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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 19.3.1979.
Mr. Speaker and Hon’ble Members,
I have great pleasure in welcoming you all to this Budget Session.
2. Except for a few instances of forcible collection of taxes from
boatmen plying along the Barak River by small gangs of Mizo-Kuki
hostiles in the South District, the overall law and order situation
in the hill areas during 1978-79 was peaceful. As many as 59
underground persons surrendered to the Government and five other
were arrested.
3. The law and order situation during the same period, however,
caused some concern in the valley. Some extremists who had gone to
Tibet for training returned to Manipur and committed series of
crimes by indulging in violent activities, such as armed robberies,
lootings, snatching away arms and killing some Police personnel. The
Government took every possible measure to maintain law and order and
the situation is improving. This is in spite of the fact that in all
the crimes committed by the extremists, it would appear as if some
sections of the public were not co-operating with the Government. It
is, therefore, my appeal to all sections of the people and the press
to help the Government in maintaining peaceful conditions so as to
make all round development possible.
4. In the meantime, in order to bring these misguided elements into
the mainstream of life, the Government is continuing to give
financial assistance for rehabilitation of Ex-UG, Ex-RGM and
Ex-members of the Meitei State Committee. An expenditure of Rs. 8.84
lakhs has been incurred and 354 Ex-UG including 95 Ex-RGM and 2
Ex-members of Meitei State Committee rehabilitated. Further, the
Government had given financial assistance to 44 loyal citizens who
were either killed by the UG or in the operations by the security
forces.
5. The period under review had also seen various activities
organised by the students’ community, teachers’ unions,
Government employees and other trade unions to fulfil their demands.
The Government have tackled them carefully and handled the situation
firmly.
6. On the occasion of the Republic Day 1979, the Government released
five short term and four long-term convicts and granted special
remissions to 8 short term and 30 long-term convicts. Under the
schemes for modernisation of Jail, the Government of India had
released a sum of Rs.35, 400/- as grant-in-aid and Rs. 1, 81,700/-
as loan for improvement of Jail during1978-79. It is also proposed
that homes for Women destitute, juveniles and lunatics would be
started.
7. The Government is aware of the anxiety of the honourable Members
for the early vacation of the area of Kangla by the 4th Assam
Rifles. It may be mentioned here that the Government of India has
recently intimated that the construction works for the alternative
accommodation of 4th Assam Rifles would be completed by 31.3.1981.
8. Substantial progress was made in respect of decentralising the
process of plan formulation and implementation in the year gone by.
The Government has created six posts of District Planning Officers
along with other essential staff for augmenting plan formulation and
implementation capability at the district level. It is expected that
the formulation of plan in the future would be initiated at the
district level with the association of the people and their
representatives. The adoption of such a procedure will make for
speedier and more efficient implementation of plan programmes.
Attention has also been given to strengthening the planning
organisation at the State level. Besides the addition of some
technical staff to the Planning Department, a post of Technical
Adviser, who will also undertake monitoring of plan schemes as they
are implemented, has been created.
9. The Fifth Five-year Plan, which was earlier to run from 1974-75
to 1978-79, was allocated a plan provision of Rs. 92.86 crores. As
you are aware, the Fifth Plan was terminated in its fourth year,
i.e. at the end of 1977-78. Excluding the provision of Rs. 28.26
crores for 1978-79, which would have been the terminal year of the
Fifth Plan but is now the first year of the Sixth Plan, the total
funds available for the Fifth Five Year Plan were Rs. 64.60 crores.
Against this outlay, an expenditure of Rs. 66.61 crores was
incurred.
10. Including the provision of Rs. 28.26 crores for 1978-79 the
Government has proposed a provision of Rs. 278 crores for its Sixth
Plan. Although discussions in respect of this plan have been held
with the Planning Commission, the size of the Sixth Plan has yet to
be finalised.
11. As far as the financial year 1978-79 is concerned, against the
plan allocation of Rs. 28.26 crores, the anticipated expenditure is
Rs. 30.74 crores. The Government has been able to complete the
Khoupum Project and the Loktak Lift Irrigation Project Stage-I. The
addition of substantial power in the State and construction of a
large number of roads of various categories have further improved
the infrastructure in the State. It is hoped that with these
improvements, the State will be in a better position to undertake
diverse kinds of economic development programmes for the benefit of
the people.
12. The prospects of maintaining a rapid phase of development in the
coming year are also good. The State has proposed a plan size of the
order of Rs.34 crores for 1979-80. The Planning Commission has
presently allotted Rs. 31 crores. Various programmes under different
sectors are highlighted hereafter.
13. The system of quarterly letter of credit introduced in 1976-77
for better budgetary control of non-plan expenditure continues to be
followed. In the wake of the grant of Central rates of D.A. to the
State Government employees, the Government has imposed 10% cut on
non-plan expenditure other than salaries. In all the hill district
headquarters, treasuries have started functioning with banking
facilities. The Government of India hasve agreed to the proposal of
opening a rural bank in Manipur and details are being worked out by
the State Government.
14. The State’s receipts from Tax Revenue during the current year
are as under :
(Rs. in Lakhs)
Land
Revenue
37.00
State
Excise
31.00
Taxes on
Vehicles
28.00
Sales
Tax
130.00
Stamps and
Registration
17.00
Entertainment
Tax
25.00
Total
268.00
15. Efforts are being made to increase the receipts from these
sources, except Excise because of Prohibition and Land Revenue
because of drought conditions.
16. The Government has accepted the recommendation of the Committee
on Prohibition by declaring four days as dry days in a week. In
addition, all public holidays are observed as dry days.
17. Efforts to improve the working of the offices are continuing by
conducting training courses with the faculty members from the
Institute of Secretariat Training and Management, New Delhi in the
fields of CM and Work Study, Financial Rules, Performance Budgeting,
Modern Aid to Management and Office Procedure. The Government also
imparted training to about 600 UDCs/LDCs working at Imphal and in
the hill districts in Office Procedure, Disciplinary Rules and
Accounts Rules.
18. The Monsoon in 1978 was unkind to Manipur. The deficit of
rainfall from September, 1977 to September, 1978 was 375 mm. This
had seriously affected our programme of double cropping where only
2,500 hectares could be covered against the target of 7,950
hectares. However, as a result of the anti-drought measures taken by
the Government with advanced plan assistance from the Centre, as
much as 51, 112 hectares of fields, which would otherwise have
remained fallow, were brought under cultivation.
19. To meet the increasing requirements, the Agriculture Department
has been re-organised. A circle has been created for minor
irrigation. A custom service has been organised and a cell for
agriculture development has been opened.
20. The Government continues to give priority to the expansion of
horticulture and vegetable farming. The programmes of producing and
distributing fruit plants, rejuvenating existing orange orchards and
distribution of vegetable seeds have been intensified. The
Government has simultaneously taken up large demonstration and
extension programmes. To further popularise these programmes, the
capacity of the fruit preservation factory has been increased so
that fair prices become available to the farmers for their
horticultural produce.
21. The Government has also expanded the Fishery Department by
creating five district fishery offices. Substantial loans have been
given to co-operative societies and individual pisiculturists by the
flow of finance from the ARDC through Manipur State Co-operative
Bank Ltd. Manipur stood first in the North Eastern Region and
fourth in India in the execution of bankable schemes for pisiculture
development as per the Annual Report (1977-78) of the ARDC. More
schemes will be taken up during 1979-80 through similar refinance
from the ARDC.
22. In the field of Forest development, emphasis is and will
continue to be given on economic plantation, departmental logging,
training of staff, improvement and exploitation of forest
maintenance, mobilisation of resources and protection improvement of
wild lives. Besides soil conservation and Centrally Sponsored
Schemes, 24 other schemes covering 1,500 hectares will be taken up
for plantation of economic species such as teak, pine, uningthou,
heijuga and agar for industrial and economic purposes.
23. Under the Social Forestry Programme, 1,450 hectares will be
brought under quick growing trees to provide fodder, fuel and small
timber to the local people. 40 hectares will be brought under rubber
and coffee plantation programmes for the economic upliftment of the
jhumias. All these programmes will be executed through the District
Councils. During 1979-80, a Special Cell for the exploitation of
medicinal plants will also be established.
24. The revenue from the Forest Department for 1978-79 is expected
to exceed Rs. 30 lakhs against Rs. 24 lakhs in 1977-78. During
1979-80, the anticipated revenue is Rs. 50 lakhs.
25. The Veterinary and Animal Husbandry Department has been elevated
as a major department and the post of one Joint Director, three
Deputy Directors and a large numbers of field staff have been
created.
26. The Intensive Cattle Development Project is in full progress
with the opening of more artificial insemination centres and sub-centres.
Public enthusiasm has been created both in the hills and the valley
to attract them to avail institutional finance for poultry, piggery
and dairy development. A broiler project was also attached to the
Central Poultry Farm to cater to the needs of the farmers.
27. The Government has launched a vigorous drive to intensify
animal health coverage and has opened four new dispensaries. Six
dispensaries will be upgraded into hospitals and 24 new Veterinary
Aid Centres will be opened in the hill areas.
28. To improve the milk supply for Imphal, two rural Centres at
Kangpokpi and Moirang have been opened and the Regional Cross-Bred
Cattle Breeding Farms at Turibari under the NEC is in full
operation.
29. The opening of frozen semen laboratory in 1979-80 will be the
main programme under the Intensive Cattle Development Project. Other
new programmes for 1979-80, include distribution of buffaloes and
mithuns, up-gradation of local ponies, pilot project in duck-rearing
and establishment of a State Level Hospital with modern equipments
and facilities.
30. The endeavour of the Government is to build up an autonomous
self-reliance co-operative movement to serve the people specially
the small marginal farmers, agricultural labourers, rural artisans
and ordinary consumers. With this end in view, re-organisation of
the weak and non-viable primary agricultural credit societies at the
village level into 100 Gram Panchayat Level Multipurpose
Co-operative Societies in valley areas and 50 large Agricultural
Multipurpose Co-operative Societies in hill areas are being
completed. The scheme of integration of short term credit with
medium and large term credits was also implemented during the Fifth
Plan.
31. The Government continued to give high priority for irrigation
and flood control programmes in the State. The Khoupum Medium
Irrigation Project has been completed and will commence irrigation
this year. The three pumping sets of Loktak Lift Irrigation Project
are expected to go into operation this year for providing irrigation
waters. The progress on the Singda Multipurpose Project and Imphal
Barrage are satisfactory despite some difficulties regarding
availability of construction materials.
32. The cross regulator across Turel Ahanbi which forms and integral
part of the Imphal Barrage Project has almost been completed. The
construction of the Sekmai Barrage Project, the second of its kind
taken up in the State, is making good progress.
33. During 1979-80, adequate outlay for the Thoubal Multipurpose and
Khuga Irrigation Projects have been provided. These projects are
expected to cost about Rs. 39 crores. A Flood Co-ordination
Committee has also been constituted for tackling and managing
various problems which arise during the flood season.
34. The Government has set up a separate unit for conducting
detailed survey, investigations and preparation of projects. This
unit is surveying all potential location in the river systems of the
State and has taken up detailed investigation including collection
of data.
35. The Government is also contemplating taking up of a multipurpose
project designed to reclaim water logged areas in the valley such as
Kharungpat, Pumlen and Ikop which to-day cannot be put to proper
use. Such a project will involve flood control schemes in respect of
all the major rivers flowing through the valley as also a well
designed drainage scheme covering the low lying areas. It is
proposed to commission an expert body to prepare the project which,
after implementation, will besides making additional areas available
for agriculture, yield additional benefits in terms of flood
control, drinking water supply and pisiculture.
36. As the Hon’ble Members may well remember, the Flood Plain
Zoning Bill was enacted by this august House during the last Session
and formulation of various rules under this act is under
finalisation.
37. After detailed investigation, work on the construction of three
Micro Hydel Schemes, namely Leimakhong Stage II, Nungsangkhong and
Lokchao have been started. These projects are expected to be
completed during 1979-80 making an additional 2.4 MW of power
available to the State. With a view to reducing the cost of
generation as also improving power generation as a whole, the
Government contemplate setting up a Micro Thermal Plant in Imphal.
The necessary project has already been prepared and is under
consideration of the Planning Commission. Simultaneously, necessary
steps for improving the transmission and distribution system have
also been undertaken. The Rural Electrification Corporation has also
accepted a programme of electrifying 350 villages by providing loans
in the order to Rs. 3.5 crores for the purpose.
38. In the field of industrial development, the Government has
taken various steps for expansion. One District Industries Centre
has been sanctioned in the State for each of the six districts. Five
of them at the Central, the South, the East, the North and
Tengnoupal District have started functioning. The Centre for the
West District will be opened shortly. A number of training schemes
have been availed of both in and outside the State. A separate
engineering cell has been embedded in the department for expeditious
construction of minor departmental buildings.
39. Under the Intensive Handloom Development Project, ten new
Handloom Extension Centres have been opened and started functioning.
Each of the Centres is now taking care of 100 weavers. The total
value of cloth produced by the weavers under this scheme is about Rs.
12.64 lakhs during the year. In addition, ten more centres will be
opened during 1979-80.
40. Steps will be taken to set up a new Industrial Complex at
Jiribam.
41. A project Report for setting up a Starch and Glucose Factory has
been prepared based on 6.4 million tonnes of limestone deposit in
Manipur East District, the possibility of setting up a mini-cement
plant of about 50 tonnes per day capacity is under consideration.
42. Considerable progress in sericulture development was made.
Another aspect of sericulture development is the consolidation and
the expansion of mulberry and eri farms for the Scheduled Castes in
the valley. Improved mulberry seeds of biveltins variety, which
yields white cocoons and white silk o superior quality were obtained
from the Central Silk Board and distributed.
43. There has been considerable increase in the percentage of
road-worthy fleet of bus of the Manipur State Road Transport
Corporation whereby the passenger’s services have been increased. For
facilitating movement of goods vehicles, rules under the Manipur
Passengers and Goods Taxation Act have been framed and will be
implemented during 1979-80 as a result of which additional revenue of
about Rs. 92 lakhs per annum is anticipated.
44. In the field of education, action was taken to take over 526
Primary Schools, 94 Middle and Junior High Schools and 107 aided
High and Higher Secondary Schools for the purpose of re-organisation
of the institutions and quality improvement.
45. As a measure of universalisation of primary education, it is
proposed to open 300 schools in 1979-80 in villages which have no
schools so far. It is also proposed to upgrade some institutions for
which a survey has been completed.
46. In order to improve the quality of general education in the
colleges, the Government have taken over nine aided colleges during
the current year. While this will mean more additional financial
burden to the State, the standard of education would be improved.
The remaining colleges affiliated to Gauhati University will also be
taken over during 1979-80.
47. The Government has adopted the new 10 + 2 system, and the State
Institute of Education has finalized the curricula and syllabi. In
the coming financial year, printing of text books for the revised
syllabi will be undertaken.
48. In order to improve the teaching of science and mathematics,
science kits will be provided to all the schools up to the
elementary stage in 1979-80. Scientific equipment for all the High
and Higher Secondary Schools will be provided during the next
financial year. The required number of science and mathematics
teachers in the High and Higher Secondary Schools will be provided
during the same period.
49. 300 Adult Education centres have already been opened during
1978-79. Another 600 centres will be opened for education of age
group 15-35 during 1979-80. In the field of arts and culture, it is
proposed to start construction of the new Central Library building.
50. The construction of mini stadiums at Ukhrul, Senapati and
Churachandpur are progressing. Construction of a similar stadium at
Tamenglong will be taken up during 1979-80. The indoor mini stadium
at Imphal is to be completed during 1979-80, and the allotment of 65
acres of land at Khuman Lampak for the composite stadium and
necessary provision of funds has been made.
51. In the field of medical coverage, it has now been possible for
one P.H.S.C. to cover 12,700 rural population whereas our target is
to serve 5,000 and 10,000 rural population by one P.H.S.C. in the
valley and hills respectively.
52. Under the Community Health Workers’ Scheme, 424 Community
health workers have been given orientation training to cover 424
villages. Multipurpose Workers’ Scheme is also implemented in
relation to the Community Workers’ Scheme, and necessary
orientation training provided.
53. Special efforts have been made to control the recurrence of
malaria in the State with the help of WHO, SIDA and Government of
India. Simultaneously the immunisation services to the children has
been intensified to synchronise with the International Year of the
Child, 1979.
54. In order that the Family Welfare Programmes are implemented more
successfully, the Government have formed a State Family Welfare
Bureau. Various family planning programmes are being carried out
effectively through the District Councils, Panchayats and voluntary
organisations. The performance in Manipur is one of the best in the
North Eastern States.
55. Besides the Imphal Municipal Board elected in March 1978, there
are 29 Small Town Committees including those of Shinghat and Moreh
constituted during the current year. The Government is also
examining the up gradation of a few major Small Town Committees into
Municipal Boards.
56. Schemes for planned development of Imphal town has been
prepared. A new shopping complex will shortly be developed at
Lamphelpat. For the extension of the existing Khwai market,
development of Chakrikon is under consideration.
57. The House is aware of the acute problem of water supply both in
the urban and rural sectors. Vigorous steps have, therefore, been
taken to complete schemes for augmentation of water supply for
Imphal. The Singda Water Supply Scheme is to be commissioned by
1981-82. Another Scheme at Ningthem-Pukhri is being planned to start
this year.
58. In the rural areas, augmentation schemes at Nambol, Kakching and
Moirang are being commissioned and Lamlai is being taken up this
year. Three hill district headquarters have now been covered with
the water supply schemes and the remaining districts will be covered
as early as possible.
59. A separate Public Health Engineering Department with two circles
and six divisions have been established. Another Circle with the
required divisions are also being created.
60. In the absence of railway communications in Manipur, road
communications play the most vital role for the economic growth of
the State. In the past, emphasis was laid on improving the State
highways, link-roads to district and sub-divisional headquarters and
major bridges. During 1978-79, however, greater stress has been given
for constructing rural roads under the Minimum Needs Programme.
Similar emphasis will continue to be given during 1979-80 when about
35% of the outlay provided for roads and bridges will be earmarked
for constructing rural roads under the Minimum Needs Programme.
Besides, under the NEC Roads Programme, a provision of Rs. 100 lakhs
has been made for the Tamenglong-Khongsang road and the Jiribam
Barak river road and bridges thereon. Two roads started during this
year under Central Road Fund are likely to be completed during
1979-80. Out of the two bridges, which are taken up under Central Loan
Assistance, one is already completed and second one will be
completed in 1979-80.
61. The Government is concerned about the unemployment situation in
the State. The Government has accordingly taken up a number of
employment oriented schemes including self-employment schemes. In
addition, the Government proposes to avail of the Government of
India’s scheme of Food-for-work to generate more employment
especially in the rural areas and to create durable assets by
construction of more roads, tanks, temporary dams, etc.
62. The programme under the construction of Public Administration
buildings includes construction of Manipur House at New Delhi, new
blocks of Manipur Secretariat and M.P.S.C. buildings. To provide
sufficient accommodation for the Government employees, construction
of residential buildings is being taken up.
63. The Applied Nutrition Programme now covers 17 out of 26
Development Blocks in the State. The Hon’ble Members would be glad
to know that a new Centrally Sponsored Scheme with UNICEF’s
assistance involving an outlay of Rs. 8.50 lakhs is being started at
Bishenpur A.N.P. Block.
64. The Government of India has selected five Development Blocks
for implementation of a new programme called Integrated Rural
Development with Rs. 5 lakhs per block as Centrally Sponsored Scheme
in addition to the special schemes taken up by the S.F.D.A.
65. The Manipur Panchayati Raj Act, 1975 which envisages three-tier
systems has been implemented up to the second-tier, i.e. up to the
Panchayat Samiti level. The Government is considering giving more
responsibilities to the Panchayat Samitis for execution of
development programmes in their areas. Nyaya Panchayats are also
being established shortly.
66. In spite of some hurdles, survey of wet-rice cultivable areas in
12 hill villages in Tengnoupal District, West District and in North
District was completed by December 1978. The total area of
cultivable land so far surveyed in five hill districts comes to
4,880 hectares against the target of 5,000 hectares.
67. A special cell for Land Reforms is being set up for the
expeditious implementation of land reform measures. About 2,635
acres of land are estimated to be surplus on the enforcement of the
ceiling laws.
68. Poor rainfall and partial failure of the first paddy crop
resulted in increased demand for imported food grains in the early
part of the year. The public distribution system was strengthened by
opening a large number of fair price shops all over the State. The
Government also undertook free distribution of food grains to those
who were severely affected by failure of crops. 1,200 tonnes of rice
and 1,000 tonnes of wheat have been distributed in this State.
69. During 1978, the Government enacted 10 Acts of which the three
main Acts are:
(i) The Manipur Passengers and Goods Taxation Act, 1977.
(ii) The Manipur Irrigation Act, 1977.
(iii) The Manipur Flood Plain Zoning Act, 1978.
70. Members will recall that the Manipur Official Language Bill was
passed on 31.3.78 by this august House. I had returned this Bill for
examination of a legal issue that had been raised before me, and
with some advice relating to the safeguards in respect of the use of
the Official Language in the Autonomous District Councils. The
revised Bill is proposed to be introduced during the current Session
of the Assembly.
71. The Hon’ble Members will also recall that a Tribal Laws
Commission was set up last year to examine the prevailing laws
applicable to the tribal communities in the hill areas and to
suggest measures for giving them greater autonomy and participation
in their economic development. Hon’ble Members would be glad to
know that the Commission had since submitted its report and a Bill
to give effect to the recommendations in the report is expected to
be introduced during this session.
72 Hon’ble Members, I have recounted some of the activities
undertaken by the Government during the current year and have given
you a brief outline of the action plan for the next year. You will
appreciate that we have achieved considerable progress during the
current year. We look forward to a still higher tempo of
development, for which I hope, co-operation of all Members of this
august House will be forthcoming in full measures.
73. I wish you all success in your deliberations and in the
discharge of your great responsibility.
JAI HIND
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