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* SUMMARY
LIST OF GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS
Address
by His Excellency, the Governor of Manipur, Shri Lallan Prasad Singh
to the Manipur Legislative Assembly on 26.3.1974.
Mr. Speaker and Hon’ble Members of the Manipur Legislative
Assembly,
I am glad to welcome you to the first Session of the New Vidhan
Sabha, and to congratulate you on your having been chosen by the
people of the State to be their representatives. I am particularly
happy on the generally disciplined and orderly participation by all
concerned in the elective process.
AUTONOMOUS HILL DISTRICT COUNCILS
The year that has gone past saw yet another election held in the
hill areas to return people’s representatives as Members of the
autonomous Hill District Councils under the Manipur (Hill Areas)
District Councils Act, 1971. Since then the Hill Areas District
Councils have been established and have started functioning in
respect of the subjects transferred to them.
MID-TERM ELECTIONS
The mid term elections in the State of Manipur were held on the
19th, 23rd and 25th February, 1974 covering all the 60
constituencies. The voters are more and more conscious of the
importance of ballot and displayed great enthusiasm in this
democratic process and polling was on an average of 70 to 80%. The
Election Department, the Electoral Officers and the Polling Officers
carried out their duties in a commendable manner and deserve our
praise. Many polling parties covered long distances in vehicles or
on foot or even by boats to reach polling stations, moving in some
cases through Nagaland, and suffered privation. The State Civil and
Armed Police Forces, the C.R.P.F., the B.S.F. and the Army carried
sweeping combing operations and gave excellent example of devotion
to duty and alertness by meticulous planning. There was a definite
requirement for adequate and well integrated security arrangements
for domination of vulnerable areas and my Government would like to
make special mention of the outstanding contribution made by the 8
Mountain Divn. and the 61 Mountain Brigade, which in spite of their
overwhelming commitments and limited resources, provided outer
protection cordons in strategic areas of almost the entire State in
addition to seeing through the elections within their own sector in
an exemplary manner. The Joint Control Centre established at Imphal
by the 61 Mountain Brigade in Co-ordination with the other Security
forces provided the nerve-centre and an efficient system of
collating and disseminating information. The elections in Manipur
could not have been conducted so successfully without a team work of
the highest order on the part of all agencies, and the spontaneous
co-operation and dedication to duty on their part and on the part of
the jawans who worked day-in and day-out. It must be said to the
credit of everybody that the co-operation from all was spontaneous.
My Government regrets that two constables of the B.S.F. lost their
lives and sympathise with those persons who suffered injuries.
LAW AND ORDER
The crime situations both in the hill and the valley remain well
under control except for the unfortunate incidents in August and
September 1973. 3,291 cases were registered as against 24,478 in the
preceding year to meet genuine public complaints and grievances as
far as possible. This increase was mainly due to better enforcement
of Excise, Gambling and other special and local laws. As many as 27
new Police Stations were opened in the State in 1972 and 1973 and
satisfactory progress was made in raising the 5th Bn. of the Manipur
Rifles. The insurgency in some parts of the Hill areas, however,
continued as before. My Government will continue to keep the law and
order situation in a Border State like Manipur under constant review
and would take all action necessary for the effectiveness of the
security arrangements and for the safety of life and property of the
peace-loving people. I also hope that it would be possible to take
up the Police Housing Scheme on a large scale to ameliorate the
living conditions of the State Police personnel.
AGRICULTURE
During 1973-74, maize recorded a very good harvest. Paddy harvest
was also quite good despite belated rainfall and heavy rains during
the harvest time. The area under high yielding varieties went up to
18,000 hectares, against the target of 12,000 hectares. Varieties
like “Ratna” and “IR-24” which were new introductions gained
tremendous popularity along with the existing high yielding
varieties like “Jaya” and “IR-8”. My Government has
voluntarily accepted the higher target of 22,000 hectares during the
coming year.
Fertilizers:
2,000 tonnes of nutrient elements were distributed as against the
target of 1,900 tonnes. Hon’ble Members will be glad to know that
fertilizer consumption per acre in Manipur is higher than any
other State in the North Eastern Region. My Government has fixed the
target for 1974-75 at 2,700 M.tonnes of nutrient elements. My
Government is also very much alive to the problems of procurement of
fertilizers and is trying to store the required quantities well
ahead.
Double Cropping:
During 1972-73 double cropping of paddy was introduced with the help
of stored water from temporary dams. Some farmers even got a yield
up to 7 tonnes of paddy per hectare from the first crop. The drought
of 1972 seems to have been taken as a challenge by the farmers, and
has made them keen to provide against any future drought; and my
Government will fully assist in their endeavours. To mobilise water
reservoirs in the coming year, 40 small dams will be constructed for
raising an irrigated early paddy crop in an extensive area spread
over in the valley and in the lower hill areas. In the absence of
irrigation, foliar feeding of wheat is being resorted to with great
success and this is the single major factor in the increase of area
under wheat cultivation.
Pulse Development:
Moong as a principal monsoon crop is being introduced by my
Government from this year and intensive work for extension of areas
under other pulses like Arhar, pea, gram will also be taken up from
this year.
Vegetable Development:
Vegetable development will also be taken up from 1974-75. Large
number of demonstration will be laid out, high quality vegetable
seeds will be distributed at subsidised rates along with extensive
publicity for growing more vegetables; and vegetable seeds of both
summer and winter varieties will also be locally raised in existing
farms.
Soil Conservation:
Large scale terracing will be taken up in concentrated areas
where irrigation will be provided. Preference will be given to those
areas where suitable land exists and the farmers voluntarily agree
to give up jhooming. My Government attaches great importance to this
programme in co-ordination with long term programme of aforestations
and hence the allotment proposed for 1974-75 is Rs. 20 lakhs, which
is about the total amount spent during the entire 4th plan period.
Horticulture:
Assistance of famous experts has been sought for and is expected to
be available shortly. The extension agency for Horticulture has been
strengthened and both the Horticulture Research stations at Ukhrul
and Churchandpur are expected to start functioning from 1974-75 when
the programme for rejuvenation of the decaying orange orchards will
also start. Two new progeny orchards are also proposed to be
established during the next year by my Government.
Minor Irrigation:
A provision of Rs. 30 lakhs has been made for Minor Irrigation
during 1974-75. Under this programme 4 River Lift Irrigation Schemes
will be taken up along with conventional irrigation and drainage
schemes in the Hill and in the valley together with construction of
a large number of temporary dams for double cropping etc. in view of
the fact that water is the most important element in plant life.
ANIMAL HUSBANDRY AND VETERINARY
Under the scheme of strengthening of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry
Department, this Department has been converted into a full fledged
Directorate and a Director and 5 V.D.Os have been appointed. A sum
of Rs. 50,000/- has been provided for opening of one Regional Exotic
Cattle Breeding Farm in this State under the North Eastern Council
and necessary proposal for acquisition of land at Leimakhong is
under consideration.
Under the Half a Million Job Programme, 70 matriculate unemployed
persons are under training. 20 of them are receiving training for
Field Assistant-cum-Stock-man, 15 persons are receiving training in
Cattle Farming, 20 in Poultry Farming and 15 in Piggery Farming under
the Self-Employment Scheme under this Programme. My Government
recognized the general lack of Progress in the sector and
successfully moved for a provision of Rs.240 lakhs for the 5th Plan,
which is 4 times the outlay for the 4th Plan. A sum of Rs. 30 lakhs
is allotted in the Annual Plan for 1974-75.
CO-OPERATION
One of the highlights under Co-operation is the Government of
India’s approval to a scheme for opening of a Departmental Store
at Imphal by the Manipur Wholesale Co-operative Society under the
Central Sector for accelerated Development of consumers
Co-operatives, having growth and employment potential. For
implementation of this Scheme, the Manipur Wholesale Co-operative
Society has been given additional share capital contribution of Rs.
1.30 lakhs by the State government by diverting funds from other
schemes. The society will also receive financial assistance from the
Central Government for share-capital contribution, loan-cum-subsidy,
for furniture and management.
The Department has taken up three schemes under the Half a Million
Job Programme, viz. (i) organisation of 10 primary consumers
Co-operative Societies together with the training of 250 Matriculate
members for three months, (ii) provision of extension staff to the
Manipur Apex co-operative Marketing society and training of three
science graduates, and (iii) expansion of Manipur Wholesale
Co-operative Society and training of 4 graduates, and 8 Matriculates
for six months. The Planning Commission approved a financial outlay
of Rs. 2.361 lakhs for these three schemes. The Government of India
have also recently approved one additional scheme for the
Co-operative Department for organisation of 5 Primary Consumers
Co-operatives and training of 125 Matriculates.
FISHERIES
During the preceding year a number of important schemes were
undertaken to develop local sources for fish which forms an integral
part of the dietary of our people. Under Fish Seed
Production-cum-Fish Fry Distribution Scheme, the target of
production has been fixed at Rs. 15 lakhs worth of fish fingerlings,
the target achieved so far is 11.5 lakhs. Under Applied Nutrition
Programme, the target of renovation of 140 tanks and supply of 1
lakh fish fingerlings free of cost to the pond owner has been
acheived. This scheme is meant for production of fish in the
selected block areas and to feed the expectant
mothers, nursing mothers and children with a portion of the product
in order to counter mal-nutrition. 500 hectares of water area has
been brought under fish culture and 5 lakhs fish fingerlings have
been provided under the scheme of Commercial Fish farm at Takmu.
Under the scheme of Training, 8 candidates have been sent to
different units of the Central Institute of Fisheries Education,
Bombay, for undergoing training in fisheries development and
administration. Under the scheme of crab culture in Ganges the
result so far achieved is satisfactory. Under the scheme of
commercial Fish Farm at Waithou, the work of construction of sluice
gate and ringbunds etc. is in progress. The works are being executed
by the P.W.D. A composite Fish Farm at Ningthoukhong comprising an
area of 20 hectares for Composite Culture of Fishes is being
established.
While taking special care of the Welfare of the Tribal people my
Government also successfully executed the schemes under Special
Nutrition programme, community Development, Welfare of Backward
Classes, Applied Nutrition Programme and Crash Scheme for Rural
Employment.
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT
Fifth Plan and Sub-Plan for Hill areas:
Planning is a continuous process and a Planning Cell has been
created for the purpose. The 5th plan of Manipur State envisages an
outlay of Rs.91.77 crores, which is nearly three times the size of
the Fourth Plan. However in keeping with the actual requirements of
this State, my Government would further endeavour to obtain increase
in the Plan allocation in the coming years. Similarly the approved
outlay for 1974-75 is of the order of Rs. 12.06 crores as against
the 1973-74 Annual plan outlay of Rs.7.92 crores. An important
feature of the State’s Development Plan is the formulation by my
Government of a draft Sub-Plan for the Tribal areas with an
exclusive proposed outlay of Rs. 30.05 crores which, if approved,
will be over and above the 5th Plan outlay. My Government has made
this provision in the hope that this will bring about speedy removal
of the existing disparities between the Hills and the valley areas,
which are complementary to each other’s economy. This House will
perhaps recall that the socio economic development of Manipur had
remained stagnant until recently. The modest outlays of Rs. 1.55
crores for the 1st Plan, Rs. 6.25 crores for the 2nd Plan, Rs.12.88
crores for the 3rd Plan and even more modest achievements in terms
of expenditure of Rs.1.03 crores, Rs. 5.97 crores and Rs. 12.81
crores respectively speak loudly of our retarded rate of economic
growth. This rate did not improve during the 3rd and 4th Plans
according to the required needs of the State. My Government has been
largely successful in driving these facts home with the Planning
Commission and in securing an ambitious outlay for the 5th Plan in
order to make up for the lost time within the next 5 years. This has
provided the State with a golden opportunity, but it is also a
challenge to the people at large and to the leaders and the
administrators of the State in particular.
One of the land-marks in the history of communications in Manipur,
which has from times immemorial remained not only land-locked but
also a land without access even to the neighbours, is the opening of
the New Cachar Road in June 1973, linking Manipur with Assam
directly. The work on the Loktak Project also gained momentum and
the 1st phase of generation of power from it is expected to be
achieved within a span of two years.
My Government is, however, aware of the inadequacies which however
still persist in various sectors at the end of the fourth Plan
period. I take this opportunity to recount these inadequacies
briefly in terms of inadequate infrastructure in the field of
communications, Power, Credit Institutions, skill and
entrepreneurship, Inadequately equipped district complexes;
continuance of the existing highly unstable agrarian, rural and food
economy; a large force of unemployed and under employed amounting to
50,863 job seekers as on 31.3.1973, as per the register of the
Employment Exchange; static and unstable per capita income far below
the All India average; rapid growth in Education unmatched by
economic growth and adequate employment opportunity; and dependence
on other States for consumer goods; despite Manipur’s own
potential. My Government has made endeavour to keep these
inadequacies in view in framing the 5th Five Year Plan of the State.
The remaining response would need to be provided by the people and
their elected representatives whom I have the privilege to address
today.
TAXATION
Taxation and Revenue Income constitute a vital factor in
re-generation of the economy of the State, and in building up
stability and strength of the people. Necessary infrastructure to
cope with the increasing responsibility of administering the
Taxation, Acts and collecting increasing tax revenues will receive
due attention of my Government.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
Satisfactory progress was made in improving State Highways like
Imphal Ukhrul Road, Imphal Tiddim Road, Imphal Tamenglong Road etc.
The construction of Nungba Tamenglong Road for jeepable traffic
within a period of about 4 months will open new horizons for the
people of West District. My Government has decided to take up
construction of Guite road in the coming year.
The 5th plan outlay on roads is of the order of Rs. 21.65 crores. In
addition, feasibility of constructing ropeways for quick
transportation between (1) Barak and Jiribam via Oinamlong, (2)
Kangchup to Ukhrul via Litan and (3) Kangchup to Haflong via
Tamenglong is also under examination. My Government hopes that the
North Eastern Council will make sufficient funds available for these
projects during the 5th plan. The North Eastern Council has also
approved the scheme for the inter-state roads,
Nungba-Tamenglong-Tousem/Haflong, Nungba-Thanlon-Aijol,
Oinamlong-Katon-Willong.
A provision of Rs. 150 lakhs in 1974-75 for Loktak Lift Irrigation
with a target to irrigate at least 1000,000 acres of land at the end
of the year has been made. Investigation for construction of
dams/barrages at Iramsiphai, Khuga, Wabgai, Khoupum etc, has been
taken up in the State Sector with a provision of Rs.35 lakhs during
the year 1974-75.
My Government also proposes to augment the existing water supply at
Imphal by constructing reservoirs at Chingmeirong, Porompat and
Canchipur for equitable distribution and also to increase the water
capacity at Kangchup during the 5th Plan. Provision has also been
made for taking up Water Supply Schemes at Ukhrul, Jiribam,
Tamenglong, Singhat and Tadubi, and in other rural centres in
addition to the accelerated Water Supply Scheme under the Central
Sector.
A special drive was launched for realisation of arrears of house
rents for the last many years for which the figure has swelled up to
about Rs. 5 lakhs, and also for realisation of water tax which had
been held in arrears. One of the important subjects my Government
gave attention to was to re-organise the Public Works Department to
create qualified cadres and to find competent technical personnel so
necessary to build up the much needed infrastructure for our 5th
Plan. The process of finding technically qualified personnel and for
conducting Refresher Courses and Departmental Examinations will
have to continue in the overall interest of Manipur.
LEGISLATION
Manipur was under President’s Rule from 28.3.73 to 4.3.74. During
this period, two Presidential Acts namely, (1) The Manipur Taxation
Laws (Amendment) Act, 1973 and (2) The Manipur Anatomy Act, 1973,
were enacted.
My Government proposes shortly to introduce: (1) Manipur Panchayati
Raj Bill, (2) Manipur Municipal Bill and (3) Manipur Town and
Country Planning Bill.
My Government further proposes to set up a law Commission to examine
the whole structure of Laws applicable to the State of Manipur,
including the introduction of new Acts and replacement of Acts of
other States now applicable to the State, together with the drafting
of the Bills.
REVENUE DEPARTMENT
The Manipur Hill Areas House Tax Act, 1966 which had not been
enforced so long has now been enforced with effect from 10th
January, 1974.
Draft Rules for constituting Manipur Civil Service (Junior) were
prepared by my Government for constituting an S.D.Cs Cadre. These
are under examination.
My Government started special efforts to improve the collection of
arrears of land revenue and other government dues which had
accumulated from year to year in the past. As against the collection
of Rs.7, 62,060.08 in 1971-72 and Rs.15, 25,167.31 during 1972-73
the collection from 1.7.73 to 15.2.74 was Rs.22, 81,183.83. My
Government hopes that by the end of the current financial year the
collection may reach the targeted figure of Rs.28 to 30 lakhs. In
order to ensure that the charges on land management and the revenue
administration compared favourably with the total collection during
the year the Revenue commissioner has also been asked to undertake a
thorough study of the problem. On the basis of such a study, measures
to further stream line the revenue administration will be taken up
by my Government.
There were encroachments over 313.2750 acres of land in the Imphal
Municipality Areas involving 401 persons. 353 evictions were taken
up, out of which 349 cases have been finalised.
FINANCIAL POSITION OF THE STATE
The resources position of the State in the current year, which is
shortly coming to a close, has not been very happy and the State ran
into overdraft time and again. The Central Government had to provide
a massive Special Accommodation loan of Rs. 5.00 crores to enable
the state to meet its immediate requirements. The position in the
coming year is, however, likely to improve mainly because of a much
larger devolution recommended by the Sixth Finance Commission. My
Government is fully alive to the need of keeping vigilance on the
resources position of the State and of exercising utmost economy in
the Non Plan expenditure so that maximum resources can be diverted
for financing developmental activities in the State. My Government
has also taken steps to mobilise additional resources, mainly by way
of raising market loans to step up the pace of development. The
total Plan outlay (excluding the Centrally sponsored and other
Central Schemes) will be of the order of Rs.12.06 crores. The size
of Central assistance for Centrally Sponsored and other Central
Schemes is expected to be of the order of Rs.3.00 crores
tentatively.
INDUSTRIES
Manipur Small Industries Corporation:
Handloom Industry in the State faced considerable difficulties due
to non-availability of cotton yarn at reasonable price. Efforts
were, therefore, successfully made at the topmost level to procure
yarn directly from the mills and to distribute it to the actual
weavers through the agency of Manipur Small Industries Corporation
Ltd., a Government of Manipur Undertaking. As a result, the
Corporation is at present having very good stocks of yarn of all
counts to meet the local requirements satisfactorily. I may mention
that the corporation for the first time undertook this vital task of
meeting the yarn requirement of the local handloom industry and the
magnitude of the task required substantial increase in the capital
structure of the Corporation. A sum of Rs. 20 lakhs was subscribed
by my Government to the corporation’s share capital in the current
year as against only Rs.14 lakhs so far. The Corporation also
expanded its activities in procurement of scarce iron and steel
materials badly needed by the local industries. In this respect
also, the Corporation has been able to build up good stocks which
are readily available for use by the local industries at controlled
and reasonable prices. At the same time, the Corporation was
persuaded to reduce its handling charges from 10% to 7% in the
current year for the benefit of the local small scale industries.
SPINNING MILL
Manipur Spinning Mill Corporation:
The erection of Manipur Spinning Mill continued apace although the
progress was not as fast as hoped mainly due to certain
circumstantial difficulties. The Project Manager is being appointed
shortly. Articles of Association and Memorandum of Association of
the proposed Manipur Spinning Mill Corporation have been approved by
the Registrar of Companies, Shillong, and after reprinting, have
been sent to him. The total spindlage has been raised from 25,520 to
28,600 and the range of courts to be produced has been changed from
20-40-50’s to 20-40-60-80’s plus processing facilities for 2 x 2
yarn, mercerising and bleaching. A provision of Rs. 35 lakhs has
been made for this Project in the coming year’s budget.
TASAR
Manipur Tasar Corporation:
My Government is taking keen interest in the Tasar Industry. Efforts
are being made to register the Manipur Tasar Corporation which is
expected to execute the Tasar Project after it has been rewritten.
The Planning Commission has approved an outlay of Rs.2.5 crores for
Sericulture for the 5th plan and it is proposed to concentrate
mainly on Tasar. A sum of Rs. 24 lakhs is available for the coming
year’s Annual Plan for this purpose.
Manipur Handloom Emporium, New Delhi:
All India Handloom and Handicrafts Export Corporation, a subsidiary
of the State Trading Corporation has been entrusted with the work of
interior decoration of Manipur Handloom Emporium at New Delhi at a
total cost of Rs. 3.84 lakhs. The necessary advance has been paid
and it is hoped that the work will be completed in the next 3-4
months.
Paper Industries:
A major achievement during the year was preparation of an ambitious
5th Plan for industrial development of Manipur and as a result the
Planning Commission has agreed to an allocation of Rs. 8.5 crores on
industrial development alone which is roughly 8 times the allocation
made for the 4th Plan. All the main Projects like setting up of
Insulating Paper Mill, Cement Project, Sugar Mill-cum-Distillery,
Starch-cum-Glucose Factory etc. have been accepted by the Planning
Commission. In addition, a token provision of Rs. 25 lakhs has been
agreed to for Setting up the Paper-cum-Pulp Mill at Jiribam pending
clearance of the Project Report by the Planning Commission and the
Ministry of Industrial Development. It is hoped that this allocation
will be raised to Rs. 6 crores for setting up this Project in the
joint sector during the 5th Plan if, after scrutiny and examination
of the Project Report, it is found viable by the Planning Commission
and the Ministry of Industrial Development. High level efforts were
made to expedite examination of the Project Report by the Planning
Commission and the Ministry.
Cement:
National Industrial Development Corporation has been entrusted by my
Government with the preparation of a feasibility report for setting
up a Cement Plant at Hundung based upon low-shaft process, the
know-how for which is being obtained from the National Research
Development Corporation. Necessary funds for this purpose have been
sanctioned.
Small and Medium Industries:
The National Council of Advance Economic Research has been engaged
in the current year for carrying out feasibility surveys for setting
up various types of small and medium industries like Starch Factory,
Match Factory, Ply Wood Factory, Pine apple Fibre, Fruit Canning,
Extraction of Ginger oil and Cinnamon oil etc., and they are already
on the job. My Government also intends to pursue the establishment
of a watch factory and a cycle parts factory in Manipur.
Khandsari:
Khandsari Sugar Factory had its first full working season during the
year, although the factory experienced some teething troubles like
low-recovery due to indifferent quality of cane, inclement weather
etc. as a result of which the performance was not up to the mark. An
expert from National Sugar Institute, Kanpur was invited to advise
us on these problems and his recommendations are being implemented.
As a result, it is hoped that the factory will go on to achieve
satisfactory working results in the coming year. My Government
intends to introduce suitable varieties of cane which would lead to
higher output.
Part of the Industrial Estate at Takyelpat was completed during the
year under report and 8 industrial sheds were recently taken over by
this Department for allotment to industrialists. The progress on the
remaining sheds was held up due to shortage of construction
materials.
EDUCATION
Uniform Pattern of Education:
In pursuance of the decision of the Government to adopt the general
pattern of 10 years of School Education plus 2 years of Higher
Secondary or Pre-University Education followed by a Three Year
Degree Course, my Government introduced the High School course in
Class IX of all Higher Secondary Schools in Manipur from the
academic session 1973-74. My Government will speed up implementation
of the Three Year Degree Course as part of the 10+2+3 pattern.
Special XIIth Year Course:
As a consequence of the change in the pattern of the Pre-University
Course of the Gauhati University, the students who have passed out
from Class XI of the 11 Year Higher Secondary Course had to seek
admission in the Second Year of the Two year Pre-University Course
which caused inconvenience to them. In order to overcome their
difficulty, the Board of Secondary Education, Manipur introduced a
Special XIIth Year Course and started classes in two Higher
Secondary Schools from 1973-74. This Special Course will be opened in
those Higher Secondary Schools and will continue till 1975-76. The
Gauhati University has given recognition to this course.
Higher Secondary/Pre-University Education:
In order to provide sufficient accommodation for students in various
parts of the State at the level of the two year Higher
Secondary/Pre-University Course in the new pattern, my Government
have decided to up-grade eight selected Higher Secondary Schools out
of the existing Higher Secondary Schools to the 12 Year course
Higher Secondary Schools and also to introduce science courses in 6
of the existing colleges.
Higher Schools/Colleges in Sub-Divisional/District Head Quarters in
the Hill Areas:
Under a scheme for establishment of one High School in each of the
Sub-Divisional Headquarters in the Hill districts, grants-in-aid
have been extended to 5 high Schools in the Hill districts and to
four Junior high Schools. My Government also intends to have one
College at each Head Quarters of the Hill District.
Transfer of Primary Schools to the District Councils:
With the constitution of the Autonomous Hill District Councils, the
maintenance of all Government Primary Schools and the administration
of grants-in-aid to the aided Primary Schools in the Hill districts
have been transferred to these District Councils.
Enrolment Targets:
By the end of the Fourth Plan, the number of children in the
age-group 6-11 in Primary Schools constituting 72.5% of the total
number of children of this age-group will reach the figure of one
lakh and twenty thousand. During the Fifth Plan, it is proposed to
bring 26,100 more children of this age-group to schools in order to
raise the percentage of enrolment to 82%. The target for 1974-75 is
to enrol 5,200 additional children in Primary Schools. In the Middle
School Standard there are 38,000 children of the age-group 11-14
constituting 45% of the children of this age-group. During the Fifth
Plan 14,800 additional children will be brought to Schools to raise
the percentage to 55%. During 1974-75 it is proposed to bring a
total of 3,000 additional children under regular schooling.
Pre-Primary Education:
There are more than 61,000 children below the age of 6 years
attending Primary Schools. During the Fifth Five Year Plan, 500
Pre-Primary Centres will be opened to impart Pre-School Education to
15,000 of these Children. During 1974-75 100 Centres will be opened
with 100 Matrons to cater to the needs of 3,000 such children.
Sainik School:
The Sainik School has shifted to its permanent accommodation at
Pangei. My Government is taking keen interest in making it as one of
the best schools in the north eastern region.
Higher Education:
Extension and improvement of the Administrative Block of the
Jawaharlal Nehru University Centre at Canchipur, which is being also
used for academic purposes, has been satisfactory. It is proposed to
acquire adequate private and khas land during 1974-75 for the
University Centre at Canchipur to start construction of the academic
and other buildings during 1974-75. Provision has also been made for
matching grants by the State Government to enable private colleges
to secure grants from the University Grants Commission.
Quality improvement:
To clear the huge backlog of untrained Elementary School teachers my
Government proposes to open 4 additional Basic Training Institutes
and one Basic Training College with a total intake of 500 teachers
during 1974-75. A State Institute of Education has already been
opened and is a landmark for quality improvement. This institute is
taking up various schemes of quality improvement in education which
is a crying need in this State. A post of Sr.Research Officer has
been created for Teacher Education. A State Council for Teacher
Education has been constituted. It is proposed to open a Science
Unit in the State Institute of School Education during 1974-75. 170
Science graduates have also been appointed as stipendiary teachers
for teaching Science in Junior High and High Schools. The
examination system at the Elementary stage of education has been
reformed. The Compulsory Examination at the end of Class VIII has
been abolished and the Junior High Schools have been asked to
present their candidates to the promotion examinations held by
neighbouring High/Higher Secondary Schools. My Government proposes
to introduce a system of School Complexes with the requisite High or
Higher Secondary School and the feeder Junior High Schools forming
as one Complex so that a sustained and planned initiative in
improving the standards of the feeder schools is maintained. The
Board of Secondary Education, Manipur held its first High School
Leaving Certificate Examination, in April 1973 on an improved
standard. The National Council of Educational Research &
Training, New Delhi, has submitted its report on the Comprehensive
Education Survey of Manipur. The Visiting Team of the University
Grants Commission has also submitted its report on higher education
in Manipur. It is proposed to convene formal meetings of the high
level Committee of the Experts constituted by the Government to
examine the existing system of education in Manipur and to recommend
a suitable policy and organisation which will best serve the
interests of education and development in the State.
Culture:
A separate provision for the development for Culture has now been
made under the Fifth Five Year Plan. Some of the important schemes
will be implemented through the State Kala Academy. There is
provision of a State Archives and an Art Gallery in the Fifth Five
Year Plan.
Technical Education:
A separate Department for Technical Education has been established
with the Principal, Government Polytechnic as Controller of Technical
Education. The Government Polytechnic will be developed into a full
fledged Polytechnic and the intake capacity will be raised from 70
at present to 120 when the construction of the buildings at its new
site at Takyel is completed. New courses will be opened during the
Fifth Plan to cater to the needs of Agriculture, Industries, P.W.D.
and the Electricity Department.
Pre-Service Coaching:
The Government have also taken steps for sending out trainees for
Pre-Service Coaching for I.A.S., I.F.S., I.P.S., Central Services
etc, examinations. It is hoped that the Scheme will start operation
from May next.
University of Manipur:
My Government is aware of the pressing necessity of having a
full-fledged University for Manipur.
Tribal Dialect Text Books:
My Government has decided to introduce text books in tribal dialects
in primary Schools.
TOURISM
My Government is fully aware of the limitations of developing
tourism in Manipur without removal or relaxation of Inner line
permit system, and will take up the matter with the Centre with this
end. There is provision of about Rs.9.00 lakhs for a Tourist Hotel
at Imphal. But in 1974-75 there is a provision of Rs.0.50 lakhs only
for Tourism and out of this only Rs.0.10 lakhs are earmarked for
buildings. My Government intends to approach the Central Government
for more funds to improve this industry.
SERVICES:
Recruitment Rules.
Recruitment Rules were framed in cases where such rules were not in
existence, and in many cases the existing Recruitment Rules had to
be amended so as to provide promotional avenues for the officials
already in service and also to recruit candidates having better
qualification to meet the needs of the developing State. During the
year, 52 fresh recruitment rules were framed and 23 were amended,
bringing the total to 75. Along with the finalisation of Recruitment
Rules, action has also been taken to make regular appointments. In
the last year, there were 46 Class I and 131 Class II ad-hoc
appointments. Out of these 9 in Class I and 7 in Class II were
regularised in consultation with the M.P.S.C. and 23 cases in Class
I and 92 in Class II were referred to M.P.S.C. for regular
appointments. The M.P.S.C. have been very co-operative and with
their help and co-operation the Government has been able to achieve
this in spite of the Commission being a newly set-up organisation.
Service Rules
Along with the regularisation of the ad-hoc appointments, my
Government have also taken up framing of a number of service rules
to organise and streamline new services. The new services which are
being constituted are (1) Manipur Health Service, (2) Manipur
Finance Service, (3) Manipur Judicial Service and (4) Manipur Civil
Service (Junior). The Draft Rules for these services are being
finalised and the new services are expected to come into being
shortly. To increase efficiency of the officials under this
Government the Departments have been organising training programmes
and a number of officials have also been deputed for in-service
training outside the State. With the help of the Government of
India, Department of Personnel, short courses are also being
organised for giving training to the subordinate staff and lower
level and middle level officers at Imphal. Classes are also being
organised for teaching Manipuri to non-Manipuri officials. Two
short-term refresher courses were organised for the Secretariat
L.D.Cs/U.D.Cs and superintendents.
A number of instructions in the form of guidelines have been issued
to the Departments explaining the constitutional position of the
M.P.S.C. and procedures that are to be followed in making the
appointments by direct recruitment and by promotion in respect of
posts which are within the purview of the Commission. For giving
guidance to the officials, a manual of instructions is also being
prepared.
Re-organisation.
Action has also been taken to re-organise and streamline the
administration. A number of ex-officio Secretaries/Joint
Secretaries/Addl. Secretaries have been appointed. The Chief
Engineer, P.W.D. and the Director of Industries were made ex-officio
Secretaries of their respective departments. The Director of
Medical, Health & Family Planning Services and the senior most
Superintending Engineer of the P.W.D. have been made ex-officio
Addl. Secretary and Jt.Secretary respectively.
Representation of Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes.
With a view to ensure proportionate representation of Scheduled
Caste and Scheduled Tribe population of the State in the services,
my Government have recently issued orders revising the percentages
of reservation from 15% and 7 ½% to 1% and 31% on the basis of the
1971 census figures of the State.
MANIPUR STATE TRANSPORT
Manipur State Transport continues to provide passengers and goods
services on various routes. During 1973-74, 2 new services namely,
Imphal-Jiribam service on the New Cachar Road and Imphal-Thingkieu
on Tipaimukh Road were started. Imphal-Jiribam service has opened up
better and cheaper means of communication for the common people who
had so far to depend entirely on the I.A.C. Flights. This route has
also provided an alternative link with the rest of the country which
may be more effectively used in the event of the frequent land
slides on the Imphal-Dimapur Road. Imphal-Thinkieu service has
opened up areas of South District. During the year, Manipur State
Transport also introduced an express service between Imphal-Dimapur.
The Department was called upon to shoulder responsibility for the
transport of large quantities of goods between Dimapur and Imphal.
This was particularly necessitated on account of the larger import
of food-grains as a consequence of the failure of crops in 1972, as
also import of fertilisers and other agricultural inputs as part of
agriculture production campaign. The MST handled a total of 42,035
metric tonnes of goods during the year (upto 15th March, 1974) as
against a total quantity of 34,941 metric tonnes in 1972-73 and
13,679 metric tonnes in 1971-72. The Department also made
arrangements for the transport of food-grains in various parts of
the State.
The ‘receipts’ of the Department have shown a considerable
increase. In the current financial year (upto 15th March 1974) the
‘receipts’ of the Departments have been of the order of Rs. 81
lakhs as compared to Rs. 49 lakhs in 1972-73 and Rs.30 lakhs in
1971-72.
A number of steps have been taken to re-organise the Department and
to effect improvements in its working. A new building to house the
administrative office, workshop and stores is coming up at
Mantripukhri. The posts of Deputy General Manager, Works Manager and
Traffic manager have been created for higher administrative and
operational efficiency. Arrangements have also been made to get the
officers and staff at various levels trained in the Central
Institute of Road Transport, Poona and various Automobile and
ancillary industries.
Under the Half a Million Job Programme, the Department is training
50 educated unemployed youth in Motor Mechanics for 6 months on
payment of stipend of Rs. 100/- per month. Under the same programme
the Department will give margin money to private entrepreneurs for
purchase of 20 buses, 40 Trucks, 10 Taxis, 30 Auto-Rikshaws, 30
Mini-Buses and 15 Tempos. This will give employment to 485 educated
unemployed persons.
The Department is faced with the problems of scarcity and rising
prices of vehicles, spare parts and P.O.L. products. This being a
country-wide problem, the M.S.T. has to live with it.
The proposal to convert M.S.T. into a corporation is also under
active consideration.
EMPLOYMENT, LABOUR AND TRAINING
As on 31st December, 1973 there were 34,480 males and 5,548 females
on the live register, out of which placements were made for 766
males and 110 females. The two Hill I.T. I’s at Karong and
Tamenglong will be started from the 1st August 1974.
LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT
The draft Master Plan for Greater Imphal is under the active
consideration of the Government. In the frame work of the Master
Plan and Town Development schemes lay out plans for widening of
roads, development of parks, colonies, bazaars etc. for the capital
city of Imphal have been prepared. Some of the notable works under
implementation are widening of the road in front of the Raj Bhavan
and the Secretariat, development of Kangla Park, construction of
Kwakeithel Bazar and public cycle shed near the Polo Ground, and
development of Lamphel Housing colonies. In addition, some steps
have been taken to develop Imphal area or any other suitable
neighbouring area as a capital complex befitting the State capital.
For this purpose a Town Development Committee was constituted with
16 members including Shri P.G.Valsangkar, Addl. Town and Country
Planner, Town and Country Planning Organisation, New Delhi, and the
Chief Architect, C.P.W.D. New Delhi.
As for the hill towns layout plans for the district Head Quarters of
Hill Districts have been prepared for developing them into Municipal
Townships.
FOOD AND CIVIL SUPPLIES
My Government made concerted and detailed planning for food
production, procurement locally and from FCI Godowns and
distribution through established centres in the year following the
drought during 1972-73. Quantities distributed during 1973-74 were
– Rice – 15,310.989 Metric Tonnes, Paddy- 1,117.984 M.tonnes,
Wheat- 3,193.400 M.Tonnes and Atta- 2,245.900 M.Tonnes.
The work of procurement of paddy was entrusted to the Food
Corporation of India and a quantity of 1,450 M.Tonnes of paddy was
procured. My Government has also placed our requirements of rice for
the year 1974-75 at 10,000 M.Tonnes. Given good rainfall and good
harvest for the next two crops, the figure will be reviewed at the
appropriate time, according to the actual requirement. Similarly,
the position regarding sugar, GCI Sheets and cement is also now
satisfactory, after the serious cement shortage recorded last year.
FOREST
My Government took various steps not only to stream-line the Forest
Administration in general, but also to put the Department on a
proper commercial basis. For the first time steps were taken to
lease out Cane-Mahals, Bamboo-Mahals and Stone-Mahals on commercial
lines, to properly exploit the forest produce for generating
incomes. The 5th plan allocation has been fixed at Rs. 100.00/-
lakhs as against Rs.37.20 lakhs in the 4th Plan.
MEDICAL
My Government took special care to make up quickly for the
inadequacies and deficiencies in respect of the Regional Medical
College set up in September, 1972 to cater for the needs of the
States/ Territories of the North Eastern Regions. 50 students were
admitted in the second batch during 1973 as agreed to at a meeting
of the North Eastern Council. This House will be happy to know that
the initial difficulties and reluctance of the Gauhati University
for affiliation were ultimately overcome, as a result of which the
University has now granted temporary affiliation to the Regional
Medical College. This will enable the first batch of MBBS students
admitted with the opening of the College in September, 1972 to sit
at the first University Examination in May, 1974. Advance and timely
steps were taken for recruitment of necessary teaching staff when
the first batch of students, after the aforesaid University
Examination, would enter the Third year of MBBS. Similarly, timely
steps were taken to provide for more accommodation, purchase of
additional equipment and other requisites. The Anatomy Bill has also
since been passed and has received the assent of the President. This
would enable the Medical College to procure unclaimed dead bodies
for use in the Anatomy Department. In accordance with the suggestion
of the Planning Commission and the Union Ministry of health, the
North Eastern Council have now drawn up a draft for the Articles of
Association for this Regional Medical College and the same are under
examination by this Government.
Other Medical Institutions Opened:
2 Dispensaries, one at Parbung (South District) and the other at
Chingai (East District) have been opened. Another 2 Dispensaries at
Tuining and Tuaitengphai at South District which have been
sanctioned by the Government are now under establishment during the
current year. One Primary Health Centre at Kangpokpi (North
District) has been opened since October, 1973. Another Primary
Health Centre at Wangoi (Central District) will be opened during the
current year. Necessary building has been completed for the Primary
Health Centre, and staff appointed. One T.B. Clinic at Churachandpur
has been sanctioned and established. 4 S.E.T. Centres for Leprosy
Control Programme under the Centrally sponsored scheme has been
sanctioned by the Government and is now under the process of
establishment.
Other Health Programmes:
7 Centrally sponsored schemes, such as the National Malaria
Eradication Programme, National Small Pox Eradication Programme,
Anti T.B.Control Scheme, National Trachoma Control Scheme, V.D.
Control Programme and Family Planning are continuing satisfactorily
during the year under report.
Appointments:
23 Medical Officers, including one Dental Surgeon, two unit
Officers, one Matron, 53 Para Medical personnel and 36 Grade IV
staff have been appointed during the year under report.
During the winter just ended, the out-break of Gastroentritis among
children was more severe than during the past 4 years. As many as
2883 cases were treated through out the Sate during the months of
November, 1973 to February, 1974. This was against the average of
barely 300 cases during the earlier 3 years. At our request, the
Government of India sent a Special Team headed by the Director of
Cholera Research Centre, Calcutta who undertook extensive
investigation and visited a number of villages in the rural areas.
The detailed report of the Team is awaited. However, according to
the preliminary report, it is expected that useful result may be
achieved after through investigations in the Research Centre at
Calcutta.
ELECTRICITY AND POWER
In order to meet the growing shortage of power, 2 X 700 KW Diesel
generating sets were purchased and commissioned towards the end of
November, 1973. In addition, a second-hand 1080KW Diesel generating
set was also purchased from Gujarat. Its installation is in progress
and is expected to be completed shortly. My Government is arranging
to purchase 250 KW of power from Nagaland/Assam for Jessamy and
Jiribam areas as a commercial proposition. Orders have also been
placed for purchase of 8 x 248 KW generating sets through D.G.S.
& D and the same are expected to arrive shortly. As a result,
the supply in the current year, including purchases from other
sources was of the order to 150 lakhs units, as against 129 lakh
units in the preceding year. The revenue earnings of the Department
are expected to rise to Rs. 28 lakhs as compared to Rs. 22 lakhs in
the preceding year. Besides vigorous steps were undertaken to
liquidate the arrears of collection of dues from the consumers.
My Government took steps also to strengthen the organisation of the
Department to cope with the increasing work load. One additional
circle and one project division were created and efforts made to
fill large number of vacancies existing in the Department, through
departmental promotions and by direct recruitment, or by deputation
from other States to the extent possible. Accordingly, one Executive
Engineer was regularly promoted, 14 Assistant Engineers directly
recruited and services of one Additional Superintending Engineer
were obtained on deputation. Order has also been issued for
appointment of one Executive Engineer on deputation. Despite these a
large number of vacancies still exist, and have had to be filled up
on ad-hoc basis.
Erection of lines has been completed by my Government in 30 villages
in the valley and in the hill areas, but they could not be energized
due to want of power so far. My Government is taking up erection of
lines in more villages in the valley and Hills in the coming year.
Apart form these normal schemes, tenders were invited for the 2nd
Inter-State Line from Imphal to Jiribam. A notable feature of the
coming year is the proposed completion of the 2nd stage of the
Leimakhong Hydro Electric Project and undertaking of the
construction of Lokchao Micro-Hydel Scheme near Moreh. Construction
of Yurembam sub-station for the 132 KW transmission line between
Loktak and Mao is already in progress. My Government also proposes
to investigate other Micro-Hydel Projects like Duiphou in West
District.
Lastly my Government is fully aware of the need to regulate and
improve the service conditions and emoluments of the employees of
the State. An interim relief as recommended by the Manipur Pay
Commission has been granted with effect from 1.1.1973. My Government
hopes to get the recommendations of the Manipur Pay Commission in
the next few months, and it will take further action when they are
received.
Hon’ble Members, I have indicated to you the policies and
programmes pursued by my Government, and those that have been
adopted or proposed for fulfilment of our objectives of reducing
economic inequalities and achieving social justice. I have also
briefly touched upon the problems facing the State. I have no doubt
that you will endeavour to assist the Government in providing for
the people a clean and efficient administration for the economic
development of Manipur. I wish you all success. I now leave you to
your deliberations in the hope that your endeavours will enhance the
rich traditions of this State
JAI HIND
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