Hon'ble Mr. Speaker and Hon’ble Members, 

1.1             I have great pleasure in welcoming you to this Seventh Session of the Eighth Manipur Legislative Assembly. 

1.2             At the outset, let me wish you all and the people of Manipur, a very happy and prosperous New Year. 

1.3              Manipur is the land of exotic natural beauty. lts salubrious climate, varied flora &fauna and rich cultural heritage place it in a unique position. Despite being endowed with rich natural and human resources, it is a matter of serious concern that the state continues to remain economically backward in comparison to the most of the other states in the country. The state also continues to be plagued by internal conflict disturbing peace and hampering economic progress with attendant adverse consequences upon the social and economic life of its people. These are some of the important issues which need to be seriously pondered over by this August House. 

1.4              We celebrated 55^th Republic Day on the 26^th January, 2004. While doing so, the Nation pledged to preserve the freedom and integrity of the country. My government has also resolved to seriously strive for the promotion of peace, preservation of the territorial integrity and to accelerate the process of economic development of the state. May I call upon the Honourable Members of this August House, and through them the people of Manipur, to extend their full and unstinted cooperation and support to the government in this endeavour? 

2.1              Manipur has been afflicted by internal conflict for the last many decades which not only caused loss of precious lives and property but also seriously hampered the process of socio-economic development. It is the considered view of my government that the people of Manipur cannot remain trapped in the past, paralyzed by memories of injustice and grievances. We need to endeavour to identify and evolve constructive pathways that will lead to fundamental transformation of the state. Violence has no place in a democratic system which provides an inbuilt mechanism for the resolution of grievances through the process of dialogue. This option has to be explored seriously to bring peace to Manipur.

2.2              It is the primary responsibility of the state police to maintain law and order so as to create a sense of security in the minds of the people. The state police, with the active assistance of the army and the central security forces deployed in the state, were able to contain the activities of various insurgent groups operating in the state to a large extent during the year. The sustained counter-insurgency operations launched by the state police and the central security forces resulted in the arrest of 701 extremists besides the killing of 90 extremists in encounters during the period from April to December, 2003. As many as 123 extremists belonging to various underground outfits were detained under NSA, while 4 insurgents surrendered to the government. Despite the sincere efforts made by the state police to curb the unlawful activities of the insurgents, incidents of extortion, kidnapping for ransom, unauthorised collection of taxes etc, however, continued. With the view to effectively curb these undesirable activities of the insurgents, my government has suggested to the central government to increase the strength of the Central Security Forces deployed in the state and to take expeditious steps for effective guarding of the porous Indo-Myanmar border. 

2.3              My government has taken many steps to strengthen and modernise the state police so as to make it more effective. The construction of Police Station buildings at Ukhrul, Tamenglong, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Moirang, Saikul, Khoupum, Kakching, Jiribam and Lamsang, the construction of District Police Offices at Bishnupur and Thoubal, and Reserve Lines at Porompat and a Drill Shed at Pangei have been taken up. The construction of additional 22 Police station buildings will be taken up in the coming year(s). The state police has also been equipped with bullet proof vehicles, bullet proof jackets and patkas, and bullet proof morchas under the central scheme of Modernisation of the State Police Forces. The holding of fire arms of the state police has also been augmented during the year. In addition, strength of commandos has been increased from 500 to 800. The process of raising of the 4th India Reserve Battalion, which was sanctioned by the Government of India in the year 2002, has also commenced. In addition, 322 vacancies in the rank of constables in the civil police are also being filled up. 

2.4              Realising the importance of NH 39 and NH 53, the two lifelines of Manipur, all possible efforts are being made to ensure smooth and uninterrupted flow of traffic. While the NH 39 is already well guarded, my government has decided to establish Police outposts at Barak, Maku and New Khaiphundai on NH-53, involving an expenditure of Rs. 100 lakhs on the construction of the buildings etc. This would help in facilitating smooth and unhindered flow of traffic on this route.

2.5           The concerted efforts made by the state police to curb smuggling resulted in the seizure of 17.8 Kgs of Heroin Powder, 33 Kgs of Opium, 1242 Kgs ot Ganja and 1.50 Kgs of charas during the year. Large number of Ganja plants growing in the hill areas was also destroyed. 

3.                The state continues to be in the grip of a severe financial crisis since the beginning of the year 2000 due to cumulative impact of the inadequate award given by the XI Finance Commission and the revision of pay scales of the state employees following the V Pay Commission. The State's Account for the current year had opened with a deficit of Rs. 312 crores. The basic problem that continues to confront the state is that its revenue income is inadequate to meet the non-plan revenue expenditure. Despite several measures to curtail the non-plan Revenue expenditure as also to mobilise additional revenues, the gap between the two continues to remain substantial. The efforts made by my government to seek financial assistance from the Central Government to tide over the financial crisis, unfortunately, did not evoke favourable response. As the scope for further economising on the non-plan Revenue expenditure is severely limited, additional resource mobilisation by way of rationalisation of almost all taxes and user charges, such as motor vehicles Tax, land revenue, stamp duties, hills house tax, amusement tax, power tariff, etc. has been attempted. Efforts to generate additional revenue through small savings by building awareness among the people have also been made. It is, however, feared that the financial situation of the state will continue to remain a cause of worry till the state gets a better deal from the XII Finance Commission: 

4:1             The Annual Plan 2003-04 was pegged at Rs. 590 crores, as against the approved outlay of. As. 550 crores for the year 2002-03; of which economic services account for Rs. 332.27 crores; social services Rs. 215.09 crores and general services Rs. 30.04 crores. The development of infrastructure, particularly, economic infrastructure has been accorded highest priority. In addition to the outlays available for the development of infrastructure in the State's Annual Plan, the funds available from the Department of Development of North East Region (DoNER) under the Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) are also being availed of for the purpose. A total of 36 projects with a committed liability of Rs. 406.49 crores are under implementation. These inter-alia include (i) Augmentation of Imphal Water Supply Phase-I, (ii) Water Supply Projects for the 5 Hill District Headquarters and Surrounding Areas, (iii) Electrification of 60 Tribal Villages (iv) Power Supply for Hill Districts, and (v) Infrastructure development of University and Colleges.

4.2              With a view to meet the special needs of the people living in the remote and inaccessible areas situated near the border, Border Area Development Programme (BADP) is being implemented in 3 districts, namely Ukhrul, Chandel and Churachandpur with 100% central assistance. A sum of Rs. 4.16 crores has been approved for execution of various BADP schemes for the current year.

5.1              Hon'ble Members are fully aware that the Agriculture and allied sector continues to play a pivotal role in the economy of the state. The production and productivity of agriculture, however, continue to remain dependent upon timely onset of the monsoons and also the pattern of rainfall distribution. During the pre-kharif and kharif seasons of 2003-04, rainfall was fortunately normal. During pre-kharif 2003, paddy was cultivated in 14,500 hectares leading to the production of 36,650 MT of clean rice. During kharif season, paddy was cultivated in an area of 1,95,000 hectares leading to the production of 4,38,750 MT of clean rice. The area under cultivation of maize, pulses, oil seeds and sugarcane during kharif season and their production recorded sizeable achievements. 

5.2              With a view to improve the availability of quality seeds to the farmers, three departmental farms, namely, the State Mechanised farm, Lamphelpat, the Rice Research Station, Wangbal and the Seed Multiplication farm, Mantripukhri were re-activated during the year leading to the production of 129.30 MT of paddy seed of different varieties for seed purposes. Further, two Laboratories viz. Seed Testing Laboratory and Pesticides Testing Laboratory were also re-activated. Plans are also afoot for the setting up of two new Soil Testing Laboratories, one each in Thoubal and Bishnupur besides one Plant Health Clinic at the Directorate of Agriculture, during the year. With a view to assist the farmers in the procurement of tractors, power tillers and pump sets, subsidies at the rate of Rs.30,000/- per tractor/power tiller and Rs.8000/-per pump set is being extended to 117 and 137 farmers respectively. This scheme will be continued during the next year to promote increasing Farm Mechanisation. 

5.2.1           118 Minor Irrigation Schemes under..... AIBP are being implemented which are likely to be completed by March, 2004. On completion, the irrigation potential of 3319 Hectares will be created. Further, another 157 Minor Irrigation (MI) including 42 Rural Lift Irrigation (RLI) Schemes, are proposed to be implemented with financial assistance from NABARD under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund VI (RIDF VI). The total irrigation potential to be created under the RIDF VI is 7,167 hectares.

5.2.2           A Master Plan for the Minor Irrigation Schemes for 10 years is being prepared with the objective to assess, on scientific basis, the total Minor Irrigation potential of the state and to plan its development in a phased and systematic manner to increase agricultural production so as to achieve self-sufficiency in food grain production. 

5.3              My government is keen to exploit the untapped potential of horticulture and to accelerate the growth rate of agro-business for creating more employment opportunities in the rural areas so as to ensure a decent standard of living for the farmers and their families. The Department of Horticulture and Soil Conservation is implementing various programmes, both under the State Plan as well as Centrally Sponsored Schemes. Under the State Plan, Rs. 158.06 lakhs have already, been spent during the current year on various Horticulture and Soil Conservation programmes. The two important Centrally Sponsored Schemes, namely, Technology Mission for Development of Horticulture and the National Watershed Development Project for Rainfed Areas (NWDPRA) under Macro Management Agriculture Mode are being implemented in the state. An expenditure of Rs.2.95 crores was incurred on these schemes during the year. The establishment of Breeder Seed Potato Farm at Mao, at the NEC approved cost of Rs. 6.38 crores has been taken up. NEC has already released Rs. 2.00 crores, of which Rs. 1.57 crores have been spent. This firm will significantly improve the availability of quality potato seed to the farmers leading to the increase production of potato. 

5.4              My government is making concerted efforts to increase production of animal and diary products by introducing improved variety of live-stock and birds, and by imparting training to the farmers. The cattle cross-breeding programme is being expanded by introducing artificial insemination (AI) works at the District Veterinary hospitals, Veterinary dispensaries and the Aid Centres. 2(two) frozen semen banks, one at Porompat and another at Kakching produce adequate quantity of liquid nitrogen. A third Liquid Nitrogen Plant of 10 litres per hour capacity imported from Holland is being commissioned at Porompat semen bank soon. Further, a concrete Cattle breeding policy is being formulated to facilitate the cattle development programme in the state. The 17th quinquennial live-stock census which commenced on 15.10.2003 has been completed. Under the Animal Health programme, a full fledged State Veterinary Hospital building has been constructed at Sanjenthong, ImphaL To successfully control live-stock and bird diseases, 1 .85 lakhs of animals and birds were treated and immunized. The efforts to increase the production of Animal and diary products will be continued.

6.1              Despite many decades of planned economic development, Manipur continues to remain industrially backward. However, efforts are continuing for promotion and development of industries in the state. With a view to attract private investment as also to give exposure to Manipuri products, the Commerce & Industries Department participated in the India International Trade Fair held in New Delhi in November, 2003 and the North East Business Summit organised by the Department of Development of North Eastern Region in Delhi on 21^st  and 2^nd January, 2004. 

6.2              Faced with the situation of mounting accumulated losses, my government decided to wind up the unviable Public Sector Enterprises (PSE). As a first step, retrenchment of the employees serving in these Undertakings was taken up. Altogether, 610 employees who were working in the identified PSEs were retrenched. Revival packages for those Public Sector Enterprises which can be made commercially viable are being formulated. 

6.3              Under the Prime Minister's Rozgar Yojana, 970 cases were recommended to the participating Banks for provisional sanction. 

6.4              The role of the Small Scale, Handloom and Cottage Sectors in generating employment opportunities is well recognised. Efforts are being made to promote these sectors. Under the Handloom Sector, 174 schemes are, currently, under implementation under the Deen Dayal Hatkargha Protsahan Yojana which will benefit 3322 weavers. A Project Package Scheme for Handloom Societies, Workshed-cum-Housing Scheme and Health Package Scheme at a cost of approximately, Rs. 200 lakhs are also being implemented. Modernisation of 100 Huller Rice Mills with the assistance from the Government of India has also been taken up. In addition, profiles on 25 projects on Food Processing Industries were prepared and three Entrepreneurial Development Programmes were organised. 

6.5              In order to increase the level of silk production and also to generate additional

self employment opportunities, my government has taken up the implementation of the Manipur Sericulture Project (MSP) costing Rs. 490.59 crores with the financial assistance from Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund, Japan, [now renamed as Japanese Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC)] so as to boost the Mulberry silk output from 46 MT to 160 MT. The 'Project' would provide direct employment to 30,920 persons. This prestigious 'Project' is expected to boost the economic development of Manipur significantly.

6.6              The state government is also implementing catalytic development schemes during the 10^th Plan period especially under the non mulberry sectors. The total financial outlay for implementing these schemes is Rs. 77.82 lakhs to be shared by the Central Silk Board (CSB), State government and the beneficiaries. 

7.1              Manipur is a landlocked state with no rail network. Road connectivity, therefore, is vitally important. My government has accorded priority to the maintenance and improvement of the existing road network as also to build new roads for providing better connectivity. The improvement of Nagamapal road, Minuthong bridge and RIMS road was carried out and completed during the year. In addition, the provisions available under the Central Road Fund were utilised for the improvement of various roads and bridges such as Imphal-Mayang Imphal-Sugnu-Chakpikarong road, Churachandpur-Singhat road, Imphal- Yairipok road, Sagolmang_Saikul road, Irilbung bridge and Yairipok bridge. The construction of Pishumthong bridge has been completed. The fund available under the State's Plan has been earmarked for improvement and upgradation of Moirang-Kumbi-Sagang-Sugnu road, Pallel_Chandel road, Project road of Loktak, Yairipok - Kasom Khullen road, Singhat-Behiang road, Churachandpur, Sugnu road, Khunutabi-Machi road etc. 

7.2             With the view to expedite improvement of the roads connecting the state capital with the district headquarters and the district headquarters with sub-divisional headquarters and the other important ones, the following roads which are included in ,the 10th Plan of the NEC have been handed over to BRO:

·         Bishnupur-Nungba road;

·         Mahadev- Tolloi-Pfusero road;

·         Tamenglong-Khongsang road;

·         Tamenglong- Tamei road. 

7.3              In addition, Churachandpur-Singhat road, Singhat-Sinzawl- Tuivai road and Tamei-Kangpokpi road are being improved by the State Government with the NEC funding. 

7.4              The double laning of the entire stretches ofNH-39and NH-150 has been included in the approved 10th Plan Programme of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India. The 4 (four) laning of NH-39 for the portion from Km.311.00 to 317.00 is in good progress. The double laning of NH-53 is to be executed by the BRO. The progress of the work is slow due to the disturbed law and order conditions, especially in the stretch from Barak 10 Jiribarn. The Ministry of Home Affairs has, recently, intimated that the required security win be provided by them so as to facilitate improvement and widening of the Highway expeditiously. 

8.1              Power constitutes a vital component of infrastructure for the socio-economic development of any state. Unfortunately, the supply of power in Manipur is irregular and erratic. The state depends upon the Central Sector Power Generating Stations located in the North Eastern Region to meet its power requirements. As against the present peak demand of 140 MW, the maximum availability is around 90 MW only. The shortfall is, partially, met by the power generated by the Heavy Fuel Based Power Project at Leimakhong. 

8.2              Manipur is endowed with abundant hydro potential. The State Government have identified a number of Hydro Electric Projects for implementation. These include Irang Hydro Electric Project (60 MW), Tuivai Hydro Electric Project (51 MW) and Barak Hydro Electric Project (90 MW) . These are in addition to the Central Sector Projects, namely Tipaimukh Hydro Electric Project of 1500 MW capacity and the Loktak Down Stream Hydro Electric Project of 90 MW capacity. A number of small micro and mini Hydel Projects have also been identified for implementation in due course. With the implementation of some of these Projects, the availability of power in Manipur is expected to improve substantially. 

8.3.1           To improve the Transmission and Distribution System, construction of two new 132/33 KV sub-stations at Kongba and Rengpang is in good progress and a new Project at Tipaimukh is also being taken up. 

8.3.2.          Out of the three ongoing 33KV substation Projects at Saikul, Moreh and Sivapurikhal, Saikul project has been completed. The new Projects for construction 33 KV sub-stations at Noney, Maram, Tousem, Tamei and Singhat have also been sanctioned by the DoNER, out of which work at Noney and Maram has been started on turn-key basis. 

8.3.3           In addition to the above projects, 4 (four) 33 KV sub-station projects at Namrei, Thanlon, Thinkew and Lakhamai have been approved by the DoNER and one 33 KV sub­station at Kakwaa is also sanctioned by REC. 

8.3.4            The ongoing work for construction of 33 KV Transmission Line from Yurembam to Mongsangei is in good progress. The new scheme for construction of 33 KV Double Circuit Transmission line from Leimakhong to Iroisemba under NLCPR has been started on turn-key basis and another 33 KV Transmission Line from Mongsangei to Khuman Lampak via Kongba is also being taken up.

8.3.5           A new scheme for Capacity Addition of the existing 33 sub-stations (S/Ss) in the Greater Imphal area has, been sanctioned under Accelerated Power Development and Reforms Programme (APDRP). Further, a scheme for providing Electronic Energy Meters to the Distribution Transformers for Greater Imphal for Energy Auditing has also been sanctioned under the same programme, i.e. APDRP. 

8.4.1           The National Action Plan envisages cent per cent village electrification by 2007. Manipur has, so far, achieved electrification to the extent of 79%. Under this Action Plan, 30 virgin villages were electrified during, 2003 with funding under NLCPR. Further, 56 virgin villages are targeted for electrification by March, 2004 i.e. 3O under PMGY and 26. Under NP (RE) respectively. 

8.4.2           The new target during 2004-05 for Electrification of Virgin Villages is 140 i.e. 60 under NLCPR, 50 under PMGY, 20 under MNP(RE) and 10 under Border Villages Electrification Programme. My government is fully committed to electrify all the villages by the year 2007 as envisaged in the Nation Action Plan. 

8.5              My Government has also initiated the process of power reforms. As a first step, the Administrative Staff College of India, (ASCI) Hyderabad was appointed as Consultant to prepare a detailed report. The draft final report received from the Institute is being examined by the government. With the view to improve the realisation of power tariff, a Vigilance Cell has been set up in the Power Department and the collection of revenue through Panchayats, Local Bodies, Local Clubs, NGOs etc. has started. 

9.1              In order to meet the growing demand of water and power and also for the control of floods, a number of irrigation and multi-purpose projects are being implemented. The three Projects, namely, Khuga Project, Thoubal Project, and Dolaithabi Project are, currently, under implementation and are expected to be completed by the year 2007. On completion, additional irrigation potential of, approximately, 52,000 hectares would be created and the availability of drinking water will improve by 15.00 Million Gallons Per day (MGD). In addition, 9.25 MW of power is also expected to become available. Jiri Irrigation Project is likely to be taken up with NEC funding during the 10th Plan period. The investigation work for development of new irrigation and multi-purpose projects at Chakpi, Iril and Sekmai rivers is continuing. 

9.2              A Flood Control Master Plan to integrate all the on-going and new projects in the state is being prepared by Water and Power Consultancy Services (WAPCOS). Flood Control Projects, namely, Merakhong Project, Nambul River Project (Phase I & II, Wanging River Project, Waishel Drainage scheme, etc. are under implementation an dare likely to be completed by the end of the 10th Plan.

10.1            Human resource is the most important resource available to a state or a country. The development of human resource, therefore, is of significant importance for my government. The schemes for the development of Manipur University and for improving the facilities in the Government Colleges are being implemented. The Government have constituted the Manipur State Higher Education Commission to look into the problems and issues in Higher Education and to recommend appropriate policy initiatives and concrete measures for improvement in the system of Higher Education. The report of the 'Commission' is being examined by the Government for taking appropriate follow up action. 

10:2     The Sarva Sikshya Abhiyan (SSA) launched-by the Government of India to provide free and compulsory education to the children, is being implemented in the state. A State Mission Authority headed by the Chief Minister has been constituted, as envisaged in the scheme of SSA. The District Elementary Education Plan (DEEP) consisting of Annual Work Plan and Budget for the year 2003-04 and Perspective Plan upto 2007 have been prepared and submitted to the Government of India. A sum of Rs. 1.O1 crores has been released for taking up Pre-Project Activities of SSA. The amalgamation of schools so as to rationalise the number of students and teachers, has also been taken up, Towards reforming Elementary Education, new curricular and syllabi of classes I to V are being implemented. 

10.3            The Government College of Technology has been re-named as Manipur College of Technology whose management has now been entrusted to a Society headed by the Chief Minister. A Project Estimate for Rs.10 crores for construction of buildings and procurement of laboratory equipments and books is awaiting final approval of the Government of India. 

10.4     Under the Prime Minister's Special Package for the North East, 5 new ITls have been opened and the 4 existing ITls are being strengthened to improve the facilities for imparting technical training in various trades. 

11.1            My government is committed to provide quality Health and Family Welfare services to the people. Towards this end, emphasis on improvement and/or upgradation of infrastructure is being given. During the year, the work for repairing and renovation of 5 Hill District Hospitals at a total cost of Rs.1.50 crams has been taken up. A Trauma Centre at JN Hospital, Porompat, at a cost of Rs.I.50 crores is being established. Two more such Trauma Centres, one each at District Hospitals, Senapati and Churachandpur are proposed to be set up. Two Regional Diagnostic Centres, one each at Churachandpur and Thoubal are also being set up. The number of Mobile Dispensary Units is being increased from three to six so as to extend the coverage to the areas falling within Tamenglong, and Senapati districts (including Kangpokpi). 

11.2            The Government of India have, recently, sanctioned the State Government's proposal for construction of a 100- bedded Hospital at Thoubal at an estimated cost of As. 24.80 crores. Work on the project will commence soon. 

11.3            During the year, the Family Welfare Department has completed the construction of 6 PHCs and 41 PHSCs. In addition, renovation work of 4 PHCs and 23 PHSCs has also been completed. 

12.1            The Public Health Engineering Department (PH ED) has taken up the work of replacement of pipe line from Leimakhong to Kangchup and Kangchup to lroisemba (approximately 21 Km. distance) costing Rs.11.00 crores which is expected to be competed by March, 2004. This will improve supply of water to the Imphal Town substantially by control of leakages and losses. With the completion of one Zonal Reservoir at Keishampat, the people of Keishampat and Keishamthong areas which were facing acute water scarcity have got some relief. Another two project components of Imphal Water Supply, viz. Irilbung and Canchipur have been taken up during the current year which will benefit a population of 1,00,000. These two projects are targeted for completion by December, 2005. Laying of a new 500 mm diameter pipeline from Iroisemba to Imphal has been completed and commissioned in January, 2004, benefiting Uripok, Nagamapal, Thangal and Paona Bazars and Wahengbam Leikai areas. 

12.2            During the current year, the PHED has already started Imphal Sewerage Project Phase-l, Zone-I with French assistance. The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs. 134.75 crores. The detailed design for the main pipe network with secondary pipelines of Imphal Sewerage System Zone- I (Phase-I) has already been completed and the work is scheduled to start from March, 2004. Construction of Sewerage Treatment Plant of the project is expected to start from April, 2004 and is targeted for completion by December, 2006.

12.3            The Department has commissioned and handed over the Rural Water Supply scheme under the Prime Minister's Gramin Yojana (PMGY) at Ningomthong Kitnapannung to the Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) for operation and maintenance. This is the second occasion when the Department has handed over Rural Water Supply Scheme to PRI, the first being Kanglatongbi Water Supply Scheme. The Department is also targeting to provide safe drinking water to 100 partially covered habitation during 2003-04. About 120 tube wells have been drilled and fitting of hand pumps has started. Water Supply Schemes for the five hill district headquarters with an estimated cost of Rs. 43.71 crores is being taken up under NLCPR during the current year. The schemes are targeted to be commissioned in the early part of 2005. My government is also committed to implement the SW AJALDHARA programme launched by the Government of India from this year, having beneficiaries' participation for ensuring sustained water supply. 

12.3.1         The PHE Department also has taken up construction of pucca and kutcha drains to improve the drainage system in Imphal. From this year, the Department is also taking up Rural Sanitation Programme under the Total Sanitation Campaign in all the districts of Manipur. 

12.4            Under Indira Awas Yojana (lAY), State share amounting to Rs.149 .11 lakhs is being released by the Govt. With this money, 545 additional new houses will be constructed and 300 additional houses upgraded during the current year. For the coming year, more houses will be taken up for construction and upgradation depending on the Central allocation. 

13.1            Under the Prime Minister's Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), priority is being accorded to unconnected habitations and the upgradation of existing roads. During the first two phases, many roads and bridges have been constructed. A total of 33 work packages covering 130 roads with a total length of 715.20 Kms. are being executed during the current year as Phase-II of the programme. An amount of Rs. 40.00 crores has been released to the state by the Centre, out of total allocation of Rs. 80.71 crores for the purpose. Preparation of­ Core Network for Phase-III of the programme is nearing completion. 

13.2            It is the policy of my government to facilitate the process of democratic decentralization. Towards this end, the Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRls) are being empowered. During the year, grant-in-aid amounting to Rs. 2.04 crores was released to the Panchayati Raj Institutions to enable them to function as the effective institutions of self­ -governance. It will be the endeavour of my government to continue the process of decentralization in the years to come.

13.3            Under the Sampoorna Gramin Rojgar Yojana (SGRY) Stream-I, Rs. 2.45 crores have been utilised by the District Rural Development Agencies (DRDAs). Altogether, 1668 works have been completed and 490 works are under progress. Under Stream -II, Rs. 1.85 crores have been spent on 1,295 works which have been completed and 1,083 works are under progress. 

14.1            The Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development Department (MAHUD) has undertaken construction of BT Road Flyover, Ima Market, New Market and Lakshmi Market with financial assistance from the Government of India. The construction of 'Flyover' is progressing well. The construction of three markets is also being started very soon. 

14.2            The State Government has submitted proposals to the Ministry of Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation, Government of India, for the construction of Keishampat Flyover, a Market Complex at Thoubal and for the upgradation of Urban Slums. 

14.3           The State Government has engaged the National Buildings Construction Corporation Ltd. to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for the construction of market Complexes at the Old District Hospital site, Imphal and at Jiribam and Wangjing and for the Solid Waste Management at Imphal, etc. 

14.4            The 'Department' is taking-up augmentation/strengthening of street lighting in Imphal and other district headquarters through Power Department, with a sum of Rs.200.00 lakhs, allocated by the Planning Department from out of the Additional Central Assistance (ACA) during the year 2003-04. 

14.5              The consultants engaged by the Government of India /Asian Development Bank have recommended sanction of Rs.201.12 crores for the development of infrastructure of the Imphal Town which includes water supply, sewerage and drainage, solid waste management, roads, storm water drains and street lighting. The funds would be routed through the Department of Economic Affairs under Asian Development Bank (ADB) Assistance. 

15.1            With a view to improve availability of essential commodities in the remote and far flung areas of the state, which also has maximum concentration of the poor, my government has introduced the Targeted Public Distribution System. The Food and Civil Supplies Department has devised schemes to meet the desired objective. Under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) Scheme, about 1, 30,000 families are getting the benefit of 35 Kgs of BPL rice per family per month at the subsidised rate. This will be enhanced to 1,66,000 beneficiaries. The department has also successfully implemented the 'Antyodaya Anna Yojana' (AAY) scheme by providing 35 Kgs of BPL rice to 25,000 beneficiaries who are the poorest of the poor from amongst the BPL families. Under the scheme, BPL rice is distributed at a subsidized rate of Rs. 3.47/- per Kg. The Department is contemplating to introduce Annapurna & AAY Schemes under the state sector. Nari Niketan Scheme has also been introduced covering destitute widows etc. Import of 50,000 MT of rice from Myanmar has been approved and for this a Godown of 850 MT. capacity will be constructed at Moreh and another Godown of 500 MT. capacity will be constructed at Imphal East. Consumer Awareness Campaign has been carried out and more such campaigns will be conducted. A Welfare Scheme covering undernourished adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating mother has been introduced at Senapati District under which food grain at the scale of 6 Kg. per beneficiary is being distributed free of cost. 

15.1.1        Further, the department has opened 60 extension points of Superior Kerosene (SK) oil at different locations mostly in the hill areas to supply kerosene to the people living in remote and isolated villages. With a view to keep the prices of essential commodities in check and also to make them easily available to the public, 34 Retail Outlets have been opened. The Department is also resorting to Mobile Sale. 

15.2            Manipur is famous for its rich cultural heritage. Several schemes to promote, preserve and nurture the rich cultural heritage of the state are being implemented. Interaction and exchange of cultural programmes with other States of India in collaboration with Zonal Cultural Centres, viz. Eastern Zonal Cultural Centre, Kolkata, the North East Zone Cultural Centre, Dimapur and the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi have been organised. Financial assistance is being extended to the persons distinguished in literature, art or such other walks of life who are in indigent circumstances. The Department organised a Tribal Festival in Manipur in collaboration with North East Zone Cultural Centre, Dimapur. 100 artistes from the Nagaland and 20 artistes from Ukhrul District participated in the Festival. During 2003­04, 18 (eighteen) Cultural Programmes were also organised by the voluntary organisations under the aegis of the Department of Art & Culture.

15.2.1         My government organised, the first ever Festival of Manipur at grand scale at Swabhumi, Kolkata from the 14th to 19th January 2003 which is a great success. The 'Concept Development Plan' for Kangla Fort Archaeological Park was approved and the work for implementation of the Project has been entrusted to the Manipur Police Housing Corporation Ltd. The state government's proposal for the construction of a Cultural Complex­-cum-Habitat Centre at Imphal at an, estimated cost of Rs. 12.35 crores, is under active consideration of the Government of India. Manipur Culture Policy has been formulated and will be announced soon, The Department of Art & Culture has also been successful in getting' sanction of about Rs. 82.00 lakhs from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism for taking up beautification work at INA complex, Moirang. 

15.3             My government is giving special emphasis to increase the road safety awareness amongst the people. Road safety programmes, workshops and seminars were conducted to educate the school children and the general public in the observance of traffic rules and regulations. Besides, posters and other publicity materials were distributed as a part of road safety ad-campaign. High Security Vehicle Registration Number Plates system is being introduced soon. Further, under the 10th Plan Scheme, VAHAN software for registration of vehicles has been commissioned at the office of the DTO, Imphal West. With a view to control pollution due to vehicular traffic, pollution checking machines have been installed at the offices of the DTO, Imphal West and MSRTC complex, Moirangkhom. Under the NEC scheme, funds have been earmarked for renovation of bus terminus at Deulahland and Jiribam and construction of a bus terminus at Churachandpur. Steps are being taken to install Electronic Signalling Devices at some selected traffic points in the Imphal city to regulate traffic. 

15.4            Realising the potential for development of tourism in Manipur, my government is taking steps to promote tourism with the twin objective of poverty alleviation through employment generation and promotion of understanding between the different cultures and civilizations. Tourism Department has prioritized 11 projects for implementation during 2003_04 with the Central Financial Assistance. With the improved availability of rooms and better facilities, Hotel Imphal has been upgraded to 2-Star category with the approval of the Government of India. My Government has proposed to the Government of India for extending financial assistance to upgrade the Hotel Imphal to a 4-star standard. 

15.5            To build awareness about the legality of the Labour Laws in force in the state, short term training courses and seminars are being conducted by the Labour Department for the workers, employees and the trade unionists of both the public and private sector establishments. The Department has started a survey on child labour employed in hazardous and non-hazardous employment to assess the magnitude of the problem in the state. 

15.6            For the welfare of the disadvantaged section of the society, my government will take up the following enhanced measures under various schemes during the coming year: 

(a)    2000 additional beneficiaries will be given assistance under the Manipur 'Old Age  Pension Scheme. 

(b)    The rate of assistance given to 320 destitute children of 8 Destitute Children's Homes will be increased from the present rate of Rs. 270/- to Rs. 400/- per child per month. 

(c)    Lump-sum assistance of Rs. 20,000/- each will be given to 20 additional Destitute Children's Homes. 

(d)    The number of dependent children who are given stipend @, Rs. 60/- per child per month will be increased from the present 393 to 800. 

(e)    Stipend being given to disabled students will be raised from the present Rs. 40-120/- per month to Rs. 50-150/- per month and Maintenance Allowance to mentally challenged students from Rs. 300/- to Rs. 500/- per year. 

(f)      A new scheme will be introduced for giving assistance to 1 000 disabled persons @ Rs. 1000/- per head. 

15.7.1        The Employees State Insurance Scheme and the Welfare Schemes for the Building Workers have also been taken up to provide benefits to the workers under the Employees State Insurance Act, 1948 and the Buildings and Other Constructions Workers' (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996. 

15.7            Schemes for economic upliftment and welfare of minorities and other Backward Classes have been taken up. To improve the level of education, pre-matric and post-matric scholarships are being awarded to poor students. In order to build up bench mark data on the minorities, a survey is being conducted. The socio-economic survey of Meitei Pangals will be conducted during this year. My government has decided to set up a State Minorities Commission for safeguarding the interest of the minorities. A State level society, namely, Manipur Minority and Other Backward Classes Economic Development Society (MOBEDS) has been set up for taking up economic development programmes and also to act as the channelising agency of national financial institutions and other government agencies. 

15.8            My government is taking steps for the establishment of a Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate for the Imphal East Di'5itrict at Porompat and another Family Court in the state. The construction of new Court building at Bishnupur has been completed to provide accommodation to the Judicial Magistrates. 

15.8.1         With a view to modernise and upgrade the existing infrastructure in Jails, my government had submitted a Five Year Perspective Plan to the Government of India, which released As. 3.14 crores during 2002-03. The fund is being utilised for construction of additional Jails to reduce over crowding, repair and renovation of existing Jails, improvement of sanitation and Water supply, besides construction of living accommodation for the staff. 

15.9            Manipur occupies a prominent place in the field of games and sports and can justifiably be proud of it. Its sports persons have excelled at the national and international levels. My government congratulates these young sport persons who have brought laurels to the State in the 1^st  Afro Asian Games held at Hyderabad during October, 2003. Km.W. Surjalata Devi from Manipur was the Captain of the Indian Women's Hockey Team which won the gold medal, Km. Sanggai Chanu also participated as a player. The outstanding performance of Manipuri girls at the 2^nd Asian Women Boxing Championship held at Hissar in October, 2003 needs special mention. While Km. Mary Kom and Km. Sarita Devi won gold medals, Km. Asharani Devi won Silver medal. Km. Romita Devi also won gold medal in the 3^rd Asian Cadet Wrestling Championship (U-17) which was held at Taiwan during November, 2003. The State successfully organised the 18^th North East Sports Festival from 16^th to 19^th December, 2003. It was not a surprise that Manipur was declared the overall Champion winning 66 gold; 29 silver and 16 bronze against 436 medals offered including 109 gold, 109 silver and 128 bronze. Besides, the state is champion in a number of disciplines in different age groups at the National Level. The Youth Affairs and Sports (YAS) Department is implementing non-residential coaching programme for 15,000 young sport persons in 19 disciplines in two batches for a period of six months each at the Khuman Lampak Sports Complex. For physical fitness awareness amongst the school going children, the Department organised State Level and District Level Bharatiyam programmes in all the nine districts and two sub-divisions involving 550 students. 

15.9.1         My government is committed to the promotion of sports in Manipur and towards this end, the Revised Manipur State Sports Policy, 2003 has been approved by the Cabinet and introduced on 15th December, 2003.The salient features of this policy are incentives/ awards, to sports persons who achieved excellence at National and International levels, scientific support to sports, scheme for welfare of distressed sports persons who are in penury or got injured in the National and International Championships, integration of sports and physical education in the educational curriculum, provision of support to the state level sports associations for organizing state and national level tournaments under the aegis of national federations etc. 

15.9.2         In its endeavour to provide proper direction to the youths, my government has prepared a draft State Youth Policy in tune with the National Youth Policy. 

15.9.3        The 16th State Level Youth Festival, 2004 was organized at Khuman Lampak from 4^th January, 2004. 341 boys and girls, representing all the nine districts and two sub-divisions of Jiribam and Kangpokpi, participated in the festival. As per the result of 16th State Level, Youth Festival, 2004, the Department sponsored 44 boys and girls for participating in the 9th National Youth Festival, held at Jamshedpur, Jharkhand from 12 to 16th January, 2004. In this Festival, the Manipur Team bagged 1^st  prize in Folk dance (Group) competition, 1^st  prize in, solo dance by Km. B. Sanjita Devi of Imphal East and 2nd prize in classical vocal solo (Hindustani) by Km. S. Balatombi Devi of Nambol, Bishnupur District. 

15.9.4        The Department imparted computer training to 368 youths from different districts. The first online examination was conducted in Manipur by the National Informatics Centre, New Delhi and DOEACC at the Community Information Centre (CIC), Khuman Lampak on 28^th September, 2003 and 25^th January, 2004. The Department also conferred the State Youth Award and District Award to five youths and five voluntary organizations on International Volunteers Day on 5^th December, 2003 for their outstanding contribution in the field of youth welfare activities. 

15.9.5         The number of National Service Scheme (NSS) volunteers has been enhanced to 9,700 from 8,300 during 2003-04 by covering additional seven colleges and seven Higher Secondary Schools. The Department also organised two-day workshop for NSS functionaries, five-day Refresher course for NSS Programme Officers and NSS special camping programme in 21 Colleges and Higher Secondary Schools for the NSS Volunteers. 

15.10          Manipur has been blessed with some rare and endangered species of flora and fauna of the World spread over 78% of its total geographical area. However, shifting cultivation and uninhibited commercial exploitation of timber are the two major factors behind geographical degradation of the forests. Efforts are being made to promote settled cultivation and to discourage the practice of shifting cultivation. 

15.10.1      To manage the State's precious natural resources on sustainable basis and to bring out degraded areas under vegetation, the State Forest Department has created 9(nine) Forest Development Agencies (FDA) in each of the Territorial Forest Divisions to implement National Afforestation Programme through the Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs). 

15.10.2      The State of Manipur is also rich in wild life. The brow antlered deer (Sangai) one of most endangered, is found in nature in the only floating park in the world, the Keibul Lamjao National Park. Similarly, Siroy Lily is found only at Siroy hill of the Ukhrul District. 

15.10.3      Loktak lake is nature's gift to Manipur. Loktak Development Authority is engaged in conservation and sustainable development of the lake which includes lake and catchment monitoring and specific intervention for Loktak re-generation. The main focus of the activities carried out was on environmental improvement of the lake while ensuring economic benefits to the local communities. A detailed Project Report (DPR) for the preservation and development of Loktak is being prepared by an expert agency, which is expected by April, 2004. The possibility of seeking financial assistance from International Funding agencies i.e. World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Asian Development Bank and Japanese Bank for International Cooperation, etc. will be explored for funding the Project. 

15.10.4      Under the Environmental Education Programme, several awareness programmes are being organised throughout the state in coordination with the NGOs, Clubs and Institutions in order to make the people conscious about the importance of environment. Under the Eco-Development Programme, a State Botanical Garden was set up at Khonghampat to conserve the rare, endangered, indigenous, and threatened plant species as well as a number of Eco-Demonstration Parks have been established in different districts.

15.11          With a view to promote cooperative movement and to promote economic growth through cooperative sector, the Department of Cooperation has taken up various schemes/ projects to generate economic growth with the financial assistance from the Central Government and other Financial Institutions. So far, the Department has implemented National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC) schemes including the Integrated Cooperative Development Project (ICDP) for an amount of Rs. 2039 .06lakhs from 1,181 Cooperative Societies under CSS, Rs. 202.00 lakhs for 110 Cooperative Societies, under NABARD and Rs. 1157.751akhs for Manipur State Cooperative Bank Ltd. (MSCB). From the State Plan, a sum of Rs. 262.00 lakhs is being provided for assisting 115 Cooperative Societies and Cooperative Banks in the state. 

15.11.1      The Cooperation Department is also implementing 3(three) Integrated Cooperative Development Projects (ICDP) at Imphal West, Imphal East and Ukhrul Districts. The projects costing Rs. 689.58 lakhs in the first year have been sponsored by NCDC. The Manipur State Cooperative Bank Ltd. has also advanced a sum of Rs. 45.121akhs to 392 individual farmers and another sum of Rs. 29.131akhs to 233 other farmers under Kishan Credit Card (KCC) and on Farm Water Management Scheme respectively. 

15.12          I take pleasure in announcing that the construction of Manipur Science Centre building at Takyelpat, at an estimated cost of Rs. 2 crores, is nearing completion and the centre is expected to be commissioned in June, 2004. The Centre will house various scientific exhibition items of interest to all science lovers, especially the students. 

15.12.1      To generate employment opportunities in the information technology sector, my government has entered into an MOU with Software Technology Park of India (STPI) for setting up a STPI Centre at ImphaL. This centre will open up new avenues for employment in Manipur through IT enabled services like Call Centre, Medical Transcription, etc. 

15.12.2      Under the 11^th Finance Commission Award, computer training centres are being set up at 27 schools spread over all the 9(nine) districts of the State. These training centres are meant for students of VIII to XII standard to make them computer literate. 

15.12.3      To provide better Citizen Centric Information through the Internet, a special Web-site has been launched under Community Information Centre (CIC) Project. The information can be accessed by the people in remote areas of Manipur in all the Blocks through the CICs, which are connected to the Internet by Satellite link.

15.12.4.           Manipur Remote Sensing Application Centre (MARSAG) is taking up several Remote Sensing Applications' related to Manipur under Projects sponsored by NEC, Department of Space, Government of India etc. MARSAC is now well equipped with state­of-the-art work) stations, plotters, image processing and GIS Software to take up various projects. 

15:12.5      A total of 7,952 nos. of households spread over96 remote un-electrified villages will be provided Solar Home lighting Systems for Domestic Light. The implementation of this Project is expected to be completed by March, 2004. 

15.13          Hon'ble Members are fully aware that the Fisheries Department continues to playa vital role in the upliftment of economy of the state and maintenance of the general health of the people as fish being an essential item of food for the majority of the people. The state could produce 17,500 MT of table fish and 117.50 million fish seed both in public and private sector. In order to promote pisciculture in private sector, various measures viz. Fish Farmers' Day Observation, Fish Fair-cum-Fish Crop Competition, Workshop-cum-Seminars and other awareness programmes and trainings have been conducted. A total of 1,348 farmers have been given financial assistance under Fish Farmers Development Agency (FFDA) programme and construction of 82 Housing Units under the National Welfare Fund for Fishermen under Central Sector Scheme will be completed during this financial year. FFDA programmes will be continued and expanded. Construction of 3 jetties around Loktak with funds from NABARD is under active progress. Demonstration stage of Giant Freshwater Prawn culture has been taken up in 10(ten) selected private farms in the 4(four) valley districts in collaboration with CIFE (Deemed University), Mumbai and the wide-spread extension of prawn culture in private sector is envisaged. Breeding of ornamental fish is being taken up in collaboration with the Kolkata Centre of CIFE (Deemed University), Mumbai. 

15.14          My government is committed for augmenting its limited resources by making concerted efforts for collection of revenue. Towards this end, the Revenue Department has collected Rs. 44,10,244.49 as land revenue and Rs. 85,78,579.00 as stamp duty and registration fee. The Revenue Department has also completed re-survey operations in 28 villages of Thoubal District. The Department is targeting to take up re-survey operations in another 15 villages of Thoubal District and 15 villages of Imphal District during 2004-05. Further, 2(two) new Revenue Sub-Divisions viz. SDO, Lilong and SDO, Patsoi have been opened in public interest during the current year.