Day: December 3, 2017

IMPHAL | Dec 3

The Thangmeiband United Club (TUC), Imphal West, has call for a shutdown in Thangmeiband area on December 7 starting from 10 am till 3pm demanding disclosure of framework agreement.

TUC vice president, Pratap Leishangthem Pratap asked all the shops, government employees should refrain from attending their duties during the shutdown.

A sit-in-protest will also be organised in front of North Imphal Sporting Association Club, DM college road opposite to Thangmeiband Athletic Union (THAU) ground, he said.

Pratap further informed that the shutdown is being called in solidarity to the demand of various CSOs to disclose the contents of the “Framework Agreement”.

The TUC would extends its support to any agitations against “Framework Agreement”, he said.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Dec 3

Kakmayai village under Heirok assembly constituency, Thoubal district has become the first village in the State to use LED bulbs, and watch LED TVs in every household.

A social entrepreneurship organisation, Mangal Rural had given all the hard work to distribute LED bulbs and TVs to the villagers and declared that Kakmayai village has become a 100 percent LED village.

The declaration was made in a programme organised by Mangal Rural at the play ground of Eastern Youth Club, Kakmayai after the LED bulbs and TVs were distributed.  The occasion was attended by editor in chief, ICTV, Brojendro Ningombam as chief guest, retired MCS, Sagolsem Kameshwar as president, president of Artist Training cum International Research Centre, Imphal, Loitongbam Premkumar, ward member, Mayai Keithel, Ibemton and ward member, Leirongthel Ningel gram panchayat, Ksh. Ichan will attend as guests of honour.    

Founder of Mangal Rural, Ningthoujam Surjit said the condition of power availability and connectivity in the state was in a worst shape during the last few 4-5 years. Mangal Rural initiated an effort in 2011 to provide solar lighting to the people to make up the shortages of power, he said. The organisation alone had provided 8000 solar lightings at different areas of Manipur.  In the last few years, the first solar village of Northeast India had been built at Atom village, Imphal east, he added. 

He further said that there are many places in Manipur where the consumers use high watt bulbs in a large scale and keep them turned on. This is an oversight made by the consumers. Mangal Rural wanted to make the villages turned into LED villages in order to remedy these issues, he said.

From today onwards, Kakmayai village will reduce 40 percent of its power consumption as the villagers will switch from high wattage bulbs and TVS to LED ones. This will help boosting the economy of the state in a massive scale, he added.

Brojendro Ningombam said electricity is one of the basic necessities of life. There are many corners in the State where power connectivity has not reached yet. The inclusion of Kakmayai village in the map of India’s LED villages by the efforts of Mangal Rural is a massive achievement and it is worthy of praise, he said. 

It may be mentioned that 400 hundred LED bulbs and 60 TV sets were distributed today. Model LED village, Kakmayai has a total of 110 households out of which 30 already have TVs.  Out of those remaining households, 60 were given TV sets on easy instalment. Two bulbs were provided to each household, which amounted to a total of 400 bulbs.

Newmai News Network

IMPHAL | Dec 3

The Zeliangrong Baudi, Manipur (ZB-M) has served three days’ time deadline to the Assam Rifles to vacate from the compound of Kaimai Baptist Church in Tousem sub division of Tamenglong district.  The Zeliangrong Baudi, Manipur has threatened to start mass movement against the Assam Rifles if latter fails to pay heed to the ultimatum of the former.

It can be mentioned here that on Sunday, the Kaimai Village Authority had “expressed concern over the construction of barracks by 13 and 23 Assam Rifles on the compound of Kaimai Baptist Church” (as reported in the media).

Following this report, the Zeliangrong Baudi, Manipur said today that the Assam Rifles not respecting a place of worship is nothing but disregarding the Indian democracy. “The world all over respects any place of worship but the Assam Rifles continues to disregard such sacred place,” said the  Zeliangrong Baudi, Manipur.  Condemning the alleged act of the Assam Rifles, the Zeliangrong Baudi, Manipur asserted that it considers the behavior of the Assam Rifles seriously. The Zeliangrong Baudi, Manipur also said that the behavior of the Assam Rifles has created an uneasy atmosphere in the “peace zone”.

Zeliangrong Baudi, Manipur then demanded that, counting from December 4, Monday, the Assam Rifles should vacate the church compound within three days “or else face the pubic ire”.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 3

A robot called JON 17 was displayed in a Demonstration-cum-Exhibition programme held at New Hall of Johnstone Higher Secondary School yesterday.

The robot was made by Thiyam Nandalal, a science stream Class XI student of Johnstone Higher Secondary School. Apart from robots, the boy said he is keen to make things through technology. He is the second son among six siblings of Nambol Balaram Khun Maning Leikai, Bishnupur district.

Parents of Nandalal, Thiyam Ishorechand and Thiyam (O) Chaobi are subsistent farmers.

The literal meaning of JON 17 is ‘JO’ for Johnstone and ‘N’ for Nandalal and 17 signifies 2017.

Speaking to IFP, Nandalal said that it took almost 15 to 20 days in constructing this robot.

‘I can’t imagine this project has materialised. I just prepared the robot with discarded material such as syringe, Horlicks bottle, electronic items, mobile phone parts, LED lamp and others’, said Nandalal.

He said he basically acquired  necessary equipment for his innovation with a daily allowance of Rs. 50 or Rs. 60 from his paternal grandmother, who is a vendor in the market.

Nandalal continued that director of education (S), Th. Kirankumar had extended a financial support of Rs 10000, to complete the project of JON 17.

Speaking as chief guest of the function, Th. Kirankumar said that the innovative idea created by Nandalal is praiseworthy.

He further encouraged growing up student who have interest in the field of science. For the promotion of scientific knowledge several schemes and awards had already launched in India and every unique innovative thing is preserved at Rastrapati Bhawan, said Kirankumar.

The function was also attended by principal of the school, A. Sangeeta Devi as president, along with faculties of physics and computer science of Manipur University and member of National Innovation Foundation, Laishram Khuman.

During the exhibition, chemistry teacher of the school, Ch. Indira also provided a cash assistance of Rs. 5000 to Nandalal.

From Our Correspondent

JIRIBAM | Dec 3

Women staged a sit-in-protest win front of the Congress Bhavan complex Jiribam to say the charges of misbehavior by Dr. Sonachand Sharma were false.

Different communities of Jiribam took part in the agitation.

The protestors vehemently denied the allegation charged saying Dr. Sonachand Sharma is a doctor who has been serving the people of Jiribam with dedication.

When media person queried the protestors about the reason for the allegation over the doctor, one elderly woman protestor said that there is a conspiracy as most of the patients in Jiribam prefer Dr. Sonachand as their doctor.

Some people of the hospital are envious to the doctor, she added.

On the other hand, Dr. Sonachand also gave his clarification on allegation levied over him. He declined the entire allegation by saying that on November 29 when the said squabble aroused in the Jiribam hospital, he was at the tour programme of Borobekra Primary Health Centre with CMO. He further said that such allegation seemed to attack over his character. The doctor also expressed his dissatisfaction by saying that he came to Jiribam leaving his home back far flung to serve the people but such allegation is very disheartening. He requested to all not to make such allegation further and to provide him sound atmosphere to serve the people of Jiribam.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 3

Information and Public Relations (IPR) minister, Thongam Biswajit Singh said the credibility of a media house lies in the accuracy and balance of its reports.

The IPR Minister was speaking at the Silver Jubilee celebration of the bilingual Aja Daily today held at the Tribal Research Institute, Chingmeirong.

A media house losses its credibility if its reports are imbalanced and inaccurate, he said.

Underscoring the important role in the society, he termed the media as a mediator between the public and the government.

He continued that the media disseminates reports of the government’s policies and schemes for the people and at the same time brings to the notice of the government the opinions and views of the people through their editorial columns.

Minister Biswajit also lauded Aja for its tireless contribution towards the society by disseminating news for a long time.

He also stressed on the need to open District Information Offices in all districts.

Regarding the construction of a press park, he said a site has already been identified and that construction of a Press Colony will soon be in progress.

IPR director, Meghachandra Kongbam, hailed the editor of the Aja Daily, Valley Rose Hungyo for being the only woman editor among all the daily newspapers published in the State.

He also stressed on the importance of vernacular newspapers, and said vernacular newspapers played an important role in India’s freedom struggle.

The celebration was also attended by Chingai A/C MLA Khashim Vashum, The Aja Daily editor Valley Rose Hungyo, Editors’ Guild Manipur president A. Mobi, Editors’ Guild Manipur Secretary General Y. Rupachandra, Manipur Hill Journalist Union President Ramkung Pamei among others.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 3

The Peace and Development Coordination Committee Khundrakpam and Saikul assembly constituency has threatened to impose a blockade the Imphal-Saikul road if the government fails to black top the road by December 15.

Briefing media persons today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal the committee’s general secretary, Thoudam Hemjit claimed that the 40 kilometers long (Imphal-Saikul) road was in deplorable condition since the last many years.

The work order of repairing the road was already issued on May 24, 2016 by the previous government but so far repairing work has not been taken up along the road, he added.

Accident took place frequently in the Imphal-Saikul road due to the poor road condition, he claimed.

The general secretary maintained that the new government has failed to take up any works along the route despite having assured to black top it after the rainy season.

Against this backdrop, the new government is frequently claiming to have taken up many developmental work and projects when the ground reality is something else, added Hemjit.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 3

BJP Manipur Pradesh today clarified that no BJP member threaten AMWJU president, W. Samjai, on the question of VIP culture in a local electronic media.

BJP secretary of administration, R.K. Shivchandra however said in a press meet held at its Nityaipat Chuthek office that Samjai defamed his party and he should clarify on the matter at the earliest, failing which the party will lodge a defamation case against him.

He also asked why a president of the media organisation should point out an individual from all BJP group to defame.

Shivchandra further said that his taking escorts is only for security purpose. He pointed out that previous Congress government followed more VIP culture than BJP. He also said that he respects AMWJU and its president, who is a responsible leader, but the act of insulting the image of BJP is unfortunate, he added.

Other BJP representatives also said that the party is filing a defamation case if the AMWJU leader does not apologise at the earliest.

At the same time, general secretary of the party, Nimbus Singh, also told reporters that state Congress party is on a mission to disintegrate the people of the state by confusing the people.

‘It is saddening to see the Congress party instigating the valley population on the matter of safeguarding the state from Naga integration movement, when they are the ones who planted the time-bomb on this issue’, said Nimbus.

He said that BJP government is new and has recently come to the state. It was during the time of Congress government that Framework Agreement was signed and now they are barking behind BJP’s ears asking for another chance, he added.

He also assured that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has assured that the state integrity will be protected by the Indian government and state’s integrity will always be protected.

Biren says helping persons with disabilities is his dream come true

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 3

The Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh called it a dream come true when he launched a scheme titled, Chief Ministergi Shotharabasingi Tengbang, CMST, on the occasion of the observance of International Day for Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).

The scheme aims to extend statutory help to disabled persons.

The chief minister said it is his personal endeavor to ensure that through concrete, sincere efforts and action, the grievances and difficulties, especially of the marginalised sections of the society are effectively and comprehensively addressed.

Biren said that persons with disabilities encounter many disadvantages in society and they are often subjected to stigma and discrimination, and they have limited access to proper healthcare services, quality education, face fewer economic opportunities, and are generally excluded from social processes.

He stressed that “Chief Minister-gi Shotharabasingi Tengbang” is reflective of the firm commitment of this government to empower the persons with disabilities and the marginalised. Such scheme would facilitate their vital and meaningful participation in contributing towards the creation of socio-economic wealth and overall welfare of the state, he added.

Under CMST, there are five sub schemes. Care-giver Allowance or Maintenance Grant to Persons with Disabilities with high support needs, provide 80 percent disability people with Rs.1500 per month. Self-employment Loan with subsidy to the PWD along with skill training will provide 19-59 years who can work would be given soft loans and self- employment through Manipur Society for Skill Development (MSSD).

CMST also includes a scholarship scheme for students with Disabilities. The rates of scholarships are: Rs 3,000 per annum for Class I-V, Rs 4,000 per annum for Class VI-VIII, Rs 6000 per annum for Class IX-XII, Rs 8000 per annum for Graduate and Above.

Under CMST, free travel and concession to persons with disabilities are given for free travelling in public transport under Manipur State Transport (MST). The Scheme also included a maintenance grant for homeless older persons with monetary support of Rs. 1,000 per month to the older persons in the age group of 60 years and above, who are homeless or sheltered in old age homes recognized by the department.

Minister for social welfare and co-operation, Nemcha Kipgen presided over the function and in her speech; she said that India has one of the most progressive disability policy frameworks in the entire developing world. However there are certain challenges such as lack of awareness, challenges of inter-sectorial co-ordination etc. in proper implementing various social welfare schemes in the state, she added.

She assured that the present government under the leadership of chief minister, N. Biren Singh would overcome the challenges and hurdles in implementing policies for all the categories of differently-abled and intellectually disable people so that they can become part and partial of the society.

At the occasion, the dignitaries handed over monetary allowances, scholarships, free travel card and maintenance grant to various beneficiaries under the scheme. Around 900 beneficiaries will be provided Care Giver allowance, 140 beneficiaries would get Student scholarships, 286 beneficiaries would get maintenance grant, 700 beneficiaries would get free travel card and 5 beneficiaries would be given soft loans.

Students and children from different disabled homes also took part in the celebration with their extraordinary performances.

The function was held today at Khuman Lampak Indoor Stadium and was attended by his council of ministers namely deputy chief minister, Y. Joykumar, minister for PWD, Th. Biswajit Singh, minister for health and family welfare L. Jayantakumar Singh, minister for CAF and PD, Karam Shyam, minister for tribal and hill areas development, N. Kayasii, minister for PHED, Losii Dikho, minister for agriculture, V. Hangkhanlian, Sapam Ranjan, Khashim Vashum, chief secretary Shri R.R Rashmi, additional chief secretary Suhel Akhtar, commissioner of social welfare H. Dileep Singh, director social welfare, Jacintha Lazarus, officials of the social welfare department attended the function.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Dec 3

The newly elected office bearers of Manipur State Panchayat Parishad (MSPP) took oath and promised to perform their duties and responsibilities in sincere and diligent manner at ‘Annual Panchayat Summit’ held at Manipur Panchayat Bhavan, Porompat today.

Addressing as chief guest, minister of Works, Power, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj and Commerce and Industries, Thongam Biswajit Singh said that the concept of panchayati raj was brought up by Mahatma Gandhi with the vision of bottom to top level development.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the NDA government is implementing several schemes that may support in bringing Gandhi’s dream a success, he added.

Biswajit said that awareness about the role of panchayati raj is meager in the country despite having a democratic form of government. It is the high time to put persistent effort in creating awareness on significant role played by member of panchayat, he added.

He continued that as per norms, the number of days for MGNREGS is used to allocate after analysing the performance of the scheme in the state in the last three years. However due to failure of proper implementation of the scheme in Manipur by previous government, the present government had earmarked just for 19 days, he maintained.

Observing the need transformation in the state, the minister said that a new change can only be achieved when transformation and reformation begins within oneself. Without sincerity to transform oneself, it is hard to bring any positive changes in the society, he added.

He also stated about the mandatory implementation of the rights guaranteed in Indian Constitution and pointed out the negligence shown by previous government in the ministry of Panchayati Raj, which is a serious matter to be discussed.

The present government is going to take up some initiatives and policies that will help in bringing sustainable form of development, said Biswajit.

He also declared that the honorarium which is included in memorandum submitted by MSPP will surely be revised.

Chief advisor of MSPP, N. Mohendro Singh in his key note address stated about the reason for degrading the value of panchayati raj. He said that most of the elected members are fresh who do not have proper knowledge in the sector and they lack motivation.

Proper guidance with appropriate policies is of utmost importance and MSPP is a bridge between government and elected member of panchayat, which needs to be to strengthen, he suggested.

For effective functioning of the panchayati raj institution, Mohendro requested minister Biswajit to form a steering committee and add the slogan ‘go to the villages and transform your villages’ in the policies and programme.

According to index of devolution report for the year 2014-15 release by ministry of Panchayati Raj, government of India, Manipur ranked in 23 out of 25 states.

MSPP had handed over the memorandum that included revision of honorarium, devolution of power and separate chief executive officer of zilla parishad to minister Biswajit at today’s function.

The oath taking of all the 11 newly elected office bearers were administered by N. Mohendro Singh.    

The function was attended as president by president of MSPP, Toijam Itobi Singh, along with MLA of Naoriya Pakhanglakpa, Soibam Subhaschandra Singh and MLA of Jiribam, Ashab Uddin as special guests. The guests of honour were, Adhyaksha of Thoubal zilla parishad, Hasina Begum, Adhyaksha of Bishnupur zilla parishad, Romabai Lairenjam, Adhyaksha of Imphal West zilla parishad, R.K. Taruni, Adhyaksha of Imphal East zilla parishad, P. Bimola Devi, Adhyaksha of Kakching zilla parishad, Ph. Jiten Singh and Adhyaksha of Jiribam zilla parishad Kh. Janaki.