Month: August 2017

IMPHAL | Aug 1

The Assam Rifles has clarified that the reports of oil exploration are completely false and baseless. The drilling is presently being undertaken by Uttar Pradesh Jal Nigam, Noida solely for water supply scheme and not for oil exploration.

In a release signed by the PRO of the IGAR (S) said the facts have been published without corroborating with the AR. A new camp of AR is currently under construction at Kangvai, and as part of providing water to the occupants of this camp in future, a Water Supply Scheme (WSS) is under preparation at the location.

This scheme uses boring well as the source of water for which drilling is currently underway and not for oil exploration survey as stated in some of the reports published on August 1, it said.

Further the release said a total of only five bore wells have been dug and not eight as reported in the articles. Of these, three had failed to provide the requisite quantity of water, it said, adding one bore well is functional and is being used for drawing water while drilling is under progress for the fifth bore well.

As far as the issue of drawing water from the nearby stream by constructing a reservoir is concerned, the stream being perennial does not have the capacity to provide adequate quantity of water which is required for the strength planned at the camp, it said.

 Also, the content of mud in the water is very high especially during the rainy reason, added the release.

Newmai News Network

DIMAPUR | Aug 1

 The Dr Shurhozelie Liezietsu faction of the Naga People’s Front (NPF) has given a “last and final call” to all those NPF legislators supporting TR Zeliang to withdraw their support to the latter by August 5 midnight and “come back to the party fold”.

 In a “calling notice” to those legislators, the Dr Shurhozelie faction of the NPF, cautioned that “noncompliance of this calling notice would compel the party to file disqualification petition against the erring NPF legislators” on the expiry of the time frame i.e. August 5.

This development has come a day after the TR Zeliang faction had “selected” Neiphiu Rio as “interim President of NPF”. The TR Zeliang/Neiphiu Rio faction of NPF had also asked Dr Shurhozelie to step down as NPF President within 15 days.

Meanwhile, the Dr Shurhozelie group of NPF has convened “an emergency meeting” of the Central Office Bearers (Parent Body) at 5 pm on August 2 at the central office, Kohima.

The NPF also called a separate emergency meeting with the central frontals and Cell at 11 am on August 2 at central office, Kohima. “Both the meetings were called in exercise of the power conferred on the president, Dr. Shurhozelie Liezietsu vide Article No. V Clause 3 of the party Constitution. Therefore, all members concerned are requested to attend the respective meetings positively without fail.

This was notified by KG Kenye, M.P (RS) & secretary general, Naga People’s Front,” the Dr Shurhozelie group said this evening.

The Dr Shurhozelie group said that its attention has been drawn to a news item which appeared in the local media wherein it was reported that the “expelled and suspended” NPF legislators along with a few NPF legislators have served a 15-day ultimatum to the party President to step down, and selection of Lok Sabha MP Neiphiu Rio as “interim NPF President” empowering him with all sorts of ridiculous so-called prerogatives.

“This is to remind the honourable legislators that the NPF constitution clearly specifies about election of central office bearers including the president of the party. Article IV, section 5 of the Constitution of the party specifies the procedure to be followed and nowhere in the Constitution has it empowered the legislators of the party to act on their whims and fancies.

“Moreover, there is no provision or even mention of any post in the party constitution going by the moniker interim President, and it is quite possible that the legislators are confused with the ephemeral Presidentship held by a respected but misguided party leader during the 2015 crisis.

According to the statement, the MLAs would do well to know where exactly they stand lest they end up in political oblivion when the dusts settle down. “They would also do better to know who started the present crisis in the NPF party: whether it was the party functionaries or the legislators who camped in Kaziranga and staged their coup d’ tat from outside the State in connivance with leaders of the saffron party,” it said.

But if it is any consolation to the legislators, or gives them any comfort, the party organisation is intact and solidly behind the party President barring a few individuals and Constituency units who have not shown their loyalty to the party but to their elected representatives which, it goes without saying, should and would be discarded like rotten potatoes, the statement added.

Again, when the Naga society was facing one of the worst crisis ever when there seemed to be total breakdown of law and order and an almost anarchy-like situation gripped the entire State in January-February this year, these honourable MLAs who are calling Dr Shurhozelie as a “fraud” now, furtively went to Dr Shurhozelie on February 15 night and begged, beseeched, pled and almost sobbed themselves silly asking him to take over as the Chief Minister to save the party and the party-led DAN Government,” the statement further said.

“Juxtaposed with such ignoble behaviour of our honourable legislators, it is most delightful to see that party rank and file of the NPF are steadfast behind the party President and most willing to forego material gains offered by legislators to part ways with the party”, it added.

Ningthoujam Prasant & Elangbam Nikita

IMPHAL | Aug 1

Kangla, a historical site of the state, has seen an increase in footfalls. As indicated by information accessible from the Kangla Fort Board, the revenue earned from footfalls was Rs. 12, 46,500 approximately in 2016 and in the present year till June, it has earned Rs. 7, 67,500. The historical site has attracted more visitors—local, national, foreigner and student—than at any other time.

An authority of the Kangla Fort Board, stated, “Allowing the visitors to enter from the western gate of Kangla has prompted the increase in the number of footfalls.” According to the board, the number of guests is most elevated on Sunday, but when there is no rain, and auspicious days of the state. Higher numbers of foreign tourists are seen during Sangai festival, asserted the board.

The ticket rates for Indian, foreign tourist and student are Rs. 10, Rs. 50 and Rs. 5 respectively and the western gate remains open on all days of the week, except Wednesday, from 9 am to 5 pm in summer and 4 pm in winter.

Manipur Cycle Club also introduced bicycle rental service inside the fort for Rs 20 per bicycle for an hour.

There are six tour guides accessible which are outsourced by JCRE skill solutions however, the number can increase as per request, said the authority of the board. The charge for tour guides varies according to the number of guests.

For students up to 60 in number, the charge is Rs. 1000 only. For Indians and local people, Rs. 750 for 1-5 individuals, Rs. 900 for 6-10 individuals and Rs. 1,200 for 10 and above. Also, for foreign visitors, the charge for the tour guide is Rs. 1,500 for 1-5 individuals, Rs. 2500 for 6-10 individuals and Rs. 4500 for individuals more than 10 in numbers.

The board said that students in school uniforms are not allowed to enter during school hours. However, they can visit if the school authority gives the permission. The reason for the restriction is to keep students from investing their time and energy inside Kangla by bunking classes, said the authority.

“Kangla is the green lung of Imphal city with 2-3 degree Celsius cooler in temperature than the rest part of the city. It is likewise home to migratory birds particularly egret.” claimed the authority.

 The indigenous-food-serving cafeteria inside the fort is fabricated with locally accessible material, for example, mud, wood, bamboo and thatch keeping in mind the end goal to make the right ambience and supplement the value of culture and heritage of the then royal residence of Manipur.

Other than indigenous foods, other vegan fast foods are also available just on Sundays in view of customer’s request, said the owner of the cafeteria. One among the many visitors said that this antiquated fortress holds archeological, religious and historical importance and it is well-kept, spacious and brimming with trees and flowers.

The expert of the Kangla Fort Board said that they are making their best level to fulfill the needs of the visitors, and in the meantime protecting the cultural heritage for the coming generations.

In 1891, Kangla was taken over by the British after the Anglo-Manipur War. Afterwards, the Assam Rifles took control of it, until 2004. On November 20, 2004, the Kangla Fort was handed over by the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Manipur government.

IMPHAL | Aug 1

The ongoing budget session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly saw a very explosive moment on the 11th day today when heated argument exchanged between the treasury and Opposition bench.

The Speaker of the House had to intervene and pacify the situation to the heated argument between a minister and MLAs of Opposition bench around 11 pm.

The session started from 11 am but discussion on voting and discussion for demands for grants lasted till late in the night.

However, the situation turned uneasy when both the treasury and Opposition benches exchanged heated argument that the Speaker had to stand up from his chair.

The argument was exchanged during the discussion on demand No.15 consumer affairs, food and public distribution.

Later, the proceeding continued peacefully and the House unanimously passed four demands after the Opposition withdrew the cut mot.

Our Bureau

IMPHAL | Aug 1

The Union ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation has allocated Ra 32.20 crore to the state for the year 2017-18. However fund will be released to the state after requisite utilisation of funds already available, which is Rs 29.61 crore.

This was stated by minister of state for Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ramesh Chandappa replying to a query raised by Rajya Sabha MP of the state, Ksh. Bhabananda during question hour in the Upper House yesterday.

The Union minister continued that as reported by the state on the online portal of the ministry, there is no water quality issue in the state, and till date 86.19 percent of the rural population of Manipur are covered by water supply schemes. The state has also reported through the portal that there are 3,788 rural habitations in the state, out of which 2,227 habitations are fully partially covered, the minister said.

Ramesh Chandappa also pointed out that rural drinking water supply is a state subject. For improving the coverage of clean drinking water to rural population, the ministry supplements the efforts of the state by providing technical and financial assistance through the centrally sponsored National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP).

However, it is the state government who plans, design, execute and operate schemes for providing clean drinking water, he added.

Replying to another query raised by Ksh. Bhabananda, minister of state for Panchayati Raj, Parshottam Rupala said Manipur has utilised Rs 4.81 crore out of the total amount released, which is Rs 9.82 crore for the year 2016-17, under the Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) activities including e-enablement.

The minister also informed the House that as per information provided by the government of Manipur, out of the 161 Gram Panchayats (GPs) in the state, 65 GPs have computers. The Panchayat Enterprise Suite (PES) application adopted by the states includes Local Government Directory, Area Profiler, PlanPlus, National Asset Directory, National Panchayat Portal and Service Plus, he said.

The minister also divulged that the ministry is implementing e-Panchayat Mission Mode (MMP) that seeks to transform the functioning of all Panchayati Raj Institions (PRIs), amking them more transparent, accountable and effective as organs of decentralised self-governing institutions.

Further Parshottam Rupala said under e-Panchayat, a suit of core software applications has been developed to address various aspects of Panchayats’ functioning including planning, budgeting, implementation, accounting, monitoring, social audit and delivery of citizen services like issue of certificates, license, tax collection etc.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Aug 1

Education minister, Th Radhesyam Singh today informed the House that he is ready to quit if allegation levelled against him, of issuing DO letter for admission of student was found true.

Th. Radhesyam was replying to cut motion moved by the Opposition bench during the voting and discussion hour for education department during the ongoing budget session.

He said there are altogether 16,780 sanctioned post of teachers in the department out of which presently 12,373 are filled leaving vacancies of 4407 post.

Clarifying on the prevailing controversy arising out of recent mass transfer and posting of graduate teachers, he claimed that the transfer was carried out as per requirement and not politically motivated.

He pointed out that altogether 447 graduate teachers were promoted to lecturer by the previous government without any proper assessment.

In addition to that, over 278 teachers were transferred within the period of two months by the end of 2016, he said.

Accordingly, after painstaking assessment teachers from 202 different schools were taken out and posted in 51 higher secondary schools.

With regards to framing of transfer policy, he opined that framing a transfer policy at the present juncture was almost impossible unless a comprehensive approached it adopted.

Nevertheless, the department is doing its best to review the criteria of recruitment of teachers to able to comprehend with the prevailing situation to some extent, said Radhesyam.

In response to the introduction of private school bills, he clarified that it was not to abolish the private schools but to regulate and control private schools particularly from turning into commercial.

Consumer affairs, food and public distribution (CAF&PD), Karam Shyam said that department received several complaints on National Food Security Act (NFSA).

On April 25, 2016 the targeted public distribution system (TPDS) was introduced in the state with a target to avail benefit to 87 percent beneficiaries (24, 84,540). But, the department could avail the benefit to 74.6 percent beneficiaries including AAY, priority households, with monthly quota of 11,786.56 metric tons of rice.

He said that since the formation of the new government, the rice quota of the state has been increased to 22, 54,681 metric tons. Strong instruction was also issued to concerned officials to entire district to expedite all the necessary process including issuance of beneficiary cards in order to achieve its 87 percent target, he added.

Karam Syham further pointed out that the monthly quota of Kerosene is 1456 KL since March last against the previous quota of 1168 KL and added that accordingly the monthly quota for AAY and priority households beneficiaries have decreased.

Maintaining that there was a backlog of 5542 KL of SK oil, he said the state have requested the GOI to give permission to lift the backlog however only 1000 KL could be lifted due to disturbances on the highway.

He said the responsibility of loading and unloading of food grains is the responsibility of the labour contractor and that Rs. 25 crores has been sanctioned by the government to clear the pending dues of the fair price shop agents.

The House unanimously passed four demands amounting to Rs. 1934, 61, 33,000 after the cut motions were withdrawn by the Opposition bench. Motion for disapproval for policy cut was moved by the Opposition in education, Consumer affairs, food and food, and IFCD.

The demands passed by the House are demand No.10 education Rs.1464,68,01,000, demand No.15 consumer affairs, food and public distribution Rs. 57,93,65,000, demand No.38 panchayat Rs. 77,33,42,000 and demand No.40 Rs. Irrigation and flood control.

The MLAs who participated in the cut motions and discussions were AK Mirabai, K. Ranjit, N. Loken, Kh. Joykishan, RK. Imo, Alfred Kanngam Arthur, Surjakumar Okram, Th. Lokeshwar, Dr. Chaltonlien Amo, Md. Abdul Nasir, K. Meghachandra and Okram Henry, S. Bira, Sapam Ranjan.

IMPHAL | Aug 1

The government has plan for de-silting, dredging and re-sectioning major rivers like Imphal, Nambul and Kongba Rivers. It would be done once the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the same is finalised and fund is made available to the department.

The remaining retaining walls of Nambul River adjoining Sagolband will be implemented as per availability of fund. Later late in the evening of IFC Demand Discussion, Letpao clarified that the state has not sent any DPR to repair river banks to the Centre.

This was stated by IFCD minister, Letpao Haokip while replying to questions during question hours today in the ongoing Assembly session.

Letpao Haokip further said that river embankment work has been taken up by the IFCD to ease flood woes in the State. The Department is also working on to prepare a DPR covering the entire State as a long-term policy to prevent flood.

Responding to a question, Health and Family Welfare minister L. Jayantakumar said that Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Imphal has 100 MBBS seats and 47 PG seats. Out of the total seats in MBBS, 85 per cent of the seats are reserved for the State while the remaining 15 per cent seats would be filled through Central quota. In respect of PG courses, 50 pc of the seats would be filled through State quota while the remaining seats would be filled through the Centre quota.

He further said that the ministry of Health and Family Welfare (Dental Education Section), government of India has issued letter of permission on May 26, 2017 for starting Dental College of JNIMS with 50 admissions from the academic session 2017-18 and admission to BDS course is under process.

Replying to a question, RD & PR Minister Th. Bishwajit said one work has been recommended by the present MLA of 44-Ukhrul AC for construction of playground at Shangshak Phunghon after the constitution of 11th Manipur Assembly for the year 2016-17. He said that there is a balance of Rs. 50 lakh remained unutilised for Ukhrul district for the financial year 2016-17.

In Ukhrul, the fund for 2nd and 3rdinstalment of 2016-17 amounting to Rs. 50 lakh is pending at the level of the Deputy Commissioner, Ukhrul due to dispute in status of works between the ex-MLA and the present MLA.

Whereas the ex-MLA claimed that he had already executed the works before his resignation on September 14, 2016, the current MLA has claimed that these works were not executed by the ex-MLA. The RD&PR Minister further said that the DC, Ukhrul was asked for an enquiry report and the matter is still under examination to settle the conflicting claims.

To another question, RD&PR minister Th. Bishwajit replied that there is a road under PMGSY Phase-IX, which is yet to be taken up in Tengnoupal block due to a pending Court case. The work will be taken up once the matter is settled.

Works minister Th. Bishwajit also informed the House that no new work programmes for Ukrhul AC has been finalised yet by the present Government. The budget allocation thereof for financial year 2017-18 has not yet been finalised.

Th. Biswajit, who is also in-charge of IPR, said that newspaper hawkers are not covered under the Manipur State Journalists’ Welfare scheme. He said that the Govt would look into the welfare of the hawkers in consultation with the CM if the hawkers’ union approaches the Govt. for the same.

Responding to a question, Education Minister Shri Th. Radheshyam said there is no plan for construction of main building of Sagolmang Higher Secondary School as of now. He further said that there is no provision as of now for construction of infrastructure of aided high schools.

Th. Radheshyam further said that the Government for the appointment of teaching gives no approval and non-teaching staff to five private colleges, which were upgraded to Govt, aided college by the previous government.