Manipur Mail – Page 12

Central ministers to inspect Moreh fencing

IMPHAL, August 28 NNN : A team of Union ministers will be visiting the controversial border fencing area in the Indo-Myanmay border soon.
This was disclosed by Manipur deputy chief minister Gaikhangam.
The deputy chief minister said a team on Union ministers will visit very soon to Manipur to assess the first hand knowledge of the border fencing controversy where several villages of Manipur have been included in the other side of the border after the controversial Indo-Myanmar border fencing work in Chandel district of Manipur.
It can be noted here that several villages of Manipur have included in Myanmar side after the controversial border fencing work.
Following this, several organisations from Manipur have been voicing against the inaction of the government on the matter.
On August 26, the high level Indo-Myanmar Border Fencing Committee headed by Principal Secretary (Home) Dr J Suresh Babu had made a spot assessment of the international border fencing in Manipur’s Chandel district.
Again, on August 27, Manipur Governor Dr Ashwani Kumar visited the border area to assess the situstion.
It can be recalled here that in the first week of August, the Ministry of Home Affairs, government of India in a statement had said, “Without the settlement of the International Boundary along with Boundary Pillars on Indo-Myanmar border, it is not possible to arrive at a definitive conclusion that a particular village or land is going to be lost. For the benefit of readers, it is further clarified that the on-going fencing work is restricted to only 10 km for the present and no further work will be undertaken unless all the Boundary Pillars are finally settled through joint inspection by the National Survey Authorities of the two countries as well as the Survey & Settlement Officers and Staff of the State.”
Strongly refuting the statement of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on the loss of certain parts of Manipur territory to Myanmar, the United Committee, Manipur (UCM), one of the biggest NGOs in Manipur had alleged on August 11 that many villages of Chandel district in Manipur have been included in the side of Myanmar due to the border fencing work.
UCM president Y Nabachandra had clarified that on August 8, a UCM team consisted of 13 members and journalists had paied a visit to the border area of Moreh-Tamu border to get the first hand report and noticed that several villages on the Indian side have been included in the Myanmar side by the border fencing.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) had said no fencing work was started in the border pillar 79 due to dispute with Myanmar in the area but on the contrary, the work had started from Gobijang till Jangnoi village and 11 households of Gobijang village in the area have already been included in the Myanmar side by the border fencing,” the UCM president pointed out. He said, “About 150 metres of Manipur territory inherited from our forefathers will be lost to Myanmar due to border fencing work,” Nabachandra had said.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/central-ministers-to-inspect-moreh-fencing/

CPI to raise border fencing issue in Parliament

IMPHAL, August: 28 NNN : The Central leaders of Communist Party of India (CPI) are likely to bring up the issue of Indo-Myanmar Border Fencing in the Parliament tomorrow.
Dr M Nara, secretary, Manipur unit of CPI said MP D Raja, party’s National Secretary will raise a motion in Rajya Sabha for discussion on the Indo-Myanmar Border Fencing that has become a political issue on Thursday. The state unit of the party has already apprised the CPI Central leadership in detail about the negative aspect of the international border fencing, he told reporters at Irawat Bhawan here Wednesday.
Nara was briefing the media on the preparations being made by Irawat Celebration Committee (ICC) for the upcoming 117 birth anniversary of pioneer Hijam Irawat. The month-long celebration begins on September 30, the birthday of the Jana Neta.
ICC chairman and ex-minister N Mangi said Irawat was the lone leader who was in the forefront to safeguard the boundary of Manipur and added that not a single political party came out for defending the border during the time of 1948.
The CPI leader also made an appeal to all stakeholders to come forward and join together to approach the Centre in the effort to solve the Indo-Myanmar Border Fencing issue.
It can be noted here that several villages of Manipur have included in Myanmar side after the controversial border fencing work.
Following this, several organisations from Manipur have been voicing against the inaction of the government on the matter.
On August 26, the high level Indo-Myanmar Border Fencing Committee headed by Principal Secretary (Home) Dr J Suresh Babu had made a spot assessment of the international border fencing in Manipur’s Chandel district.
Again, on August 27, Manipur Governor Dr Ashwani Kumar visited the border area to assess the situstion.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/cpi-to-raise-border-fencing-issue-in-parliament/

Political calculation

The time it seems now is ripe for all leaders of all political parties for doing calculation, how much a party will win after 2014 elections. But one must be wise and able to absorb all that is expressed by politically conscious voters for miscalculation will mean falling self in to the zone of no reckoning. Psephologists are readily available for extending helps to the leaders for doing calculation of numerical strength a party will garner. It is gambling time. One thing is certain 2014 Lok Sabha elections will see mixture of parties coming together for formation of Government at the centre. Congress party despite framing various policies for the poor and helpless people is not likely to cross the magic figure of 272 on their own. It will require the support of other likeminded parties. Which party will happily extend support to the Congress party in the event of formation of Government at the centre? There is no question of Trinamol Congress and AIADMK giving support to Congress party. The other parties barring Shiv Sena, Akali Dal can be approached. If Congress alone wins not less than 200 it need not move with begging bowl for getting support. All of them will come rushing for extending support. Narendra Modi factor is counted as a morale booster for BJP. Modis’ personal psephologist has predicted the victory of BJP in UP alone in 45 seats much ahead of ruling Samajwadi party and BSP if Modi would be declared as prime ministerial candidate of BJP. With Modi at the helms of affairs the party is expected to win 180 seats across the country. If BJP wins 180 seats formation of Government at the centre will be easy with the support of allies. But Arun Shourie put BJP’s victory figure at 230 under the leadership of Narendra Modi. More leaders, who have already faded from the political limelight in the past one or two decades, will be coming out to do the forecast. There is reason behind that. If their calculations get closer to the reality who knows they may be reckoned by the leaders of the political parties and they may remain in the good book of the leaders. However it is a difficult task. One should be able to feel the pulse of voters. Making calculation without weighing the mood of the voters will be like diving into the one feet deep pond from 15 feet high diving board. You will end up with the head smashed. Be cautious and avoid doing calculations for if it goes awry politicians concerned may end up getting more enemies.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/political-calculation/

Food Security Bill gets nod of LS

Mail News Service
New Delhi, Aug 27 : The National Food Security Bill, a historic initiative for ensuring food and nutritional security to the people was passed by Loksabha yesterday.
According to the amendments approved by the house State Governments’ existing foodgrain entitlements will be protected legally subject to it being restricted to average annual off take during last three years. Earlier it was proposed to be protected by an executive order.
The definitions of the ‘meal’ for mid day meal and ICDS programmes has also been amended. Now ‘meal’ means hot cooked or pre-cooked and heated food and not the packaged food. This amendment has been made to remove the apprehensions of misuse of the earlier provision for supply of packaged food in large quantity.
Another amendment now provides one year to states for implementation of the Food Bill instead of six months.
Removing all apprehensions of the States regarding their say in the implementation of the ambitious Bill, the other amendment says that the Central Government will make rules in consultation with the State Governments to carry out the provisions of Food Security Act.
Total ten amendments have been approved by the Lok Sabha in the National Food Security Bill which was introduced in the house on August 7, 2013 by Union Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Minister, Shri K.V.Thomas to replace the National Food Security Ordinance, 2013 promulgated on 5th July, 2013
The Bill proposes to provide wheat and rice at Rs 2 and Rs 3 per kg to about 81 crore people, while under the existing Targeted Public Distribution System only 2.5 crore Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) families or about 32.5 crore persons (assuming 5 as the average household size) are getting foodgrains at these prices. Thus, population getting foodgrains at these highly subsidized prices as their legal right will increase to 67% from existing 27%.
Under the Food Security Bill each entitled person will receive 5 kg of food grains per month. The poorest of the poor who have been getting 35 kg of food grains, will continue to get 35 kg food grains per household per month under AAY. The Bill has special focus on nutritional needs of women and children. The Bill proves that the eldest woman of the household above 18 years is considered the head of the household for the purpose of issue of ration cards. Not only that pregnant women and lactating mother will get maternity benefit of Rs. 6000/- and pregnant women and children below 14 years of age will get nutritious meals, with higher nutritional norms for malnourished children. On the issue of redressing grievances that may arise in implementation of such a massive social justice programme, it has been planned to give an increased role for Panchayati Raj institutions and women’s self help group in programme-monitoring and social auditing. There will be provision for internal grievance redressal mechanism including call centres and help lines; and District Grievance Redressal Officers and State Food Commission for expeditious and effective.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/food-security-bill-gets-nod-of-ls/

NSCN unhappy with bad response

DIMAPUR, August 27 NNN : The blow-hot, blow-cold relationship between the NSCN-IM and the government of India is becoming a matter of concern with the Naga outfit today said ‘the ongoing cease fire between it and New Delhi is coming to a dead end’ and accused the government of India of not abiding the Cease Fire Ground Rules. The NSCN-IM also said they are ‘very seriously thinking about it now’.
The directive from the government of India’s Cease Fire Monitoring Group (CFMG) chairman NK Singh to all the three NSCN groups engaging in cease fire terms (with the government) said that their cadres are not allowed to carry around arms including by those ‘ID Card Holders’ of the cadres in the Noksen assembly constituency of Tuensang district till the by-poll results are officially announced.
Addressing the media persons this afternoon at the office of the outfit’s Cease Fire Monitoring Cell at Diphupar in Dimapur, convenor of the Cell, Kraibo Chawang said, “The ongoing cease fire between NSCN and the government of India is coming to a dead end. We are now very seriously thinking about it,” expressed Kraibo Chawang.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/nscn-unhappy-with-bad-response/

Rs 7 cr Water body at Lamphel area to be developed

IMPHAL, August 27 MNS NNN : Manipur Government will develop a water body in Lamphel area in Imphal West at the cost of about Rs 7 crore to make the
area free from frequent flooding by rainwater.
Manipur Irrigation and Flood Control (IFCD) minister Ngamthang Haokip informed this to a media team during a visit to Lamphelpat on Tuesday where he made an assessment on Government quarters and residences in the area, now inundated by water caused by incessant heavy showers.
Ngamthang was accompanied by Hill Areas Committee vice chairman and Tamei constituency MLA Z Kikhonbou Newmai and top officials of IFCD Department during the visit.
He said that Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed water body to be developed in the Lamphel area on a land measuring 250 acre has been finished.
The project report would be sent to the Ministry of Water Resources through the Central Water Commission, the minister said, adding he was expecting its approval soon.
He said the state Government’s plan is to start taking up the project during the current financial year 2013-14 and set a target to complete it between 2016 and 2017.
Ngamthang said the proposed water body will improve drainage system in the area in great extent and solve the problem of frequent flooding and sudden rush of water.It would also supply adequate drinking water to Imphal city, he added.
He added, IFCD is prepared to handle rising risk of flooding in the state.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/rs-7-cr-water-body-at-lamphel-area-to-be-developed/

Governor inspects border area

Imphal Aug 27 UNA : Governor Manipur Dr. Ashwani Kumar assured the communities leaders of the disputed border fencing site to look into the matter regarding the inclusion and incursion of India territory by Myanmar on Tuesday.
Manipur Governor visited and took the stock of the disputed border fencing site at Moreh in Chandel district just a day after the High Power Committee of the state government visited the said area on Monday.
The assurance was given by the Governor while interacting with the representative of various communities of Moreh at Trade center in Moreh after he visited the affected site.
Before interacting with the communities’ leader of Moreh the Governor visited the ongoing construction work of Integration Check Post (ICP) under the implementation of Land Port Authority of India, further the Governor of the also inspected Lokchao bridge condition.
The official and the authority and representative of the concern department of Commerce and Industries briefed the Governor regarding the ongoing work and condition of the ICP and the bridge said official source.
A huge security force was deployed on the route of Imphal-Moreh NH-102 section to assured a full proof security as the Governor was going by road.
Meanwhile: Janata Dal-United (JU-U) Manipur unit condemned the comment of principle secretary (home) Dr. Sureh Babu for saying that the ongoing work of border fencing is just a security fencing.
JD-U Manipur unit president speaking at a press conference at it office at Babupara said if the comment of the principle secretary (home) is personnel the government should take action against him as he try to fool the public of Manipur.
The visit of Moreh by the high power committee gives a lot of expectation to the public that they would bring positive for the state.
Public grievances of dispute area are known by the people of Manipur then why such a responsible officer can give a statement such irresponsible comment said Tombi.
The ongoing border fencing is an international issue if there is something hidden agenda of government then they should come up openly to the public.
The JD-U chief further asked that if the ongoing border fencing is a security fencing then why a full-fledged Indian citizen are left out to another country, who will protect them.
National JD-U leader also apprised the centre government regarding the matter added M. Tombi.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/governor-inspects-border-area/

Talks on AA soon

Imphal, August 27 NNN: The next round of tripartite talks on ‘Alternative Arrangement’ involving the UNC, the government of India and Manipur government will be held on August 30 in New Delhi.
“Let my Naga people be informed of the need to be prepared for what could happen in the next day depending on the response of the government of India taking forward the process already put in place to its political end,” said UNC president L Adani while addressing the gathering during the the observation of the 65th Anniversary of the ‘Martyrs’ Day’ organised by the Mao Council under the aegis of the UNC at Mao Gate today.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/talks-on-aa-soon/

Three new districts at Mizoram : MNF

AIZAWL, Aug 27 NNN : Mizo National Front (MNF) will create three new districts if the party comes to power after the next assembly elections.
Former Mizo militant leader and ex-chief minister of Mizoram Zoramthanga pledged that three new districts namely Hnathial, Saitual and Khawzawl will be created if the MNF comes to power.
“We must form the next government,” said MNF president while delivering a speech at South Tuipui MNF Block-I Conference.
It can be recalled here that the MNF had announced to create the new three districts during its last regime but failed to materialise it.
“This time, we will not fail to create the three new districts,” Zoramthanga said. The former militant leader said during the MNF regime, it was in the process of creating the three new districts “but our tenure got over.”
Meanwhile, the ruling Congress party is heavily depending on the state government’s pilot project the New Land Use Policy (NLUP) as its vote plank in the run-up to the forthcoming assembly polls likely to be held in November.
Chief minister of Mizoram Lal Thanhawla has been making tall claims of relieving the poor farmers in the state by the New Land Use Policy (NLUP).
So far, over one lakh families have already benefitted from the state government pilot project NLUP and by October this year 1,22,000 families will be benefitted altogether.
Each beneficiaries are given money ranging anything from Rs 50,000 to 1,50,000 depending on the type and nature of work they undertake.
Reports said the people especially the poor section of the people in the state are happy with the NLUP and the Mizoram government knows it well.
According to the reports, the Lal Thanhawla led Congress government in Mizoram is projecting itself as the pro-poor government and its successful implementation of the NLUP has been posted the ample proof.
NLUP is a pilot project of the Congress led Mizoram government under the leadership of chief minister Lal Thanhawla. Under this scheme, the government of Mizoram attempts to provide alternative means of livelihood to the farmers who are heavily dependent on jhumming which is detrimental to the environment.
Piggery, bee-keeping, fish-farming, grape-cultivation etc., etc., are some of the fields the government is encouraging the local people to pursue by providing financial assistance.
Meanwhile, the main Opposition party in Mizoram, the Mizo National Front (MNF) is giving maximum effort to re-establish its pro-Mizo centric political party. The MNF under former militant leader and ex-chief minister Zoramthanga has been accusing the Lal Thanhawla led Congress government as ‘very corrupt’. However, whether this old-fashion policy of attacking the rival party will be bought by the commoners, is unsure in the poll-bound Mizoram.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/three-new-districts-at-mizoram-mnf/

Science comes Alive: National Council of Science Museums

Dr. K. Parameswaran, Assistant Director, PIB, Madurai.
Jayasree and her friends were standing in a group around their science teacher, who was explaining to them about the Foucault’s pendulum that attracts the immediate attention of anyone who enters the Regional Science Centre that started functioning not long back in Coimbatore. Jayasree, a Plus 1 student said that the visit to the centre has made science come alive to herself and her friends.
Foucault’s Pendulum, named after the French physicist Leon Foucoult, is a simple device conceived as an experiment to demonstrate the rotation of the earth. While it had long been known that the earth rotated, the introduction of the Foucault pendulum in 1851 was the first simple proof of the rotation in an easy-to-see experiment.
For Ilavarasan, the Fun Science gallery and its interactive exhibits were interesting to the core. Jayashekhar, his father who was with him, said that the Centre was bringing the old adage into practice- you remember best what who learn by doing! Experience and experiment based learning are the best ways to understand science. When science is learned is this manner, one is able to under stand better the basic concepts and this understanding will engender in students a better appreciation and liking for science.
The National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) is the apex body for science centres functioning under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The NCSM is actively engaged in enhancing the understanding and appreciation of science through a network of science centres and museums. The 44th Science Centre of the NCSM was inaugurated recently at Coimbatore in Tamilnadu.
The Center envisages a two pronged method of communication – exhibits and activities. Built in an area of about 4000 square metres at a cost of Rs 8.5 crores, the centre houses three permanent galleries – “Hall of Textiles’ ‘How things work’ and ‘Fun Science’.
Hall of Textiles
The Hall of Textile has a special significance in Coimbatore, which is also known as the Manchester of India. Its rich, black soil is highly suitable for the cultivation of cotton – one of the mainstays of the textiles industry. The latest figures show that there are about 25,000 industrial units connected with textiles in Coimbatore alone!
Textile making is one of the earliest occupations known to mankind – linen in Egypt, wool in Europe, cotton in India and silk in China. The story of textiles is basically the conversion of fibre to yarn and yarn to fabric. The technique remains the same; but the technology has undergone tremendous changes through the 12,000 year history of textiles. The latest development in field is the merger of nano technology and bio medicine into the development of specialized textile products.
The Hall of Textiles houses models, inter active exhibits as well as multi media presentations that give a bird eye view of the long and protracted history of textiles.
How Things work
The ‘How Things Work’ gallery is a bridge between science and daily life. It is an attempt to explain the basic science that exists behind various articles of daily use like various machines. The thrust is on explaining the scientific theories that work behind the machines. The bar code reader, various kinds of pumps, motors etc are some of the machines that are exhibited and explained in the gallery. It is spread over an area of 400 square meters and houses about 50 exhibits.
Fun Science Gallery
The Fun Science gallery houses inter active exhibits that make science learning an interesting and activity oriented experience. Optics, wave theory, electricity, magnetism etc can be learned through simple experiments. The gallery is spread over 600 square metres and consists of about 60 exhibits.
A children’s corner for small children, an inflatable planetarium, science park etc are some of the other attractions of the Regional Science Centre.
Science Park
The Science Park sprawls over an area of about eight acres. 45 exhibits based on gravity, optics, levers etc find place in the park. There are parabolic reflectors that sent whispers to distant corners, models of pre historic animals etc that make science and its history come alive. There are also busts of eminent Indian scientists to whom visitors can pay their respectful homage.
The Role of NCSM
The NCSM directly operates 25 science museums or centers. This is the largest network of science centres in the words under a single administrative control. The annual footfall in these centers have crossed the one crore mark and is still growing exponentially. The NCSM also operates 22 mobile science exhibitions. These units travel to rural areas and explains the basics of science to students in their mother tongues.
The main objectives of the NCSM include the development of a scientific attitude and temper, the inculcation and sustenance of scientific awareness, the systematic portrayal of the growth of science in India and the world at large.

Food Security Bill is India’s chance to make history : Sonia Gandhi

New Delhi, Aug 26 (ANI): UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Monday urged lawmakers to clear her party’s flagship Food Security welfare scheme to provide cheap food to nearly 70 percent of India.
“We have a chance to create history with this bill. So, my humble appeal is that we, as representatives of people, must make this Bill into an Act,” she told members of the Lok Sabha.
Speaking first in Hindi and then in English, she described the opportunity to make the Bill into Law as a historic moment, and said her party is delivering on an earlier promise made to the country.
“In 2009, we had promised to come out with a food security bill, and I am extremely happy to say that we are fulfilling the promise we had made,” Gandhi said.
“There are people who ask whether we have the means to implement this
scheme, I would like to say that we have to figure out the means. The question is not whether we can do it or not. We have to do it,” she added.
Stating that a clear message is being sent out today that India is taking care of providing food to all of its citizens, Gandhi said: “We are ensuring that no child will be malnourished. It’s an opportunity that we are providing food security to all. It will also ensure a stop to food grain wastage.”
Earlier, initiating the debate on the UPA government’s landmark Food Security Bill in the Lok Sabha, Food Minister K.V Thomas on Monday said the bill would ensure more transparency and accountability in the PDS system
Food Security Bill ensures more transparency and accountability in the PDS system, Thomas said, adding, that the number of persons to be covered by the Food Security Bill will be based on the 2011 census.
“This bill will also enhance accountability and transparency. In the current PDS system, there is at least 20-30 percent leakage which leads to black marketing. We have made provisions for the setting up of vigilance committees that will monitor the distribution of supplies and make sure the right people get them,” he said.
“We have also put in a clause by which a government servant will be punished if he/she found to be involved in squandering of the supply or if the distribution is not done properly,” he added.
The National Food Security Bill is a historic initiative for ensuring food and nutritional security to the people. It gives a right to the people to receive adequate quantity of foodgrains at affordable prices.
The Bill has a special focus on nutritional support to the poorest of the poor , women and children.
In case of non-supply of foodgrains, the deprived will get a food security allowance. The Bill also provides for grievance redressal mechanism and penalty for non -compliance by a public servant or authority. Under the plan, the government will sell subsidised wheat and rice to 67 percent of its 1.2 billion population.

Subharao remembered

IMPHAL, August 26 NNN : Founder of Congress Seva Dal Movement Dr Narayan Subharao Hardikar was fondly remembered by Manipur Congress Seva Dal on his 38thdeath anniversary at the Congress Bhavan here on Monday.
Manipur Pradeh Congress Committee (MPCC) president and Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam led the participants of the function in laying flowers at the photo of Dr NS Hardikar. General salute was also given to the portrait of the late leader. MLAs, workers of the state Congress Seva Dal were present on the occasion.
Addressing the function, Gaikhangam remembered Dr Hardikar as a leader who fearlessly took a major role in the anti-Bengal partition movement in 1905 when he was quite young.
He said that today is one of the most significant days of Congress party and called for a united stand against all evils.Gaikhangam said that Congress always stands for social upliftment.
The Seva Dal was formed in 1923 following the Kakinada session of the Congress in 1923. The Dal played a stellar role in the Civil Disobedience Movement, organising mass picketing and enrollment of new members into the Congress party.
The Seva Dal became the central volunteer organisation of the Congress and focused attention on imparting its volunteers physical training and worked towards promoting communal amity.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/subharao-remembered/

Building not just roads but nation

Transport system is considered as the life line of any nation. Road Infrastructure, because of its easy accessibility, flexibility in operation, door to door service and reliability occupies a dominant position in the transportation system. It is vital for unleashing economic growth and is a critical component of all inclusive growth. In the last few decades, Road transport in India has registered tremendous growth and has become the most preferred mode of transport. The share of road transport in carrying the passengers and goods is more than 80% and 60% of the total passenger and freight movement respectively.
Road Network
India has huge network of roads totalling about 46.90 lakh km. The road density in India at present is nearly 1.43 km per sq. km of area which compares favourably with many countries. Responsibility of development of this network rests with the Central Government, State Governments and local Government. National Highways (NH), having total length of 82,803 km, constitutes less than 2% of the total road network. However, these are the main arteries carrying more than 40% of the total road traffic.
Development of NHs is the responsibility of the Central Government.Good and efficient transport infrastructure is an essential pre-requisite for the economic growth of a nation. It has been the endeavor of the Government to provide speedy, safe and efficient road transport network.
It is recognized that modernisation of infrastructure is the key to attain higher GDP. India’s Transport sector as a whole contributes about 5.5% to the GDP, with road transport contributing the lion’s share. India has emerged as one of the fastest growing economy in the world. According to experts, India could unleash its full potential, provided, it improves the infrastructure facilities, which are at present not sufficient to meet the growing demand of the economy. To address emerging demand by catching up with the economic and social growth of the country, a massive Road development programme has been taken up in the country. NHDP The National Highways Development Project (NHDP) is the flagship programme, for development of less developed areas, dedicated regional programmes like the Special Accelerated Road Development Programme for the North-East (SARDP-NE) and the Special Programme for the Left Wing Extremism affected areas have also been taken up. Now, there are plans for building up Expressways in the Country. Three projects i.e. Eastern Peripheral Expressway in National Capital Region, Delhi – Meerut Expressway and Mumbai – Vadodra Expressway covering about 650 km are targeted during the current financial year. Planning for Bengaluru – Chennai and Delhi – Jaipur Expressways are also in advance stages. All these Expressways will be fully access controlled roads on green field alignment.
To meet with the massive requirement of funds, innovative means of financing and financing strategies which inter alia include cess on fuel, private sector participation including foreign investment, borrowing from the market as well as budgetary support have been adopted. A major step was to attract foreign as well as domestic investments through Public Private Partnership (PPP). Involving the private sector would lead to increasing efficiency with the help of using modern technology. The private sector has more flexible procurement and decision-making procedures and therefore, it can speed up implementation efforts.
Allowing private sector to raise capital/funds has paved the way for the Government to use its scarce resources efficiently and effectively. Several new materials of road construction are also emerging that would need to be encouraged depending upon their cost effectiveness.
For development of National Highways in the Country in the 12 five year plan targets to invest Rs 1,44,769 crores from budgetary support, Rs 64,834 crores from IEBR and Rs 1,87,995 crores from private sector participation.
Launched in 1998, the NHDP program represents the largest road construction project ever undertaken to boost the development of the National Highways in the country. The program is aimed at the development of about 50,000 km of National Highways. Golden Quadrilateral which provides four-lane connectivity between four metros, is complete, while the North-South-East-West (NSEW) corridor is about to be completed. Four laning and six laning is underway at many places and progressing at brisk pace, despite the hurdles in land acquisition, obtaining environment and forest clearances, high cost debt etc,. So far work on more than 21,000 km have been completed and in about 12,350 km works are in progress. Other flagship regional programmes which includes SARDP-NE and roads in LWE affected areas covers development of about 12,000 km of roads out of which work has already been completed in about 3800 kms.
Mode of Projects
The emphasis has been to take up progressively more and more infrastructure projects through private sector participation on BOT (Toll) basis so that more public funds are available for social sectors such as Health, Education, etc. However, it would not be practically possible to take up development of the majority of the highway stretches on BOT
(Toll) mode. This has reflected in the recent trends of bidding when in majority of roads projects we could not get the favourable response.
Accordingly, recently, Ministry has decided to take up road projects as turnkey Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) contracts basis which would help to reduce construction time and is expected to improve quality of work as well. Also, in this system the objective to garner private sector efficiency is retained and the private entrepreneurs are free to use new technology to speed up their works
New Initiatives
E-Tolling The experience on present tolling system is associated with congestion and delays at toll plazas. To overcome this, Government has decided adoption of Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system across National Highways in India, which would enable toll to be collected electronically from vehicles at toll plazas while the vehicle is in motion. Pilot projects have already been taken up in this regard which will pave way for nation-wide interoperable ETC at all the toll plazas on National Highways by 2014.
New Materials Besides financing, such a mammoth development
programme requires huge amount of natural resources. As such conservation of the material is area of concern for all. There is a need to save scarce physical resource like aggregates, sand, earth, cement, bitumen, etc. looking to huge programme of construction of highways in the country. On the other hand, the Nation is facing problem of the

disposal & storage of industrial waste like fly-ash, copper slag, marble slurry, etc. Efforts are on in utilizing these waste materials in construction of roads through complete/partial replacement of conventional materials.
Cashless Treatment of accident Victims (A Road Safety initiative) India has the dubious distinction of having maximum number of fatalities on roads. During the year 2011, there were around 5 lakh road accidents resulting in the deaths of over 1.42 lakh people. Each day, nearly 390 people die on our roads. In India more than half of road accident victims are in the age group 20-65 years. The loss of the main bread earner and head of household due to death or disability can be catastrophic, leading to lower living standards and poverty, in addition to the human cost of bereavement. This is an unacceptable price to pay for mobility. The Ministry has already taken up multi-pronged strategy in his regard. The latest milestone in this area is a Pilot Project for “implementation of cashless medical treatment to the accident victims” for the first 48 hours.
Under this scheme accident victims will be provided free treatment during this period as a result immediate relief can be provided to the accident victim, which will go a long way in reducing fatalities on our road.
Completion of programmes already taken up is expected to go a long way in contributing towards building the Nation.
(PIB Features)
Inputs from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/building-not-just-roads-but-nation/

Rio may join national politics

DIMAPUR, Aug 26 NNN : Is Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio quitting state politics to join national politics?
These speculations have been doing the round ever sincea daily made a report about it on August 2.
The correspondent stood by his report and said, “Yes, the Nagaland chief minister had expressed willingness to join the national politics when I interviewed him.”
On August 2, Neiphiu Rio had told him in New Delhi, “We are still discussing it within the party but I would like to come to New Delhi,” hinting to shift his base of politics from Nagaland to the national capital.
A Nagaland paper said “To the surprise of many, a news report recently published in the paper mentioned about the possibility of chief minister Neiphiu Rio contesting in the next Lok Sabha election and shifting base to Delhi to dabble in national politics”. Longkumer also said the news report was given credence by the fact that Rio himself was quoted as expressing his desire to make this political move.
Till date, there has been no rebuttal either by the ruling Naga Peoples Front (NPF) nor by the chief minister’s office
to this news item thereby indicating that Rio is indeed not ruling out the prospect of contesting the next Lok Sabha polls.
Rio’s hope heaps on the line that National Democratic Alliance (NDA) may come to power at the Centre. Rio belongs
to NPF, the party steadfastly opposed by the Congress in Nagaland.
Meanwhile, attempts to contact Abu Metha, the media advisor of the Nagaland chief minister for confirmation by NNN proved futile today.
However, speculations in Nagaland about Neiphiu Rio quitting his post as the chief minister of Nagaland to join the national politics have been partly substantiated by the ongoing politiking of (NPF) in connection with the ensuing by-poll to the Noksen assembly constituency of Tuensang district, Nagaland scheduled for September 4.
C.M Chang was the member of Lok Sabha but had resigned to constest in the February 23, 2013 assembly election of Nagaland. He got elected from Noksen assembly constituency from the Naga Peoples Front (NPF) ticket and was assigned with the Education portfolio. He had however, resigned as the MLA in the month of March and retained the Lok Sabha seat and continues as an MP and also as the Education minister of Nagaland till date. However, early this month, the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN), in which the NPF is the main constituent, had announced that CM Chang is the consensus candidate for Noksen by-poll.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/rio-may-join-national-politics/

Karnataka by-poll result indicative of UPA III : Moily

New Delhi, Aug.26 (ANI): Union Petroleum and Natural Gas Minister M. Veerappa Moily on Monday said the Congress Party’s victory in the recent by-polls in Karnataka’s Mandya and Rural Bangalore constituencies is a clear indicator of the UPA returning to power at the Centre for a third consecutive five-year term.
He said the result was a clear rejection of the (JD-S) and the (BJP).
“This is a tremendous victory. This is an indication that the people of Karnataka did not tolerate, that means they don’t want JD-S and they don’t want BJP. This is a rejection of both the parties. This is a very clear indication because in Mandya we (Congress) were not that comfortable,” he told media here today.
“This has also demonstrated the fact that the march of Modi is just in the back burner, it will not result into any brightening side not only in Karnataka but the rest of the country. It is a clear signal as our Prime Minister and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi have said that in 2014 it will be the Congress victory again and UPA III will be back,” he added.
The Congress on Saturday won both the Mandya and rural Bangalore seats by heavy margins, defeating their rival Janata Dal Secular (JD-S) in their stronghold.
The Congress Party candidates surged ahead of their rival Janta Dal Secular (JD-S) in Mandya and Bangalore rural Lok Sabha constituencies in the August 21 by-polls.
According to reports, actress and Congress candidate Ramya was ahead of her opponent C S Puttaraju by over 12,000 votes while her party colleague D K Suresh in rural Bangalore had established a lead of over 18,000 votes against JDS’ Anita Kumaraswamy, wife of former Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy, in the third round.
The Congress had swept to power in the May Assembly polls and JDS had fought a bitter battle.
Reports state that BJP had backed JDS candidates in the two segments, where by-poll was necessitated following the resignation of N Cheluvarayaswamy (Mandya) and Kumaraswamy (Bangalore Rural) who quit after being elected to the Assembly in May.
Mandya is a bastion of JDS, which won five of the eight Assembly seats in the district in the May elections.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/karnataka-by-poll-result-indicative-of-upa-iii-moily/

Meeting to discuss position of Kuki

IMPHAL, Aug 26 NNN : As part of its strategy to further the ongoing Kuki statehood demand movement in Manipur, series of consultative meetings on the theme, “The Current Political Scenario of the Kukis in Manipur” have been organised in Guwahati, Churachandpur and Shillong. The Shillong programme was underway this evening during the time of the filing of this story.
Kuki State Demand Committee (KSDC) leaders after having had conducted a powerful consultative meeting in the south district of Manipur (Churachandpur) on last Saturday, had organised similar programme in Guwahati on Sunday.
In Guwahati, the event was held at Kuki Worship Service Organisation (KWSO) Hall which was hosted by KWSO and participated by Guwahati based Kuki Students Organisation (KSO), Kuki Inpi, Guwahati, Kuki Welfare Association, intellectuals, scholars and student leaders based in Guwahati. KSDC chairman Hejang Haokip and its secretary K.Gangte were the resource persons.
During the programme, the participants expressed their opinions on the Kuki statehood demand in Manipur and exhorted for the concerted effort to fructify the aspiration of the Kuki people.
In Shillong, the programme on the same theme, “The Current Political Scenario of the Kukis in Manipur” started this evening at around 6 pm attended by KSO-Shillong, Kuki Inpi-Meghalaya, Kuki Welfare Association-Meghalaya and well wishers. The KSDC chairman and the KSDC secretary were the resource persons again in the Shillong event.
“Our chairman and our secretary (KSDC) will return to Imphal on August 30 and thereafter, we will convene a meeting to chalk out the next course of action,” said KSDC leader George Guite.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/meeting-to-discuss-position-of-kuki/

GM ONGC held for taking bribe

The Special Judge for CBI Cases, Ahmedabad has convicted Prakash Mehta then General Manager(TPL) ONGC Ltd. Baroda (Gujrat) and sentenced him to undergo five years Simple Imprisonment with fine of Rs. 45,000/- in a bribery case.
A case was registered on 11.08.2000 against Prakash Mehta, General Manager (TPL), ONGC Ltd., Baroda for demanding a bribe from the Complainant for allotment of a rate contract to his firm. CBI laid a trap and the accused was caught red handed while demanding & accepting a bribe of Rs.50,000/- from the Complainant.
A charge sheet was filed on 16.11.2000.
The Trial Court found the accused guilty and convicted him

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/gm-ongc-held-for-taking-bribe/

High Power Committee visits Moreh to inspect encroachment

Imphal Aug 26 MNS UNA : The High Power Committee formed by the Manipur state cabinet visited the site of where Myanmar armies try to establish an army outpost inside the territory of Manipur on Monday.
According to official source who visited the site where Myanmar army try to build their outpost camp inside the territory of Manipur stated that the committee has inspected the said area and will forward our report to the higher authority at the earliest.
The High Power Committee was led by Dr. Suresh Babu, principal secretary, home, and compromised of Ranjit Mangkotia, Brigadier 26 Sector Assam Rifles, DC Chandel, ADC, SP Chandel and CO 9 AR.
It can be noted here that since the starting of the work of border fencing of Indo-Myanmar at Moreh various civil body organization and NGOs has been coming objecting the work saying that a huge land of Manipur will be lost to Myanmar.
Seven non- congress political parties of Manipur send a letter to the BJP national party president Rajnath Singh urging to take up the issue of the ongoing border fencing between Indo-Myanmar in Manipur with the Government of India on Monday.
Speaking to the media persons BJP Manipur Pradesh, President Th. Chaoba Singh said, for Chandel district all together 14 villages will be affected out of which B. Bongjang village will be totally merged to Myanmar and 50 percent each of the 13 villages will be merged into Myanmar.
And in respect of Ukhrul district 20 villages will be affected due to border fencing or security fencing between India and Myanmar which share 398 km international border said the BJP Manipur Pradesh President.
The political parties and the people of Manipur is not against or objecting the construction of border fencing as per international norms of 10 metres which is considered to be “no construction zone” but the construction work of border fencing is against the international norms that even up-to the extends of 1000 to 2000 metres the fencing has been constructing insides the Manipur territory.
The seven non-congress political parties also urge the government to “cease all work of the border fencing until appropriate boundary is made clear,” “to remove the recently constructed border fencing until it is finalized,” “to take the confidence of the people of the state of Manipur, particularly the locals inhabitants settled along 398 km long international boundary, leaders of political parties and representative of the civil society organization” and to apprise the public of Manipur of the report of the High Power Committee formed by the Manipur state cabinet by the end of August, so that the serious apprehension in the minds of the public is cleared added Th. Chaoba.
The letter forwarded to the BJP National party president was signed by the representative from Shiv Sena Manipur State, AIFB, CPI-M, MPP Naga People Front (NPF), BJP and JD-U.

Are you listening?

Who killed van driver Okram Gyanendro? It will not be known until the killers themselves speak out. Public inquisitiveness is growing daily. It will not be wrong to say someone who might have reaped little bit of benefit from the killing might have perpetrated the crime. Therefore what will be interesting to know is the motive behind the killing. It seems law enforcing agencies are clueless as to why he was killed. The manner in which he was killed reveals that he was not killed for money. Because the killer did not deprive of the victim the wallet, which had some thousands of rupees. According to the eye witness report the killer escaped by a car. The report reveals the killers were on hot chase of the driver. It was a cold blooded murder. They had a car as a backup team for escaping. How long it will
take to arrest the killers. This question is being asked now. If the police can solve the mystery shrouding the murder of Gyanendro it will put a feather on the cap of the law enforcing agencies. But police will face handicap. Manipur people are not cooperative with police in making investigation of the crime of such nature. We have heard the story committed police officer solving intriguing cases of disappearance of man and woman. It took several days and months. But the cases were solved and killers given punishment. Investigation into the killing of Gyanendro can be started just from deputing a simple constable at Moreh van parking site. His duty should be to hear what van drivers talk about the killing. Surely some clues will be found. Long distance van drivers always come in contact with variety of passengers; some are of good nature and others of evil mind. Wiser drivers can avoid landing in trouble by just looking to the face of the men and women when they came for hiring their vehicle. The killing of the van driver cannot be left uninvestigated. Unless proper investigation is done more will fall as victims of merciless killers. Large numbers of educated unemployed youths are doing van service. They need protection. Show sympathy to them. Do not kill innocent man and woman, who are toiling hard to make a living on their own. Unfortunately
the killers have different mind and heart. They do not listen. If they listen Manipur would have been free from all these unnecessary killings. Are you listening?

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/are-you-listening/

Pambei becomes Convenor CorCom

The Cor Com formed on July 8, 2011 with RPF President Irengbam Chaoren as first Convener has completed two years. During the seventh meeting of Cor Com held from July 8 to August 26 it was unanimously decided to make UNLF Acting Chairman, Khundongbam Pambei as Convenor of CorCom according to a press hand out […]

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/pambei-becomes-convenor-corcom/