Month: January 2018

State hopes to reap economic boom from export

By Phurailatpam Keny Devi

IMPHAL | Jan 5

The first exclusive fully air-conditioned organic shop in the North East ‘Organic Outlet’ that was inaugurated on November 20 last is moving on the path success. Department of horticulture and soil conservation is putting immense effort for the promotion of organic products inside and outside the states including abroad.

The Organic Outlet was opened under Mission Organic Chain Development for North East (MOVCD-NER), launched by ministry of agriculture and farmers welfare with the vision of promoting organic farming in the entire North East. It is opened at the directorate of horticulture and soil conservation, Sanjenthong.

Project officer of Manipur Organic Mission Agency (MOMA) K. Devadutta Sharma told Imphal Free Press “as of now we have around 200 registered costumers who are the regular buyers and on an average Rs. 4000-5000 is the daily income from this outlet. Lack of awareness about the benefit of organic product could be the undeniable reason of paying less attention in these products. And the products are yet to be certified which is mandatory for export.”

He continued that it is not easy to reach this level. This project was started two years ago and for this 5000 organic farmers were selected from hills and valley districts.

The outlet is not directly controlled by the department. An interconnected group of people are involved. He described this complex steps as “according to norms of central government state league agency under the Manipur Co-operative registration act has to be form and hence MOMA was formed.”

The main role of MOMA is to select service providers who are well verse in organic farming, formation of farmers cluster, guiding farmers, certification procedure, expertise in internal control management system and formation of Farmers Producer Company (FPC), he added.

So far four service providers were already selected and they are the one who directly select the farmers and take full responsibilities of farmers from beginning till the end, he stated.

“Every farmer needs to have at least 1 hectare of land. And for valley their land should be located in the elevated or upland area while for hilly region it should be near highways. Both in hilly and valley a cluster of farmers should be formed that consist of at least 20-25 people.”

The selected 5000 farmers where divided into 10 groups of Farmers Producer Company (FPC) that consist of 500 farmers each. Of these 10 FPC, 4 are functioning in four valley districts and produce only aromatic black rice while the remaining FPC operates in 6 hilly districts under the jurisdiction of only horticulture crops, he explained.

The ministry had sanctioned sum amount of money every year. With this 5000 farmers had made to open bank accounts so that Rs. 2 crores sanctioned by the Centre every year from last two years may get through direct benefit transfer.

After putting so much of hard work and dedication, these 10 FPC is successfully producing pineapple, king chilli, ginger, thai guava, pea, turmeric, lemon. But this Organic Outlet didn’t focus only to local product. One can also get organic product produce from other states.

Underscoring the reason of not being able to export despite having huge demands he said “it usually takes three years to get the final certification as organic products from National Programme for Organic Product.

“Our project is only two years old. By next year the produces would be certified. Once it is certified there is a big hope of booming economy of farmers and states as well,” he said.

He said all the organic produces of Manipur can be marketted in any part of India as these already got certification from participatory guarantee system, he added.

He said “just to make our society a healthy one in every sphere including health, environment, soil and so on, we take up this endeavour. Our main responsibility is to connect between farmers with consumers by opening a market.”

After analysing the steps that is being taken up by central government for the promotion of organic products in North Eastern states, IFP observed that if our state government give some interest and take some initiative in the undergoing organic project instead of just relying on central government plan the success rate would be higher. Everyone is well aware that Sikkim got the title of organic state in January 2016 before implementation of MOVCD-NER.

IMPHAL | Jan 5

Directorate of Education (S), government of Manipur has ordered the zonal education officer (Zone-III) to lodge an FIR against Waikhom Haripriyo Singh for alleged fraudulence and wrongful withdrawal of pay and allowances under appropriate clauses of IPC within a period of one month from today.

The order has stated that Haripriyo, who is the son of Waikhom Nabachandra Singh of Thoubal Achouba Bazaar Makha Leikai, Thoubal district has been reportedly pursuing MBBS course at JLN Medical College, Ajmer, Rajasthan before his appointment as primary teacher of SSA under department of Education (S), Manipur.

Haripriyo was appointed as primary teacher on the recommendation of Class-III DPC held on February 26, 2012 and posted at Chandrakhong Primary School, Thoubal district. Later he was transferred to Chingjaroi Primary School on September 25, 2012. His brother has been working as teacher in his place while he was pursuing his MBBS course in Ajmer, said the statement of orders by Directorate of Education (S).

The appointment of Haripriyo has been treated as null and void, and the zonal education officer shall recover the wrongfully drawn pay and allowances and deposit in the relevant head of accounts within six months from today, it added.

From Our Correspondent

THOUBAL | Jan 5

Principal, Padma Ratna English School Kakching, Khumuckcham Sundari Devi has been given the Bharat Vidya Rattan Award by the international Business Council (IBC) New Delhi.

Kh. Sundari Devi, being in the teaching profession for 42 years, has been given the award for the exceptional contributions she has made in the field of education.   

A felicitation programme was organised on December 11 at Krishna Menon Bhavan Bhawan, Opposite Supreme Court Gate Number C Bhagwan Das Road, New Delhi.

Kh. Sundari came to the teaching profession in 1975 as an assistant teacher at Padma Ratna English School, Kakching and after becoming the headmistress for some time, now holds the position of the principal of the school, which has produced many topers in HSCL examinations. She is the wife of social worker, Naorem Amuba Singh from Kakching Ningthou Leikai. She has been already conferred the State Merit Award, Chingu Khongnangthaba Award, Naorem Amuba Singh Teacher Award etc.

The managing committee, teaching and non teaching staff, and the students of Padma Ratna English School, Kakching have expressed their happiness on the receiving of the award by Kh. Sundari Devi.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Jan 5

Special judge, narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, Th. Simon on December 11 last year sentenced five Myanmar nationals to rigorous imprisonment of different periods each and fined Rs.50,000 each for possessing psychotropic drugs illegally.

The accused Mynamar nationals are identified as Wingning, 35, son of late Chheta Wing, Nanchami, 34, son of late Teng We, Diha Joo, 24, son of late U. Saw, Ye Aung, 31, son of late Oo Tin Aung and Ta Mong, 32, son of U. Tan Shwe all residence of Tamu, Myanmar.

They were reportedly apprehended by the personnel of customs preventive force, Moreh in different year starting from 2011 from Moreh area.

The court in its final judgement mentioned that term of imprisonment for Wingning is five years with effect from March 18, 2011 till December 11, 2017, for Nanchami is 4 years 6 month with effect from Nevember 12, 2013 till December 22, 2017, for Diha Joo is 5 years with effect from July 5, 2012 till December 11, 2017, for  Ye Aung is 4 years 6 months with effect from March 1, 2013 till December 22, 2017 and for Ta Mong is 4 years 6 months with effect from August 5, 2013 till December 22, 2017.

The order further mentioned that all the five Myanmar nationals have been convicted for the offence punishable under section 22(b) of NDPS Act vide by the judgement of the same court announced on August 31 last year.

It is also ordered that in case of non-payment of fines, the convicts are to undergo imprisonment of another 6 months.

The court further stated that “the case property be also confiscated or disposed of as per law after the expiry of the period of limitation for filing of the appeal or subject to the outcome of any appeal to be filed against the judgement and the order on sentence and the orders of the appellate court as case may be.”

IMPHAL | Jan 5

Municipal administration, housing and urban development (MAHUD) and town planning minister Thounaojam Shyamkumar today introduced mobile bio-toilet in a function held at Kanglapat road, opposite to Imphal Municipal Corporation (IMC) office.

Shyamkumar said the mobile toilets has been installed after discussion with the chief minister along with MAHUD and IMC to ease the inconveniences faced by the general public, including those who come to enjoy the Imphal Evening.

He said all together 9 mobile bio toilets (3 pair each) costing Rs 79,305.44 each (inclusive GST and transportation charges) have been installed along the road stretch from Raj Bhavan to Khuyathong. The minister gave assurance that more mobile bio toilets will be installed at various strategic locations in the state. He also stressed that the mobile bio toilet will not pollute the Kangla moat. One can use the toilet by spending Rs. 10 per usage, he added.

Gitkumar, MAHUD director said the technology of the mobile bio toilet has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and imported from Belgaum, Karnataka, where it has been developed. The portable septic tank (bio tank) attached with the toilet has a capacity of 700 litres while the attached overhead water reservoir has a capacity of 200 litres which can be refilled. He added it took 2 months for the mobile bio toilets to be delivered and maintained that it will not pollute the environment.

Gitkumar said the technology uses a process where specially developed bacteria acts on the human waste to convert it into odourless liquid form which can be removed using a special machine. The toilet does not need any sewage connection. The developers have claimed that the clean and odour-less liquid extracted after bio-degradation can be recycled for irrigation in gardens, he added.

Ng. Uttam Singh, joint director, MAHUD along with department officials and IMC officials and corporators attended the event.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Jan 5

 State Finance Account and Appropriate Accounts report 2016-17 indicates that due to excessive budgeting or lack of monitoring of fund by the government departments, some of the demands for grants has remained unutilised during  the same year.

Public works departments for instance, did not utilise 26.66 percent of the fund allocated, education department 18 percent, agriculture 49.30 percent, community and rural development 30.05 percent, general economic service and planning 85,55 percent, minor irrigation 47.41 percent, irrigation and flood control department  24.75 percent and social and welfare department 35.34 percent.

Speaking to media persons accountant general (A and E), D. Jaisankar said the annual accounts of the state consist of finance accounts and appropriate accounts. He said accounts are summary statements of accounts under the consolidation fund, contingency funds and the public accounts. The accounts are presented in two volumes, he added.

In abstract contingent (AC) bills out if Rs. 347.96 crores drawn against AC bill in 2016-17, AC bills amounting to Rs. 100.35 crores were drawn in March 2017 alone. Out of which Rs. 48.81 crores was drawn on the last day of March 2017 alone, he added.

He said amounts drawn in the month of March were indicative of the fact that the likelihood of actual expenditure of such drawls within the concerned financial year were remote and withdrawals were made mere to avoid lapse of appropriation.

He further said 923 detailed countersigned contingent (DCC) bills amounting to Rs. 1708.50 crores pertaining to the period 2003-17 were outstanding as on March 31, 2017. Delayed submission or prolong non-submission of supporting bills renders the expenditure under AC bills opaque, and susceptible to misuse.

Most of the outstanding AC bills pertain to the administrative departments of health services (28.27 percent), education (S) (10.77 percent), tribal affairs and hills (6.53 percent), police (6.53 percent) and power (6.45 percent), he added.

The appropriate accounts show that in the year 2016-17, there was actual expenditure of Rs. 10,652.06 crores, comprising of Rs. 8,213 crores on revenue accounts, Rs. 1, 493.57 crores on capital accounts, Rs. 1, 144.97 crores for repayment of debt, and Rs. 0.25 crores as loans and advances given by the State. There were savings under revenue and advances with reference to total grants allocated by the state legislature.

 During the conference Jaisankar released Appropriation Accounts 2016-17 and Finance Accounts 2016-17 (volume 1 and 2).

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Jan 5

The International Observation Committee on Puya Mei Thaba (ICOP) is all set to observe the 289th Puya Meithaba day on January 9 (23rd day Manipuri lunar calendar of Wakching) at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen and Kangla Fort.

The historic day of Manipur will also be observed as “black day” for three days at Special Regular English School, Nambol, said convener of the observation committee, Moirangthem Naokhomba Meetei in a press meet held today at Citizens Club office at Wangkhei Khunou.

Naokhomba said this day is being observed by ICOP for 40 years now. Earlier it was Meitei National Front that used to organise the considered black day.

The ancient sacred scriptures, Puyas of Manipur were burnt under the influence of Shantidas Gossai, in his attempt to bring Vaishnavism in the state during the reign of King Pureiromba.

As part of the observance, the annual best citizen award will also be conferred to two individuals, one from the tribal communities and one from the valley area.

This year the Chingmi Tammi Nungshi Lipun award will be given to Tangkhul veteran singer, Reuben Mashangva and Maichou Ningshing award will be conferred to ICOP advisor, Ibechoubi Leima. The award consists of Rs.10,000 cash and a certificate each.

Naokhomba said the wall poster campaign kick-started today for the observation of the day.

The fruit of observance of this day resulted in many positive outcomes like the education of Meitei Mayek till graduate level. The cultural heritage of Manipur should be well preserved for future generations, he added.

IMPHAL | Jan 5

 said that a Heritage Complex of the Poumai community would be developed by the state government at Saranamei village, the oldest Poumai village to preserve and protect the historical elements and antique items associated with the community.

The CM was speaking as chief guest at the Poumai Thounii 2018 cum reception of chief minister held at Thingba Khunou (Shomai) village in Senapati district today. The function was jointly organised by Poumai Naga Union (PNU) and Thingba Khunou (Shomai) village, Senapati.

Biren said that the government had begun providing assistance to differently abled persons and skilled persons through different schemes. He urged the skilled persons to submit application seeking assistance from the government.

The CM further informed that government would launch two different welfare schemes on the Statehood Day of Manipur that falls on January 21. He said that ‘Hakshelgi Tengbang’ (Manipur Health Protection Scheme) will be launched on the day and it would become functional from the next day. He continued that the scheme would provide cashless benefit up to Rs. 2 lakhs per year per BPL/AAY/poor family on floater basis and the benefit would be applicable when a person is hospitalised. Under the scheme, a patient or the party need not carry cash for treatment at government hospitals and hospital bills will be taken care by the government, said N. Biren.

Moreover, 10 well equipped ambulances would be put in service at hill district headquarters on the same day in order to reduce inconveniences faced by people of the hills in bringing patients to health centres and hospitals, he added.

The CM also added that Rs. 11 crore had been earmarked to construct a guest house for the chiefs of different villages of hill districts inside the complex of Royal Palace in Imphal. Opening of different guest houses for all the communities in Imphal would be materialised once the government finalises the process of acquiring 1000 acres as a Land Bank of the state government at Nongmaiching area, he added.

Biren also assured the Poumai people to discuss the demand for declaring Poumai Thounii as a holiday of the state. He also assured to put forward the request to the authority concerned for broadcasting programmes in Poumai dialect between 6:20 pm to 6:50 pm in All India Radio, Imphal.

Expressing his strong desire to take up some developmental activities for the Poumai people as a New Year’s gift to the community, he requested the leaders of the community to prepare a representation taking all the inadequacies of all the Poumai people into account and submit it to the government. He added that the chief minister’s office would send response for all the representations or memoranda submitted to him through DC and community leaders.

While delivering presidential address, minister for PWD, IPR, RD and PR, Th. Biswajit Singh said that to bring an inclusive development in the state, road connectivity and water supply need to be improved, along with uninterrupted power supply. The government is trying its best to improve road connectivity in hill areas of the state, he added.

Mentioning about the various welfare schemes such as PMAY, Saubhagya and others, the minister said that the government has already directed the DCs to organise awareness campaign to inform about the existing welfare schemes so that people can avail the benefits of the schemes meant for the people. Under the leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, the government is committed to deliver good, responsive and transparent governance to the people, he added.

The function was attended by minister for Tribal Affairs and Hills, N. Kayasii, minister for PHED, Losii Dikho, chairman of ADC Senapati, ML. Markson, president of Poumai Naga Union (PNU), L. Soloni Pao, principal secretary to CM, Vineet Joshi, media advisor to CM, Arun Irengbam, members of ADC Senapati and others.

The dignitaries were presented traditional shawls and gifts during the function, followed by various cultural songs and dances were showcased. 

It may be mentioned that Poumai Thounii is the biggest traditional festival of Poumai community.

Encroachers dot Langol reserved forest area

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Jan 4

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has clamped down Maniwood Children Park located at Cheiraoching, which falls under Langol reserved forest area. The order was passed by Justice SP Wangdi of NGT in November 2017 following a petition filed by an NGO, Indigenous Perspectives.

The state forest department, acting on the NGT directive, has closed down the Maniwood Children Club which is an activity of the Joint Forest Management (JFM) of the said reserved forest area.

It may be mentioned that the children park is a joint effort of the forest department and Sinam Leikai residents under Forest Development Committee and Joint Forest Management Committee initiative.

The NGT, which is a tribunal set up by the Supreme Court to deal with environment related issues and expedite cases, passed the order that the said land was used without obtaining clearance under the Forest Conservation Act, 1980. It mentions that clearance has not been obtained for use of the forest land for non-forest activity and that said ‘club’ should cease operations until further orders.

The club has to obtain clearance under Section 2 of the Forest (Conservation ) Act, 1980 from the ministry of environment and forest(MoEF). This section points that the state authority has no right to use reserved forest area and the activities taken up should be related to forest conservation. Any form of non-forest activity which pertains to cultivation of tea, coffee, horticultural or medicinal plants and construction of houses, other structures which are not related with forest conservation is not allowed in reserved forest area.

At present there are 38 reserved forest areas in the state encompassing all districts except Ukhrul district. The Langol reserved forest and its extension stretches upto 22.25 square kilometers.

At present, there are about 1,144 buildings including religious structures encroaching on the reserved forest area such as Lamdeng, Irosemba, Tarung, Tharon etc. The area of land encroached as per forest department assessment in May 2017 is 93.5 hectares.

According to an official source, 32 families have already been evicted from the forest area last year.

It has been reported that certain business establishments and settlements have steadily been increasing in the past few years but many houses have dag-chitha, a document authorizing the land for habitation by the revenue department.   

The Langol reserved forest is a main catchment area for Lamphelpat and provides ecological balance for  Imphal. The arc shaped Langol reserved forest is the only immediate watershed for the main Imphal area. The other hills are a bit far away, and hence this forest has the primary role in maintaining the micro climate of the city. Saving Lamphel Pat will require saving this forest as it is the key watershed, according to environmentalists. High erosion from this hill range is a problem as it silts the Lamphel wetlands and causes frequent flood in Imphal areas like Uripok and this can be linked to quick runoff from the degraded Langol forest. 

Given the importance of saving Langol reserved forest for its critical importance in maintaining the micro climate of Imphal and for preserving Lamphel Pat as it serves as the only catchment, the present government may take proactive action against all without forest clearances.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Jan 5

It was last year, this day, the noted historian and politician, Professor Gangmumei Kamei passed away and shocked everyone. This year, his relatives, friends and people of the state mourn over his absence.

The main function of his death anniversary observation was held today at his residence in Namching (Maha Kabui), Keithelmanbi, NH 37.

Former vice-chancellor of Assam University, Professor J.B. Bhattacharya attended the function as chief guest. He recalled his time with Gangumei and said the late professor made the biggest contribution to the history of Manipur. He was the one who had systematically written down the history of the state scientifically, Bhattacharya pointed out.

Bhattacharya also noted that Gangmumei is the true son of the soil as he considered all communities of the state, both hills and the plains without any distinction.

Former minister Khasim Ruivah, retired professor of MU, N. Joykumar Singh, former registrar of MU, R.K. Ranjan, former chief minister Radhabinod Koijam and parliamentary secretary Sapam Ranjan attended the function among others.

During the function, a commemorative volume called ‘Reflections’ was released.

Around 1,500 people attended the event to mark the death anniversary of a remarkable man of the state.