* SUMMARY LIST OF GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS  

ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, THE GOVERNOR OF MANIPUR, GENERAL K.V. KRISHNA RAO (RETD.), TO THE MANIPUR LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY ON 10-03-1986.

Hon’ble Speaker and Distinguished Members of the House,

I have great pleasure in welcoming you to the first Session of the Fourth Legislative Assembly of the State for 1986.

While we meet here on a note of national optimism, it is also essential to acknowledge the gravity of the responsibility to be shouldered by us. For, the progress we achieve in the coming year would indeed be crucial to the State, and the Nation, in a manner no other year ever was.

Successful implementation of the Sixth Plan, despite initial handicaps, has proved beyond doubt the efficacy of the planning process and has provided the basis for a 79% increase in the outlay for the 7th Plan, the approved outlay being Rs. 430 crores. In this backdrop, the Annual Plan for 1986-87 stands at Rs. 87 crores which, in turn, represents an increase of more than 24% over the Annual Plan of 1985-86. It is obvious that our past achievement has provided strength for the future. It is, thus, imperative that this advantage is utilised for successful attainment of the Seventh Plan objectives of rapid growth in the production of food grain, increased employment opportunities and higher productivity. May I, therefore, underscore that now is the opportune time to renew the pledge to cast away the debilitating effects of our past handicaps and to unite for an unprecedented surge towards the 21st Century.

LAW & ORDER

The environment is also congenial for this surge because the law and order situation continues to be satisfactory. The activities of a section of insurgents in the hill districts and the attempts of some misguided elements to renew insurgency in the Valley areas were no doubt a cause for concern. However as a result of the co-ordinated efforts of the State Police and the Security Forces, attempts made by such underground elements, to create panic and terror among the people, were foiled.

The State Police succeeded in liquidating a well organised gang of counterfeiters, who had been printing and circulating fake currency notes. The members of the Gang were arrested and the equipments and materials used for printing of fake currency notes were recovered. In order to prevent smuggling of narcotics and to have an all out operation to check the activities of drug traffickers, my Government has appointed a Superintendent of Police, Border Areas.

REHABILITATION

My Government has taken up various welfare measures for the rehabilitation of extremists who came over ground and is providing financial grant for taking up appropriate self-employment schemes thereby enabling them to get smoothly inducted into the mainstream of the Society. Apart from reserving 5% of Grade III & IV jobs in the Government, 200 Grade III & IV posts were specially created for surrendered extremists, against which 95 persons have been appointed so far. 

FINANCE

The State’s financial position during the current financial year as shown remarkable stability. There has been no overdraft; nor has the state resorted to ways and means advances from the Reserve Bank of India. Revenue and tax collections under Sales Tax, Excise, etc., showed and upward trend over the previous year’s collections. The total net collection under Small Savings is expected to yield Rs. 90 lakhs as compared to Rs. 79 lakhs during the previous year. Expenditure continued to be monitored through a system of check and control, for better financial management. Sub-Treasuries were opened at the border town of Moreh and at Bishnupur. 

PERSONNEL & VIGILANCE

The Manipur Public Service Commission, which had not functioned for some time past due to various reasons, has been restored to its normal business with effect from 1st October, 1985. All cases of regular appointments and promotions, which are within the purview of the Commission, have been taken up and many ad hoc appointments have been regularised and the remaining ad hoc appointments are being regularised in consultation with the Commission.

The State Vigilance Commission has been able to make a positive impact in checking corruption. During the year, my Government accorded prosecution sanction for all the cases recommended by the Vigilance Commission.

REVENUE

The whole State of Manipur is now divided into 8 Districts, 28 Sub-Divisions and 59 S.D.C. circles in order to strengthen the revenue administration and also to bring the Administration closer to the people. During the year, 255 acres of ceiling surplus land was acquired and the same is being distributed to deserving landless people. 

LAW

Under Legal Aid and Advice Programme, assistance has been rendered in 40 cases out of which 15 cases are before the Gauhati High Court. For effective supervision of investigation of criminal cases and their successful prosecution in the courts, the Directorate of Prosecution was established and is being re-organised. Allotment of land for construction of a separate High Court Building at Imphal is under process and proposal for construction of Judges Bungalows is under active consideration. 

AGRICULTURE

The total food grain production during the year is expected to reach 4,21,400 tonnes including rice, coarse cereal, pulses and oilseeds. An area of 80,000 hectares was brought under High yielding varieties of paddy. The area covered has increased from 66% in 1984-85 to 72% in 1985-86. Fertilisers were made available at subsidised rates to the farmers and 1,25,000 hectares were brought under Plant Protection measures. 500 pulse minikits and 2,600 oilseed minikits during kharif, and 7,800 kits of Rabi pulses and 13,000 kits of Rabi oilseed were distributed to the small and marginal farmers in 29 blocks. My Government will be starting seed production cum demonstration in every Block during the 7th Five Year Plan. Necessary action for establishment of two Block farms during the current year has already been taken up. A Regional Seed Farm for major field crops will also be started by the Department for production of seeds, not only to meet the requirement of the state but also to supply to the neighbouring states. Necessary action for expansion of the Regional Potato Farm at Mao with the addition of 100 (one hundred) acres has also been taken up.

HORTICULTURE AND SOIL CONSERVATION

The agro climatic condition of Manipur is suitable for development of Horticulture. To familiarise the farmers with the modern techniques of gardening, the Horticulture Department is intensifying gardeners’ training programme in all the districts. My Government has exported a sizeable quantity of pineapple products to USSR and contract for supply of another 100 tonnes has also been finalised. Five lakhs coffee seedlings were also raised at the Coffee Nursery, Noneh.

With an estimated area of about 70,000 hectares under jhum cultivation in the hill area of the State, my Government is greatly concerned about the ecological imbalance it is causing. For this purpose, watershed Management Project sponsored by the North Eastern Council and Pilot Projects for Rain Water harvesting are being taken up on a wider scale. In order to take up detailed soil survey of the State and prepare soil maps, a project on Land degradation (Soil erosion) Mapping under Indian Remote Sensing Satellite utilisation programme has been taken up.

FOREST

Increasing emphasis has been given to economic plantation of industrial and commercial species of trees. During the year, 1425 hectares have been covered with plantation of teak, pine etc. 2325 hectares were also covered with various fast growing and fruit bearing tree species. Under Social Forestry, 15,00,000 tree seedlings of various species were distributed free of cost to members of public, Voluntary Organisations, Institutions, and Government departments for plantation. At present, 455 hectares are under rubber crop; and tapping from some of the trees which have attained the prescribed girth is being started. During the year, 700 hectares in the catchment area of Loktak Lake and 1200 hectares in the catchment areas of Barak and Thoubal rivers were covered with plantation of trees of suitable varieties in order to give permanent vegetative cover. 

IRRIGATION AND FLOOD CONTROL

Seven ongoing projects are in hand, viz, Singda Dam, Thoubal Dam, Khuga Dam., Loktak Lift Irrigation, Khoupum Dam, Imphal Barrage and Sekmai Barrage projects under Major and Medium irrigation programmes, which , on completion, will give an ultimate annual irrigation benefit of 1,03,900 hectares with Water Supply and power components for 10 mgd and 9 mw respectively. Irrigation potential to the extent of 40,000 hectares has so far been created up to the period ending June, 1985 and 1.0 mgd of water supplied from Singda from the partial storage created. Additional irrigation potential for 12,900 hectares is expected to be created during 1985-86 up to the period ending June, 1986. Besides these, another medium Irrigation project on Iril River at Dolaithabi having an annual irrigation potential of 8,000 hectares will be taken up during the 7th Plan. There are also other 15 Projects under investigation. A Medium Irrigation Project on Jiri River under N.E.C. programme at Jiribam for benefiting 8,000 hectares in Manipur and Assam has also been investigated and is being taken up.

Regarding Flood Control, I would like to mention that, along with taking up of Multipurpose Reservoir projects on the upper reaches of major rivers, which would be able to moderate flood to some extent, the State Government has also started formulation of an outline Master Plan on Flood Control and River-wise Flood control projects as long term measures. The Merakhong Flood Control Project having an estimated cost of Rs. 1.16 crores has been sanctioned by the Planning Commission and is now under execution. Another Flood Control Project on Wangjing River is also being considered. Similarly, Flood Control Projects for other major rivers are also under preparation in a phased manner. Area so far protected up to the end of 1984-85 is 25,000 hectares and additional area proposed to be protected during 1985-86 is 1,000 hectares.

The ultimate irrigation potential under Minor Irrigation Programme from Surface Water and Ground Water Resources put together comes to 1,05,000 hectares. Out of this, 40,235 hectares of cultivable land have been benefited up to the end of the Sixth Plan. The target during Seventh Plan is 10,000 hectares, out of which 1,000 hectares have been earmarked for 1985-86.

FISHERIES

My Government has produced 24 million fish seeds by the end of September 1985 and another 4 millions are expected to be produced by the end of March, 1986. Fifteen lakhs fish fingerlings have been distributed to the fish farmers. 4300 tonnes of table fish were produced by the end of December, 1985 against the target of 5500 tonnes during the year 1985-86. A fish fair was organised on the eve of Ningol Chakkouba in November 1985 by opening five fish stalls at different markets where more than 11 tonnes of table fish were made available to the public at Government approved rates to contain the price line.

VETERINARY AND ANIMAL HUSBANDRY

My Government has made steady progress in executing various livestock development and production programmes. The Central Poultry Farm at Mantripukhri produced 54,947 eggs and 17,838 chicks by the end of December, 1985. The farm at Thenguchingjin also produced 23,304 eggs by the end of December, 1985. One Sub-Station was started under NEC Programme for production of broiler chicks to be made available to the public and is now in operation. By the end of December, 1985, the Sub-Station has produced 51,920 broiler chicks. For providing proper animal health coverage, there are 46 Veterinary hospitals, 85 Veterinary Dispensaries, 29 Veterinary Aid Centres, 3 Check posts, 1 State level disease investigation laboratory and 1 State Level Mobile Veterinary Clinic. Up to the end of December, 5,73,695 cases were treated, 1458 Castrations were performed, 11, 366 animals were vaccinated against Rinderpest and 83,782 animals were vaccinated against other contagious diseases. 210 Major operations and 2357 minor operations were also performed.

Under Dairy development programme, the Department has taken up a Frozen Semen Scheme for cross-breeding of Cattle with the exotic Dairy breed & improvement of buffaloes in the 7th Five Year plan. The Government of India has approved the scheme and conveyed sanction for Rs. 74.80 lakhs during the current financial year. 10.9 acres of land required for the scheme has already been made available to the Department. Under the scheme one Bull Station, 2 Semen banks and 6 Semen depots will be set up at Porompat and various other places in the State.

INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT

Hon’ble Members are aware of the Industrial backwardness of the State. However, my Government has taken positive steps for industrialisation. The Manipur Electronics has assembled 2585 Two Band Transistors by the end of December, 1985 and also 1352 Black and White T.V. Sets. Assembly of colour T.V. sets has also been taken up and 200 colour-T.V. Sets will be produced during this year. An Electronics complex at Akampat with various ancillary units and supporting institutions in the field of electronics is also being set up. The Manipur Cycle Corporation Ltd. has been set up for assembling and manufacturing cycles at the instance of the Manipur Development Society, with equity share participation also by the Industries Department. 

The Manipur Spinning Mill commenced commercial production, working three shifts, with effect from 1st April, 1985. Up to the end of September, 1985, the Mill produced 1,52,721 kgs of yarn. 431 employees are now working in the Mill.

The Mini Cement Plant at Hundung, with a capacity of 50 TPD, is making progress and is likely to be commissioned very soon. The Mechanised Dye House at Iroisemba will also be commissioned soon. The Manipur Small Industries Corporation Ltd. has been upgraded to function as Industrial Development and Financial Corporation and also to implement the Refinance Scheme of the I.D.B.I. which opened a branch at Imphal in January, 1986. Manipur has the unique distinction of producing three commercial varieties of natural silk, namely: Mulberry, Oak Tasar and Eri. There has been steady improvement in cocoon production by adopting various improvements in rearing technology. During the current fiscal year, 1,35,000 gms. of Oak Tasar Diseases Free Layings have been distributed. Further, 30,50,000 cocoons have been harvested as against 19,72,000 cocoons during the last year. 55,000 kgs. of Mulberry and Eri Cocoons valued at Rs. 21.00 lakhs have also been harvested. 52,000 kgs. of Silk Yarn valued at Rs. 1.56 crores has been produced. 2500 farmers have been brought under Sericulture.

The Manipur K.V.I. Board has benefited 7396 numbers of Co-operative Institutions/industry with financial assistance involving Rs.2.23 crores and has also provided self employment to 18,783 nos. of artisans during the last two years. 
EDUCATION

My Government, taking into account the present critical situation arising from the mushroom growth of educational institutions, is laying emphasis on quality education drive. Merit Scholarship Examination for selected pupils was held for Class V and Class VIII to inculcate the spirit of competition and raise the standard of Education. For improvement of the standard of Science and Mathematics in Schools in the hill areas, a special programme has been taken up in which the teachers of these subjects in the hills are trained every year. To gear up inspection and supervision, my Government has decided to open 28 administrative units to be located at each Sub-Divisional Headquarters during the 7th Plan. Decision has also been taken for the introduction of 10+2+3 system of education in the State. The 10 year schooling and 3 years Degree Course have already been introduced. The remaining +2 course will be introduced with vocational courses from the next academic session in some suitable high schools. The existing P.U. classes in the College will be phased out to Higher Secondary Schools as +2 courses. Under the programme of Universal Education for the age group 6 to 14 years, 63,100 additional Children are being brought to formal Schools and 20,000 dropouts and non-starters to 500 non-formal education centres. My Government is also aware of the multifarious problems faced by the Manipur University at its infant stage and special care will be taken for further expansion and improvement.

HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

Under the Minimum Needs Programme, 2 more Primary Health Centres were opened at Sugnu and Mayang Imphal and another 4 have been sanctioned at Heirok, Sinjol, Khoupum and Keirao Makting. 18 Primary Health Sub-Centres were added during 1985. The 50-bedded ward wing of the Churachandpur District Hospital was inaugurated in the month of May, 1985, thus upgrading the hospital to a 100 bedded one. The construction of District Hospital at Porompat is making good progress. The incidence of Malaria has reduced from 1284 in 1984 to 1166 in 1985. The number of Leprosy cases detected during 1985-86 were 174. The State Ophthalmic Cell, which was established in 1985 has performed 288 Cataract and intra-ocular operations between April and December, 1985.

During the year 1985-86, up to the end of December, 1985, the Family Welfare Department has performed 5097 Sterilisation cases and 2690 IUD cases. All communication and motivational activities that need to be brought home to the people through various media have been undertaken for making Family Planning Programme a people’s movement. During the year, 64 village level camps and 8 exhibitions of Family welfare were conducted in the rural and far flung areas of the State.

PUBLIC HEALTH ENGINEERING

My Government is laying paramount emphasis on the supply of pure drinking water to the populace of rural and urban areas. Though the fact remains that the installed capacity of water supply system for Greater Imphal has not increased due to non-completion of Singda Dam, the position of supply during the present lean season is comparatively better due to constant pumping of water from Singda River. At present there is a shortfall of about 4.80 million gallons per day against the demand of 12.00 mgd approximately. In order to bridge this gap, augmentation of Porompat and Canchipur, having together a capacity of 2.50 mgd., have been taken up. Work for Porompat has been started and tender is being called for Canchipur. When Singda Dam is completed (by 1988-89), additional 3 mgd will also be available. Investigation work for a new water supply scheme of about 3 mgd capacity, with impounding reservoir across Chirang and Maklang river, has been started and, if found feasible, is envisaged to be completed by the end of 7th Plan. Almost all the other urban areas including district headquarters have already been covered by water supply system. In the rural areas, safe drinking water supply has been extended to 887 problem villages covering a population of 6.32 lakhs (1981) at the end of Sixth Five Year Plan. It is targeted to cover 160 problem villages during 1985-86 of which 93 have already been covered by December, 1985. By the end of 7th Plan, all the remaining problem villages of Manipur will be covered. Two more small drilling rigs, in addition to the previous big one, have been procured. Out of 264 numbers of tube-wells drilled so far, 229 tube-wells covering 40 villages including part of Imphal Municipality have been found successful and are in operation.

Substantial stress could not be given towards the urban and rural sanitation up to the end of 6th Plan. Low cost pour flush latrine project were taken up on experimental basis in collaboration with the UNICEF in 15 selected villages of Manipur. 80 percent of the same has been completed so far. By March 1986, the project will be completed. By the end of 7th Plan, it is planned to cover nearly 10 percent of rural population and 40 to 50 percent of urban population in Manipur.

POWER

The improved power supply situation in Manipur since the commissioning of the Loktak Project has resulted in a large increase in the number of consumers in the State. Peak drawal of power from the 132 KV Grid reached 23.7 MW in October, 1985. The 132/33 KV Sub-Station at Jiribam is nearing completion and work for 25 MVA, 132/33 KV Ningthoukhong Sub-Station has been initiated. All District Headquarters, except Tamenglong, are now connected to the Grid supply. 1500 KW Nungshangkhong Micro-Hydel Project was put into operation during the year and it supplied power to Ukhrul and neighbouring areas. 400 KW Lokchao Micro-Hydel Project is also expected to be commissioned by the end of March 1986. Out of 2082 villages in the State, 655 villages have been electrified and this represents a 31.5% level of electrification in the State.

RURAL DEVELOPMENT

Important poverty alleviation Programmes like IRDP, NREP, RLEGP continue to be vigorously implemented through the Development Blocks with full participation of the people. Identification of beneficiaries under IRDP to cover the poorest of the poor in the rural areas is done at the grass-root level.

TRIBAL DEVELOPMENT

My Government continues to accord high priority to the socio-economic upliftment of the weaker sections of the Society. To supplement the overall efforts of various development departments for their upliftment, a separate department is looking after their welfare to quicken the pace of development. The SC & ST students are awarded Post Matric Scholarship and Stipends are awarded to deserving students at pre-matric stage. Special coaching in Science and Mathematics is provided in all the Districts. Poor Tribal patients are given financial assistance for medical treatment. Hostel facilities are provided to the needy students.

FOOD & CIVIL SUPPLIES

During the year, the Food and Civil Supplies Department procured 17,221 MT of rice and 5887 MT of levy Sugar out of which 15,076 MT of rice and 5476 MT of levy Sugar were distributed under public distribution system. Distribution of food-grains at specially subsidised rates to the tribal population is being implemented through fair price shops. District Consumer Advisory Councils have been constituted to protect consumers’ interest. My Government is making all out efforts to enforce regulatory provisions of the enforcement laws.

TRANSPORT

For the convenience of traveling public, 91 stage carriage permits, 42 mini buses, 201 auto-rickshaws and 16 tempo permits were issued during 1985. During the year, the Manipur State Road Transport Corporation added 60 new buses and 20 new trucks to its fleet. With these additions, the Corporation’s fleet strength has increased to 147 buses and 51 trucks as a result of which performance has improved, particularly on the financial side, as its earnings has been increased from Rs. 4 lakhs to Rs. 12 lakhs per month.

PUBLICITY AND TOURISM

The Department of Information and Public Relations continue to highlight the progress of implementation of Development Schemes. To entertain and educate the public, films were screened and Drama shows were organized in the rural areas on themes having moral and educative appeal and relevance to social changes, with a view to rooting out social evils and practices prevailing in the Society. A 7 day training course in Mass Communication was organised in October, 1985 at Imphal in collaboration with the North Eastern Council for Government media personnel of the North Eastern Region.

My Government has taken steps for construction of three new Tourist Homes at Shiroy, Khongjom and Jiribam. With the completion of the second phase of Imphal Tourist Lodge, capacity has now gone up to 86 beds.

CO-OPERATION

As a result of the Re-organisation of the Primary Agricultural Credit societies, the entire length and breadth of the State of Manipur is covered by 94 Gram Panchayat Level Multipurpose Co-operative Societies (GPLMPCS) and 53 Large Sized Multipurpose Co-operative Societies (LAMPS). Four Agro Service Centres were established under NCDC Scheme in 1983-84. During the current year 1985-86, nine more centres amounting to Rs. 24.75 lakhs have been sanctioned by the NCDC in respect of 9 Societies. 

For the purpose of strengthening, the following steps have been taken:-

(i) In the case of Manipur State Co-operative Bank, the management has been taken over by the Government by appointing an Administrator and by investing Rs. 25 lakhs to strengthen and revitalise its functioning. In order to remove bottleneck in the credit flow to the farmers, strong recovery drive has been taken up by organizing recovery camps by launching campaign in all the districts.

(ii) In view of the deteriorating condition, the management of the Manipur Apex Co-operative Marketing Society also has been taken over by the Government by appointing an Administrator. An amount of Rs. 30 lakhs has been sanctioned by the NCDC on re-imbursement basis to improve its functioning.

(iii) In the case of the State Level Manipur State Co-operative Consumers’ Federation, a nominated Board has been installed and as per project reports of the C.P. Cell of National Co-operative Consumers’ Federation, a scheme, for rehabilitation of the Society, for an amount of Rs. 22.20 lakhs has been sent to the Government of India. From the side of NCDC also, they have sanctioned Rs. 7.80 lakhs for consumer distribution project, Rs. 11.20 lakhs for construction of Godown and Rs. 2.00 lakhs for purchase of transport.

(iv) For the Manipur Fruit Processing and Cold Storage Society, a rehabilitation programme is now under process under the NCDC pattern of assistance. 

NCDC has sanctioned Rs. 35,76,125/- lakhs for construction of Work shed and purchase of necessary equipments in respect of 16 Handloom Weavers’ Co-operative Societies. A scheme has also been drawn up for grant of managerial subsidy to 58 selected societies under a Centrally Sponsored Scheme. An amount of Rs. 2.00 lakhs has been earmarked for it. A scheme for establishment of an Integrated Dairy Development Project in Senapati District, under the Joint Venture of Co-operative and Veterinary Departments, is under process by forming a District Milk Co-operative Union with 61 primary milk producing Co-operative Societies as its members. A Co-operative Training College for the State of Manipur and neighbouring States of Tripura, Nagaland and Mizoram will also be set up at Imphal during the 7th Plan as recommended by the National Council for Co-operative Training.

LOCAL-SELF-GOVERNMENT

Under the Urban Development Sector, the State Government has taken up a project, viz, “Capital Development Project”. The Central Government has allocated a sum of Rs. 5 crores at the first instance during the 7th Plan and Rs. 50 lakhs for the year 1985-86, with a proposed allocation of 100 lakhs for 1986-87. A Central Team from the Ministry of Urban Development visited Imphal last November to study and recommend measures for improvement/development of the city structure of Imphal and location of the proposed Capital complex. The Report of the team has now been received and action is taken to implement the recommendations. A HUDCO team, led by its Chairman and Managing Director, also visited Imphal recently for rendering expert advice and also to examine possibility of financing by HUDCO.

With the assistance of UNICEF and Central Government, the State Government has taken up a Scheme called Urban Basic Services Programme to take care of health, sanitation and other urban facilities in and around the Greater Imphal Area, especially, of the weaker section of the urban dwellers. This scheme will be extended to other town in the State. For the present, Imphal District has been selected and, to begin with, the programme is being implemented in Imphal Town. 

Under the scheme of Integrated Development of Small and Medium Towns, Kakching and Jiribam towns have been covered and the works are now in full swing. Some other towns also are being proposed to the Government of India to be taken up in the 7th Plan period.

During the year 1985-86, 6 places have been identified for taking up works under Environmental Improvement of Urban Slums. 

In the Housing Sector, the State Government is giving priority to the Economically Weaker Sections and Low Income Groups of the community. The International Year of Shelter for Homeless (1987) programme has been taken up in the State and , to begin with, snap survey of the homeless in the district headquarter towns were taken up and completed recently. Through the survey, about 900 homeless families have been identified. It has been decided to start the programme in Imphal Town by construction of about 20-30 houses and allotting the same to the most needy homeless. A sum of Rs. 3.00 lakhs is earmarked for the current year, to start the scheme. 

Apart from Imphal Town, preparation of Master Plan for District Headquarters and other Sub-Divisional Towns are also being taken up. So far, master Plans for Churachandpur and Chandel have been completed. Master Plan for Bishnupur and Ukhrul Towns are in the process of completion. 

ROADS AND BUILDINGS

The total length of the State roads in Manipur by the end of 1985-86 will be 3,776 kms inclusive of 80 kms added during the year. During 1986-87, additional length of 95 kms is proposed to be constructed apart from consolidating, strengthening and improving the already constructed roads. Out of 1949 villages in Manipur, 1495 villages will be connected by roads by March 1987 of which 615 villages will be connected by all weather roads and 880 villages by fair weather roads. Besides, the N.E.C. has provided Rs. 3.00 crores during 1985-86 for construction of Jiri-Tipaimukh road, Thanlon-Sinzawl-Khawzawl road and Tamenglong-Tousem-Haflong road. Construction of some of the roads is in progress. During 1986-87 an outlay of Rs. 3.37 crores is proposed for N.E.C. roads. The Govt. of India has also sanctioned three roads, viz, Senapati-Oklong via Chakha (35 kms), Gamnom-Chamu (60 kms) and Khamasom—Nunghar-Poi-Chingai (51 kms) under the Tribal areas programme. Work for construction of these roads is in progress. As regards National Highways in the State, widening, strengthening and improvement programmes, costing Rs. 2.56 crores, have been taken up including bridges at Barak, Senapati, Lilong, Thoubal, Pallel and Lokchao. 

As regards buildings, considerable achievement has been made in the construction of PAB and other Departmental Buildings. The State Kala Akademy Building, the MLA Flats at D.M. road, District & Sessions Court, 14 PHC and 49 P.H. Sub-Centres, 20 bedded ward at Bishnupur, etc., have been completed. During 1986-87, the State Government is planning to construct Manipur Bhavan at Salt Lake (Calcutta), New Delhi, Guwahati, etc, besides taking up construction of a large number of residential and non-residential buildings both in the Hills and Valley. 

SPORTS & YOUTH SERVICES

The State Government has extended financial assistance to 47 State Level Sports Associations for participation in various National/Zonal/State Level Tournaments. Events promoting Physical fitness in the higher age brackets and Sports Talent Search programmes have been implemented. In the field of Physical Education, the Compulsory Physical Education programme has been implemented in Educational Institutions by posting 162 teachers trained in Physical Education. 

Under the Youth Welfare scheme, programmes pertaining to National Youth Day and Week, National Integration Camp, Youth Exchange Programme, Youth Workshop/Conference/Seminars, Anti-Drug Abuses Programme, Youth Leadership Training, Youth Festival, Afforestation Programme and Youth Adventure Programme have been implemented. National Service Scheme involving 3,000 students of Colleges has also been implemented. 9 Youth Centres at 8 District Headquarters and one at Jiribam Sub-Divisional Headquarters have been opened. 

Proposal for setting up of one NIS Centre at Takyel for the North Eastern Region has been approved by Government of India. 64 acres of land have been allotted at Takyel for the said Centre. Construction works of the Mini Stadia at District Headquarters are making good progress. Construction of Sports Complex at Khuman Lampak has also started. It is hoped that all these efforts will provide sufficient impetus to youth programmes and result in constructive use of youth energy. 

SOCIAL WELFARE AND ARTS & CULTURE

A large number of poor and needy persons have benefited under various social welfare schemes of Nutrition, ICDS, Old Age Pension, scholarships to handicapped students, maintenance of Orphanages and Home for destitute women.

Most of the grants given to various Arts and Culture Organisations in the fields of Dance, Theatre and Classical Music are made available through the Manipur State Kala Akademy. To provide support to Film Society movement, holding of Festivals of India and foreign Films, organising short courses and Workshops, grants were extended to the Manipur Film Development Council.

In outlining briefly the multifarious activities of my Government, my intention is not merely to be informative, but to bring home the awareness that, the “note of optimism”, I mentioned earlier, is not merely a phrase but a reality. If we cannot harness this to realize our overall objective of Growth, Self-reliance, Modernisation and Social Justice, we shall stand discredited in the eyes of posterity. However, my Government being deeply committed to the ideals enumerated, I am sanguine that Manipur will continue to contribute steadily and rapidly emerge as a viable factor in the Nation’s “tryst with destiny”.

I am also sanguine that posterity will derive considerable satisfaction from the deliberations of this House and I extend my best wishes to all of you. 

JAI HIND