. He clarified that though Ravishwaree Asem was selected in the general category, her selection would be treated as being from the sports quota and that the candidate in the next list of meritorious sports person should not be selected. In the provision of the MBBS/BDS Examination Rules there was only one seat reserved for meritorious sports person, he added. 

            Shri O. Joy Singh, Shri L. Ibomcha Singh and Dr. Nimaichand Luwang, MLA s wanted verification of application forms, answer scripts and other relevant documents. 

            Md. Abdul Salam, Chairman directed that verification of relevant documents would be made in the Speaker’s Chamber at a convenient time. 

            Hon’ble Chairman, Md. Abdul Salam  adjourned the House at 7.20 p.m till 11.00 a.m of  Thursday, the 7th July, 2005.