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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 26.2.1976.
Mr. Speaker and Hon’ble Members of the Legislature,
I welcome you once again in this august Assembly with my greetings
and best wishes. I am happy to note the developments during the last
year. The promulgation of National Emergency in the country on
26.6.75 by the President of India and the various steps taken by the
Government in the wake of emergency to restore order, discipline and
stability, have accelerated the development of the State in every
sphere. The implementation of the 20-Point Economic Programme
announced by the Prime Minister will go a long way to better the
social justice and improve the welfare of the weaker sections of the
society.
LAW & ORDER
The general law and order situation in the Manipur valley continues
to be under control and the Government continues to deal with crime
with firmness and increasing efficiency. Drive against illicit
distillation, sale of illicit country liquor and against anti-social
elements further helped in bringing about overall improvement in the
law and order situation. The Government has used sparingly the
provisions of MISA and COFEPOSA and the orders of detention under
these Acts have been reviewed periodically.
There was considerable improvement in the law and order situation in
the Hill areas also, especially during the latter half of the year.
I am happy to note that several persons who had kept away from the
mainstream of the life of the State have of their own accord
returned to rejoin the family. As a result of the agreement arrived
at Shillong in November last, for the first time, after a decade of
strife and suffering, the State is now entering an era of peace. I
understand that there have been some difficulties in the weapons
being brought over ground. I look forward to these being solved. I
hope that the process will be completed in the near future.
The Government has shifted the court of Munsiff-cum Judicial
Magistrate 1st Class from Imphal to Thoubal. The Manipur Judicial
Service Rules are likely to be finalised soon and more Munsiffs-cum-Judicial
Magistrate 1st Class shall be appointed wherever necessary.
RESOURCES AND OUTLAYS FOR DEVELOPMENT
The resources position during the current financial year continues
to be difficult. The year started with an opening deficit of Rs.1.51
crores, as against the expected surplus at the time of formulation
of the budget. This was mostly due to liabilities of the previous
years particularly on account of purchase through DGS & D. While
efforts are continuing to keep down the non-plan expenditure, the
minimum inevitable administrative and other services required in a
full-fledged State cannot also be ignored. Vigorous steps have been
taken for recovering overdue loans advances and for stepping up the
collection of the revenue. In addition, the Government has already
taken steps or is about to do so for additional resources
mobilisation, which will yield Rs.42 lakhs during the current year
and Rs.72 lakhs in the coming financial year.
The Government has launched an impressive campaign for stepping up
the Small Savings Movement in the State. Besides revitalising the
State Advisory Board, District Level and Sub-Division Level
Committees have been constituted to take the movement into the
interior of the State.
ANNUAL PLAN
The next year’s Annual Plan has not yet been finalised by the
Planning Commission. Plan Schemes up to Rs.16.59 crores for the next
year have been approved. Our demand for further increase in outlay,
in some sectors, is still under their consideration. As the Planning
Commission is sympathetic to our demand, we are hopeful of the
outlay being increased.
N.E.C.s PLAN
The North Eastern Council has so far recommended an outlay of Rs.
248.66 lakhs for the coming year. Additional funds up to Rs. 1 crore are
likely to be available in a phased manner for investigation of the
Barak dam site near Tipaimukh. In some other sectors too, increase
in the outlay is expected after scrutiny of the schemes by the North
Eastern Council.
SPECIAL ASSISTANCE FOR SUB-PLAN
Further, for accelerating the development of the hill areas, the
Government is receiving special assistance from the Centre in the
form of a Sub-Plan, over and above the normal plan outlay and the
funds provided by the North Eastern Council. During 1975-76, a sum
of Rs.35 lakhs has been given for advance action under the Sub-Plan.
During the coming financial year, the Government expects a more
sizeable allocation.
STATE PLANNING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
To strengthen the planning machinery at the State Level, the
Government has formed a State Planning Advisory Committee, of which
the Chief Minister is the Chairman. A member of this House and some
experts have been associated with this Advisory Committee. The State
Planning Advisory Committee would be further strengthened during the
coming year.
LAND REVENUE
I am glad to say that there has been an improvement in the
collection of land revenue this year. The total collection is about
Rs.34.50 lakhs as against Rs. 25.8 lakhs in 1974.
POLICE & GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
The Government has re-organised the State Police administration and
strengthened as well as modernised the State C.I.D. The Government
is now planning to strengthen the District administration in some of
the Hill Areas.
The Government released 28 male and two female premature convicts on
the occasion of Khongjom Day; 2500th Nirvana Week of Lord Bhagawan
Mahabir Jain; the Patriots’ Day and the Independence Day 1975. On
the occasion of Republic Day, 1976, the Government granted special
remission to 13 long-term convicts and 4 short term convicts.
During the year 1975, the Government has trained 800 persons
including Home guards, students, Women volunteers, teachers in
various civil defence measures.
Twenty one ad-hoc and officiating appointments in MCS Grade II have
been regularised. Ten senior MCS officers have been promoted to the
Manipur Tripura Cadre of the IAS. 19 MCS and 19 MPS vacancies have
been filled by direct recruitment.
During 1975, framing and amendment of 40 recruitment rules of
different categories of posts have been made. The draft service
Rules for the Manipur Finance Service and Manipur Judicial Service
have been finalised and referred to the MPSC for concurrence.
VIGILANCE
With a view to improving the Administration, action has been
initiated for strengthening the Vigilance Department. Surprise
checks of officers were carried out to improve punctuality in
attendance. The Special Vigilance Squad also carried out surprise
checks of some of the offices. All Heads of the Departments and the
Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to set aside special time
for meeting the public.
The Chief Minister has also instituted a system for receiving
complaints. About 180 Government officials have been suspended and
disciplinary proceedings against them are in progress. As a result
of the various measures, 54 vigilance cases have been disposed of
since the proclamation of the emergency. Action is in hand to
further improve the disposal of vigilance cases.
20- POINT ECONOMIC PROGRAMME
The Government has taken steps for implementation of the 20-Point
Economic Programme announced by the Prime Minister some months ago.
A State Level Committee has been constituted under the Chairmanship
of the Chief Minister with official and non-official members on
6-10-75. Land measuring 2412 hectares has been allotted to 2155
families and 10 co-operative societies, comprising 1361 persons.
This legislature also passed the Manipur Land Revenue and Land
Reforms (Amendment) Bill, 1975, during its last sitting and the Bill
is awaiting the approval of the President. The Bill provides, inter-alia,
for lowering of ceiling of holdings. To provide to agricultural
labourers, rural artisans, marginal farmers and small farmers relief
from indebtedness, the Manipur Agricultural Indebtedness (Relief)
Ordinance, 1975 was promulgated on 17-10-75. According to the
Ordinance, every loan advanced before the promulgation of the
Ordinance to a debtor shall stand suspended for a period of one year
from the date of promulgation of the Ordinance, which period may, by
notification, by the State Government be extended from time to time
for a period not exceeding 3 year. The Government will be
introducing a Bill during the current session to replace the
Ordinance.
For facilitating the extension of credit facility to farmers the
State Co-operative Bank has opened a new branch at Kakching. One
Land Development Bank was inaugurated at Kongba Bazar in October
1975. The State Bank of India has recently opened a branch at Sekmai.
The minimum wages have been raised from Rs.4/- to Rs.6/- per head
per day in Manipur.
The population engaged in handloom work in Manipur is the fifth
largest among all the States in India. A scheme for intensive
development of handloom and handicraft has also been taken in hand.
A Committee of officials and non-officials was appointed to suggest
ways and means for promoting handloom and handicraft industry. The
Committee has submitted its report, which is being examined.
Controlled cloth is being sold through 33 co-operative societies.
Out of which 9 are in the hill areas, 15 in rural areas and 9 in
urban areas. The Manipur Wholesale Co-operative Society has
undertaken the task of supplying essential commodities to students
residing in hostels. Co-operative societies have already been formed
in 5 colleges to facilitate such distribution. More societies are
being formed. Paper at controlled rates has been issued to
educational institutions. The price of textbooks published locally
and exercise books have been reduced by 75 paise per book and 15
paise per exercise book. The Government has also sanctioned Rs. 1,
20,500/- for opening book banks in 12 Colleges, 50 High Schools and
Higher Secondary Schools and 80 Junior High Schools to help poor and
needy students.
About 35 Consumer Co-operative societies including two wholesale
ones are engaged in distribution of essential commodities. Further,
out of 630 Service co-operative societies, 391 are doing
distribution of articles in rural areas. Among the 15 marketing
societies, including one at Apex level, 8 are taking up distribution
of consumer articles.
The Government has been paying special attention to the welfare of
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. A separate Department for the
Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes has been recently
created to tackle this important task with vigour. An Advisory Board
on the Welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes has also
been constituted under the chairmanship of a member of this House.
HILL AREAS AUTONOMOUS DISTRICT COUNCILS
The Government has so far transferred to the District Councils 696
Junior Basic, Upgraded Junior Basic and Primary schools and a number
of medical and veterinary dispensaries situated in the Hills. The
District Councils are also implementing Soil Conservation Schemes.
Proposals for giving them more funds and more functions, so that
they play an increasing role in developmental activities, are under
consideration. The Government has issued orders regarding pay and
allowances of Vice-Chairmen of District Councils, who have become
whole time functionaries. Fixed Allowance has also been authorised
for Councillors in lieu of T.A./D.A.
LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT
The Government has taken steps for improvement of ladies’ market
in different bazars of Imphal town and other notified towns. Efforts
to complete work on Kangla Park phases III and V within the current
year as part of beautification of Imphal town are being made. The
Manipur Town and Country Planning Act, 1975 has been enacted. A
Master Plan for Greater Imphal has also been finalised. Steps to
transfer khas lands in the Master Plan area of Greater Imphal to the
newly constituted Urban Development Authority are being finalised.
This should achieve proper land use and development of urban lands.
A new Directorate of Local Government and Urban Development have
been established and steps are being taken to complete the
preparation of Master Plans of other major towns. A plan to develop
a model market in Lamphel area has been worked out and will soon be
finalised. A Master Plan for Sewerage in Imphal town is also being
worked out.
Three water supply schemes have already been commissioned and seven
more water supply schemes can be commissioned within this year if
power is made available. Another eleven schemes are in the stage of
completion. These twenty one schemes will give water to a population
of nearly seventy nine thousand. Six water supply schemes financed
by LIC loan will be taken up with effect from the next financial
year. Steps to take up a major water supply scheme for Greater
Imphal area are being vigorously pursued. Nine more schemes will be
taken up in other areas in the coming year. Measures to upgrade some
of the existing notified towns into Municipalities and the Imphal
Municipality into a Corporation will be finalised in the coming
year. Five new notified towns have been established and some more
are likely to be notified as such.
PANCHAYAT & RURAL DEVELOPMENT
The Government has introduced and passed the Manipur Panchayati Raj
Bill, 1975. The Bill is awaiting the assent of the President. This
Bill, when it becomes an Act, will convert the existing one tier
Panchayat system into a three tier one and greatly enhance the
powers and effectiveness of the institution. Preparatory work for
the holding of the elections has been completed.
Panchayats have been associated actively in rural development,
particularly Family Planning. They have made significant
contribution in the campaign for the implementation of the 20-Point
Economic Programme. A high-powered evaluation committee has found
Mayang Imphal and Kakching Khullen panchayats to be the best in the
State.
The Government has allotted a sum of Rs. 6 lakhs in 1974 for
Community Development programmes, comprising schemes for Development
of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Fishery, Minor Irrigation,
Reclamation, Rural Arts and Crafts, Cottage Industries, Health and
Sanitation, Education and Communications and Development of Tribal
villages. Under the Special Nutrition Programme for children, there
are 10,400 beneficiaries and the Applied Nutrition Programme is
being implemented in 6 blocks. Under Rural Works and Welfare of
Backward Classes programmes, schemes for improvement of rural area
and special schemes for welfare of Backward Classes have been taken
up. To give impetus to rural development, it has been decided to set
up a Directorate of Rural Development.
During the coming year, the Tamenglong Block is also proposed to be
covered by the Integrated Hill Areas Development Project, popularly
known as Nungba Project.
MANPOWER PLANNING
During the year, the Government made an assessment of manpower
required during the 5th Five Year Plan. The overall additional
requirements of technical manpower have been estimated at about
9,000. The Half-a-Million Jobs Programme which was taken up in
1972-73 still continues and a sum of Rs. 20.88 lakhs has been
released for self employment schemes and training of educated
unemployed. The Government was able to provide employment to 443
persons under this scheme. In the industrial sector, self-employment
opportunities were provided to 844 persons of various categories.
ELECTRICITY
The construction work of the 132 KV line from Loktak to Mao,
installation of one 132 KV sub-station and nine 33 KV sub-stations
in the State are in progress. During the year, the Government put
into operation one second-hand diesel generating set producing 700
KW. The work on installation of 4 x 248 KW diesel sets at Imphal
Power House has been completed. Similarly, installation of 2 x 248
KW sets each at Thoubal and Moirang are expected to be completed
soon. Two sets of turbochargers have been purchased at Rs. 5.19
lakhs for replacement of old ones at Leimakhong Power House. The two
new turbochargers, when installed, will increase generation of power
by about 900 KW.
In spite of all these measures, supply of power continues to be
inadequate, particularly when viewed against increasing demand. In
order to augment the power supply the Government is trying to obtain
acceptance by the Planning Commission of the State Government’s
scheme for installation of 2 x 1000 KW diesel power sets during
1976-77. The Government is continuing investigation of hydroelectric
potential of Loktak Down Stream, Lokchao, Tuivai and Barak rivers.
FOOD & CIVIL SUPPLY
The overall food position in the State has been very good. As a
result of the Government’s concerted efforts, the price structure
of essential food grains remained steady throughout the year and has
even been brought down in some cases.
There was a bumper crop of maize in Manipur this year. In order to
ensure a fair price for the farmers the Government arranged
procurement of maize at the minimum support price by F.C.I. as long
as is necessary. The F.C.I. has so far procured about 10,000 metric
tonnes of maize. The State Government has also earned a sum of Rs.
2, 23,045/- as cess from this export.
The work of procurement of paddy has been entrusted to F.C.I. The
Government is extending full co-operation in the procurement work.
The Government has been able to reduce the retail issue price of
rice from Rs.1.88 per kg. to Rs.1.75 per kg. with effect from 1st
August 1975. On my Government’s request, the Central Government
has extended the scheme for sale of levy sugar at the uniform price
of Rs. 2.15 per kg. in all Districts and Sub-Divisional Headquarters
with effect from 1.12.75.
The position of supply of K.Oil, sugar, cement, G.C.I. sheets, motor
tyres and tubes has been very satisfactory throughout the year.
The Government is taking active steps to control prices though price
fixation committees and other agencies.
AGRICULTURE
The Government continues to give high priority in the field of
agriculture development. As against 25,000 hectares targeted, more
than 35,000 hectares of paddy land was covered by high yield
varieties of paddy during the last kharif season. Approximately
3,600 MTs of fertilizer were issued during 1975-76. Improved
agricultural implements and power tillers were distributed at
subsidised rates. Tractors were also issued under the Half-a-Million
Job Programme.
As a part of Potato Development scheme, the Potato Farm at Mao
established in 1969-70 has been converted into a Regional
Potato Farm under N.E.C. The original 250-acre Farm has been
expanded to a total area of 550 acres; and the Government is
grateful to the villagers of Kalinamei, Songsong and Rubunamei of
Mao area who had contributed the additional 300 acres free of cost.
Seventy-five acres have been set aside for production of foundation
seeds for the benefit of all the States and Union Territories in the
North Eastern Region.
The Rice Research Station, Wangbal which has been undertaking
various research programmes in the past has been selected by the
Indian Council of Agricultural Research as one of the approved
centres under the All India Co-ordinated Rice Improvement Project.
Under the aegis of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, a
Research Station has also been established at Sangaipat in the
Manipur Central District.
Much greater area will be covered in the field of Plant protection
by the end of the current financial year than earlier planned; as by
31st December, 1975, we had already exceeded what was done during
1974-75.
During the remaining 3 years of the 5th Plan, the Government
proposes to undertake an ambitious scheme in the Hill Areas for the
development of spices, pulses, horticulture and other vegetables and
Soil Conservation programmes. A programme for development of coffee
is also under consideration.
VETERINARY AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
The Department has been greatly handicapped, as we have not had a
regular Director for a number of years. The Government is trying to
obtain the services of a well-qualified and experienced Director of
Veterinary & Animal Husbandry. The Government is also taking steps
to streamline and strengthen the Department at other levels. As a first
step in this direction, one post of Dy.Director has recently been
created. In spite of various handicaps, we have been able to open two
more Veterinary dispensaries and upgrade three dispensaries into
Hospitals; bringing the total number of dispensaries and Veterinary
Hospitals in the State to 55 and 20 respectively.
The Government is gratified that the NEC has agreed to the
establishment of a Regional Cross Bred Cattle Breeding Farm. The
site for this Farm has already been selected and construction work
on the buildings necessary is in progress. We have also procured 6
purebred jersey bulls direct from Australia for this Farm and action
of procurement of cows/heifers of Indian Milch Bred is well in hand.
FISHERY
The Government has accepted in principle the report of the High
Level Committee set up by the Government of India to formulate
leasing policies of Inland Fisheries. As a first step in this
direction, my Government has transferred approximately 300 hectares
of fishery waters to the Fishery Department for pisciculture
development on scientific lines. Another area of about 800 hectares
of fishery waters is also being developed departmentally with the
same objective. The Government hopes to double the revenue earned by
this Department from Rs. 40,000/- last year to Rs. 80,000/- this
year.
FOREST
The Government has taken steps to enhance the Forest Resources during the
current year. 900 hectares of plantations of valuable species and 8
hectares of trial plantations of rubber have been completed. 200
hectares have been brought under soil conservation programme. A
Research Station for forestry has been set up at Ukhrul. 3 kms of
new forest roads will be completed shortly. One new Range Office and
4 Beat Offices have been started. The Keibul Lamjao Sanctuary for
Sangai or Thamin deer, one of the endangered species, becomes our
first National Park. We have also appointed a forestry Adviser to
suggest ways and means for cautious sustained exploitation of our
forest wealth along with large-scale aforestation programmes, to
establish wood-based industries and to generate employment in rural
areas and thus steadily increasing revenue from our forests.
INDUSTRIES
In order to step up the progress of the industries the Government
has provided an outlay of Rs. 157 lakhs for the year 1976-77
against Rs.110 lakhs of the current year. In regard to the Large and
Medium Industries, the Government is trying to commission the
Spinning Mill at Loitangkhunou in 1976-77 and when completed it will
give direct employment to about 1,000 persons. The Government has
also initiated action for the setting up of an insulating paper mill
at Karong and Bamboo-based paper mill at Chandighat (Jiribam). Over
and above, the existing Khandsari Sugar Factory at Khangabok, the
Government is contemplating to set up a Sugar Factory-cum-Distillery
plant in Manipur. The Government has also taken steps for
establishment of a Starch-cum-Glucose Factory having 1,250 MT
crushing capacity per day. Besides these, a number of other
Industries, namely, Match Factory, Ply Wood Factory, Fruit
Preservation etc. are under active examination.
Special schemes for development of Handloom Industries under the
20-Point Economic Programme of the Prime Minister have also been
made. An emporium has been opened in New Delhi since January 1976.
The number of sericulture farms which stood at 13 at the end of the
Fourth Plan has now increased to 28. 30 lakhs of Tasar cocoons are
expected from this year’s harvest. 5 more farms are being opened
under the NEC Schemes. The activities during the year 1974-75 and
1975-76 provided part-time employment to about 2,000 tribals. The
Government has also submitted a proposal amounting to Rs. 65 lakhs
for Industrial Development of Tribal Areas under the Sub-Plan
during the Fifth Plan to the Planning Commission, Government of
India.
An Industrial Advisory Board has been constituted recently by the
Government to look after the interests of the Industries of the
State.
EDUCATION
The Government has taken steps to achieve universal primary
education and to cover the entire child population of the age group
6 -11 by providing more teaching facilities. With the same end in
view, the Department has also opened 25 non-formal education centres
which will supplement formal education. More such centres are being
opened. Provision has also been made for free supply of textbooks,
uniforms and attendance scholarships, as incentives in backward and
hill areas.
Consequent on the introduction of the new educational pattern of 10
+ 2 + 3, steps have been taken to bring all round reforms. As part
of this effort, the State Institute of Education too is being
strengthened.
To improve the management of D.M. College, it has been bifurcated
into a College of Science and a College of Arts and Commerce. The
Science wing of G.P.Women’s College has also been amalgamated with
the College of Science.
The Government has replaced the Lower Income Group Scholarships
scheme by a scheme of tuition-free-education for students belonging
to the Lower Income Group, from the academic year, 1975-76.
The Working Group set up for planning of the University, to be
started by the beginning of the 6th Plan, has begun work. Steps have
been taken to strengthen the existing 7 divisions of the J.N.U
Centre of Post-Graduate Studies and for introducing Physics,
Chemistry, Hindi and research in Burmese language. The draft master
plan for the campus development of the University Centre at
Canchipur has also been approved. The University Centre has turned
out the first batch of postgraduate degree holders in Manipuri
language and literature.
SOCIAL WELFARE AND INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S YEAR
A Women’s Co-operative Bank was established at the instance of the
Organising Committee of the International Women’s Year. One
girl’s High School has been taken over by the Government during
the year; and one Working Women’s Hostel-cum-Balwadi opened at
Imphal. The construction of a Children’s Home at Imphal is
completed; and a proposal to set up one Remand Home for the
rehabilitation of juvenile delinquents is being considered. The
Government has taken over two Family and Child Welfare Projects at
Jiribam and Churachandpur and it is planned to take over two more
shortly. Two Border Areas Welfare Extension Projects, one at Moreh
and another at Ukhrul have been started. A proposal for taking over
the Ideal Blind School is under consideration. The Integrated Child
Development Services Scheme has been launched at Ukhrul T.D.Block
and 46 Anganwadi Workers have been trained for the scheme.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND CULTURE
The Government is taking up a youth programme and the year 1976 has
been declared as Sports Year in Manipur. Physical Education is being
made compulsory in the schools. It is proposed to take over the
Music College. The Manipur State Kala Akademi has been doing useful
work. Attempts have been made to initiate cultural activities
oriented towards the new economic and social programme.
TECHNICAL EDUCATION
The Staff of the Government Polytechnic has been strengthened.
Equipment worth Rs. 1.5 lakh has been purchased.
GOVERNMENT PRESS
The Planning Commission has, for the first time, agreed to include
the development of the Government Press under the Five Year Plan.
TOURISM & PUBLICITY
The Government has taken steps to promote tourism in Manipur.
Construction of one Tourist Hotel is likely to be started in the
coming year. Tourist cars have already been provided. A Guide Book
on Manipur is in the process of being released. 44 Community sets
have been distributed during the year. Effective publicity has been
given to the proclamation of Emergency and the 20-Point Economic
Programme of the Prime Minister.
MEDICAL
The Government has completed construction of Primary Health Centres
at Kamjong, Chandel and Nungba. Construction of 9 Sub-Centres has
also been completed. Work is in hand for the construction of Primary
Health Centres at Saikul, Parbung, Haochong and 9 Sub-centres. One
25-bedded T.B. isolation Ward has been completed at Ukhrul. It is
likely to be commissioned in the near future buildings for 30-bedded hospitals
have been completed at Ukhrul. A building for
30-bedded hospital at Mao is also nearing completion. The Leprosy
Subsidiary Centres at Imphal, Bishenpur and Tamenglong have been
upgraded to control Units. The Government has successfully achieved
the target for eradication of Small Pox.
The District Family Planning Bureau has been abolished and a
full-fledged State Family Planning Bureau has been established with
effect from October 1975. In the near future, District Family
Planning Cells are likely to be opened in the five hill districts.
The Government has set up a Certifying Board for the Medical
Termination of Pregnancy as required under the Act and termination
of pregnancies is being carried out in the Women Hospital at Imphal.
The Nurses Training Programme is continuing.
For the administration of the Regional Medical College, the
North-Eastern Regional College Society has been organised. The
College has been granted affiliation up to 2nd year of the M.B.B.S.
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT & IRRIGATION
The Government is paying highest priority to provision of
irrigation. The work on the Loktak Lift Irrigation Project has made
good progress and it is planned to provide irrigation for 10,000
hectares during the coming year. Work on the construction of Shingda
Dam, Khoupum dam and Imphal Barrage is making good progress.
Detailed investigation for dams for Thoubal and Khuga which will
benefit 25,000 and 10,000 hectares respectively is in progress.
Approval of the Planning Commission for the proposed Sekmai River
barrage is awaited.
The Government has taken up 50 Minor irrigation schemes to provide
irrigation facilities to about 11,000 hectares as against 5,600
hectares of the previous year. This is expected to increase the
agricultural yield by 28,000 M.Tonnes. Under these schemes,
irrigation facilities have already been provided to approximately
5,000 hectares of land. During the coming year another 14,000 to
15,000 hectares of land are likely to be brought under Minor
Irrigation Schemes.
Progress on the roads in the Hills has been satisfactory. Good
progress has been made on Jiri-Tipaimukh sector of the road.
Formation work of Tamenglong, Khongsang road, financed by the NEC is
expected to be completed this year and construction of minor
bridges, culverts, retaining walls has already been started. Special
attention has been paid by the Government for improvement of
communication with District and Sub-divisional headquarters. The
Government is trying to increase the length of the surfaced roads by
74 km. during this year and by 100 km. in 1976-77. It is also
planning to increase the length of unsurfaced roads by 55 km. in the
coming year. Despite difficulties experienced in obtaining
construction material, works on major bridges at Lamlong on Ukhrul
Road; Likli on Saikul road; and Khajiri has been completed. Work on
Kakching and Sekmai Bridges is nearing completion. Construction of
bridges at Thumbuthong, Minuthong, Nambul river near Maharani bridge
and Sugnu are being taken up and is planned for completion by the
end of this calendar year. In addition, a number of suspension
bridges are planned to be constructed during the year 1976-77.
The Government has achieved satisfactory progress in executing
several major projects like Medical College, Spinning Mill and
auxiliary buildings for the Tasar Projects.
TRANSPORT
The Government is actively considering converting the Manipur State
Transport into a Corporation. The Department operated daily a total
of 1799 km of the inter-State, inland and city Services. The
Government is taking steps to introduce more inter-District Services
and goods service on the Imphal -Jiribam road. Nine TMB Bus and
three TMB Truck chassis have been purchased by the MST this year for
strengthening their existing fleet. As against revenue receipts of
Rs. 59 lakhs in 1974-75, Rs. 85 lakhs is expected in 1975-76. The
Government is planning to construct office-cum-passenger sheds at
Dimapur and some select stations in hill districts.
The Motor Vehicle Department has registered 4201 vehicles on 23.1.76
as against 3861 last year. Total revenue, both from vehicles taxes
and permit fees collected in current financial year, up to 31.12.75
was Rs.10, 11,288.86 as against Rs. 7, 55,735.00 collected in
1974-75.
LEGISLATION
During 1975, the Government passed the following Acts:-
1. The Indian Registration (Manipur Amendment) Act, 1975.
2. The Manipur Legislature (Removal of Disqualification Amendment)
Act, 1975.
3. The Manipur Hill Areas (House Tax Amendment) Act, 1975.
4. The Manipur Hill Areas District Councils (1st Amendment) Act,
1975.
5. The Manipur Taxation Laws (Amendment) Act, 1975.
6. The Manipur Town and Country Planning Act, 1975.
The Manipur Land Revenue and Land Reforms (Amendment) Bill, 1975 and
Manipur Panchayati Raj Bill 1975, passed by the Manipur Legislature
are reserved for consideration and assent of the President. The
Manipur Municipality Bill, 1975 introduced in the Legislature has
been examined in the light of the recommendations of the Select
Committee and a revised Bill will be placed before this House.
The Government also promulgated the following Ordinances, as
circumstances rendered it necessary to take immediate action:
1. The Manipur Local Funds (Accts & Audit) Ordinance, 1975.
2. The Manipur Agricultural Indebtedness (Relief) Ordinance, 1975.
3. The Assam Municipal (Manipur Amendment) Ordinance, 1975.
4. The U.P. Panchayati Raj (Manipur Amendment) Ordinance, 1975.
The Government will introduce during the current session bills to
replace the ordinances listed above and the following other bills:
1. The Manipur Ministers, Speaker and Chairman, Hill Areas Committee
of Legislative Assembly (Grant of Motor Car Advance) Bill, 1976.
2. The Manipur Children Bill, 1976.
3. The Manipur State Transport Service (Prevention of Ticket less
Travel) Bill, 1976.
4. The Salary and Allowances of Chairman of the Manipur Legislative
Assembly (Hill Areas Committee) (Amendment) Bill, 1976.
Hon’ble members, I wish to conclude my address by wishing all
success to the State in the coming year. Now that the law and order
and socio-economic situation in Manipur has shown an over-all
improvement, I look forward with confidence to progress in the
fulfilment of the aspirations of the people of Manipur, in the
coming year.
JAI HIND
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