Manipur Mail – Page 35

Government taking up case of killing of Manipuri woman in Delhi : Dy CM

IMPHAL, June 14 MNS NNN: The government of Manipur is seriously dealing with the death of 21 year old girl Reigamphy Awungshi in Delhi.
Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam, who also holds the Home portfolio, has on Friday made it clear that the state Government does not remain mute over the death of 21-year-old Reigamphy Awungshi in South Delhi last month.
Raising a Calling Attention Motion in the House, Opposition leader Dr I Ibohanbi charged that Delhi Police has not taken any action till date in connection with the alleged Awungshi murder case.
Awungshi who hailed from Ukhrul district of Manipur was found dead inside her rented room in South Delhi on May 29.
He said, “The steps taken by the state Congress Government pertaining to Awungshi case are too slow and disappointing.”
“What steps have been taken by the Government in connection with the death and what assistance and support will be given to the bereaved family, Ibohanbi asked.
He said People from the North East are often subjected to racial profiling in many parts of mainland India and the Government at the Centre knows it very well.
The Opposition leader also asked whether the culprits have been booked and if so, whether they have been grilled by the police with regard to the death.
He said the Government must not keep silent over the matter.
Responding to the accusation made by Ibohanbi, Gaikhangam said that the Government does not keep mum on the case and that it has taken it seriously.
He said the state Government has been in touch with the Centre and the Manipur Director General of Police (DIG) has also been exchanging information with his Delhi counterpart in connection with the case.
Next steps will be taken up after the full report of the investigation being carried out by the Crime Branch, Delhi Police into the death is received, Gaikhangam said.
He added that if necessary, the report will be provided even to the Home Minister of India.
Manipur Assembly today passed seven demands amounting to Rs 1044,95 cr . The House today discussed the demands for seven departments after Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh who also holds the Finance portfolio moved the discussion. The demands were for Finance , Information and Publicity, State Excise, Minor Irrigation, State Academy of Training and Science and technologies.
The maximum amount passed was for Finance which amounted to Rs 911 cr.
During the discussions Opposition MLAs , Dr. I Ibohalbi, L Ibomcha and P. Brojen Singh moved policy cut on account of restriction during encashing Bills . They said the government should streamline the financial administration so that people were not harassed. They alleged that even former MLAs have to go state Treasury office every six months to prove that they were alive.
Kh Joykishan , said there is lack of policy in spending the non-plan expenditures.
During question hour, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh who also holds the Power department said electric wires and poles were repaired from time to time but the life span is calculated at 25 years for both wire and pole. Works for erecting poles and wires began in 1930-31 he added.
Chief Minister further informed the House that the state government will construct a public gallery with a capacity of 7500 people at Astroturf football ground , Lairikyengbam Leikai , Imphal East. He said Manipur Development Society (MDS) will be the executing agency and the estimated budget for the gallery is Rs 16 crore .

Sharmila produced before court

IMPHAL, June 14 NNN: Hunger striker Irom Chanu Sharmila who has been on fast over 12 years demanding withdrawal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) has described the imposition of AFSPA in the North East India and Jammu & Kashmir as ‘colonial policy’ of the Government of India.
On Friday, the ‘Iron Lady’ was presented before the court of Chief Judicial Magistrate, Imphal West here in the morning.
Talking to newsmen who were waiting for her outside the court, she said many states of the country have faced terrorism and still the Indian Government has not chosen AFSPA as a means to counter terrorist acts in these states.
In the case of the North East and J&K, the Government is still imposing the Draconian Act and alleged that the attitude of the Government is tantamount to adopting ‘colonial policy.’
She accused the state leaders of being selfish and bad people.
Sharmila also said that the implementation of Inner Line Permit system under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act 1873 was a must for the state of Manipur.
She alleged that corruption was very high in the state especially in the Government employee recruitment process in the state.
“Corruption in the state Home Department too has caused many problems,” she accused.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/sharmila-produced-before-court-3/

National Award to Nehru Yuva Kendra Thoubal

Recognising the services rendered by Nehru Yuva Kendra Thoubal for the youths particularly in the field of Prevention of Alcoholism and Substance (Drug) Abuse in Thoubal District, Manipur, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Govt. of India has selected the Kendra for National Award under the category of Best Awareness Campaign.
The Award will be presented by the President of India at the Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi in the auspicious occasion of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking on the 26th June, 2013. Y. Laksman Singh, District Youth Coordinator of Nehru Yuva Kendra Thoubal will be receiving the National Award.The District Administration Thoubai congratulated the Nehru Yuva Kendra for the Outstanding Service in the field of Youth Development in Thoubal District, Manipur said a press hand out issued by T. Ranjit Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Thoubal.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/national-award-to-nehru-yuva-kendra-thoubal/

Development in Animal Husbandry Sector Aids National Food Security

Dr. H.R.Keshavamurthy
Director (M&C), Press Information Bureau, Kolkata. Former Director of Animal Husbandry
Animal protein in the form of milk, butter, cheese, egg, meat, fish to name a few, form an important part of the food basket of each family depending on their economic status and regional preferences. For instance we find fish in every meal in Bengal and percentage of chicken consumers has risen sharply in recent years with improved purchasing power of people. This is due to various developmental, welfare initiatives of government and also increased growth in animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries sector.
Animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries activities play an important role in national economy and in socio-economic development of the country. These activities contribute to the food basket, nutrition security and house-hold income of the farmers and play a significant role in generating gainful employment in the rural areas, particularly among the landless, small and marginal farmers and women, besides providing cheap and nutritious food.
Livestock are the best insurance for farmers against vagaries of nature like drought and other natural calamities.
Farmers of marginal, small and semi-medium operational holdings (area less than 4 ha) own about 87.7% of the livestock making development of livestock sector more inclusive in nature. India is endowed with the largest livestock population in the world. Livestock production and agriculture are intrinsically linked, each being dependent on the other, and both crucial for overall food security. According to estimates of the Central Statistics Office (CSO), the value of output from livestock sector at current prices was about Rs.4, 59,051 crore during 2011-12 which is about 24.8% of the value of output from total agricultural and allied sector at current price and 25.6% at constant prices (2004-05). The value of output of milk was Rs.3, 05,484 crore in 2011-12, which is higher than the value of output of paddy and wheat. The value of output from meat group at current prices in 2011-12 was Rs.83, 641 crore and Rs.17,803 crore from eggs.
As Agriculture, including Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries is a State subject, the emphasis of the central govt has been on supplementing efforts of the State Governments in the development of these sectors. Assistance to the State Governments is provided for the control of animal diseases, scientific management and up gradation of genetic resources, increasing availability of nutritious feed and fodder, sustainable development of processing and marketing facilities and enhancement of production and profitability of livestock and fisheries enterprises under various centrally sponsored and central sector schemes.
Realizing the potential of this sector, central budgetary outlay for this sector has increased manifold in the last decade. An amount of about Rs.11,313 crore including Rs.5,403.88 crore under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana and National Mission for Protein Supplements was allocated for animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries sector during 11th Plan, in addition to budgetary support under state plans. During the Eleventh Plan, Government initiated several new programmes /schemes improve Veterinary Hospitals and Dispensaries, and for strengthening the efforts for animal disease control. To meet the shortage of fodder, several new components were incorporated in the Feed and Fodder scheme. Further, Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme was initiated, with the objective of increasing investment in dairy sector for increasing milk production in the country while creating self-employment opportunities. An allocation of Rs.14, 179.00 crore during 12th Plan which includes an amount of Rs.7,628 crore for Animal Husbandry, Rs 4,976.00 crore for Dairy Development and Rs.2,483.00 crore for the Fisheries sector has been provided.
India ranks first among the world’s milk producing nations, achieving an annual output of about 127.9 million tonnes of milk during 2011-12. Most of the milk in the Country is produced by small, marginal farmers and landless labourers and is used for both self consumption and to generate income. In order to meet the rapidly growing demand for milk with a focus to improve milch animal productivity and increase milk production, the Government approved National Dairy Plan Phase-I(NDP-I) in February, 2012 with a total investment of about Rs.2242 crore to be implemented from 2011-12 to 2016. NDP-I will help to meet the projected national demand of 150 million tonnes of milk by 2016-17 from domestic production. The strategy involves increasing the genetic potential of bovines, producing required number of quality bulls, producing superior quality frozen semen and adopting adequate bio-security measures. In order to improve productivity of animals by genetic improvement, the existing scheme relating to development of bovines and dairy development are being merged to a new scheme, National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy(NPBBD) which will be implemented along with the National Dairy Plan (Phase-I).
In fisheries sector, a major initiative has been taken by Government of India by launching National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB) as a special purpose vehicle to achieve sustainable development of fisheries sector through integration of wide array of activities. NFDB would be strengthened by integrating all schemes relating to fisheries development under it and enhancing investment for the sector.
The Livestock sector also contributes to export in spite of the fact that limited number of livestock enterprises function in the country on commercial basis. Total export earnings from livestock, poultry and related products were Rs.33,417 crore during 2011-12 as compared to Rs.25,409 crore during previous year i.e. 2010-11 with a growth of about 31.5%. Total export earnings from fisheries products have also shown steady increase and reached to Rs.16,597.23 crore during 2011-12 compared to Rs.12,901.47 crore during 2010-11 with a growth of about 28.65%.
All these focused initiatives of the Government is expected to speed up national GDP growth, generate additional employment opportunities, improve the food basket and nutritional level of people in the country. Ultimately Food Security of the country will be bolstered.
(PIB Features.)

Revenue collection

Plans are afoot to increase revenue collection by Power Department. Power Department is a losing department. This will continue to be a burden to the Government. Because the people of Manipur have not inculcated the good habit of clearing tax in time and regularly. Chief Minister O. Ibobi, who is also in charge of Power Department has rightly stated that the extension of pre paid system at the areas where there are large number of consumers will check power theft. Ever since pre paid system was introduced in some areas of the state capital the collection of tax has increased manifold and use of electricity too had been minimised. In the past where one bulb would serve the purpose five to six bulbs were used. Pay a visit to Paona Bazar and Thangal bazaar. You will see the bulbs with high watts had been replaced by led bulb having 10 or 15 watts. Even the fans too had been kept inert without wheeling. Energy has been saved and the revenue collection had been increased. However in spite of the tall claim made by the Government to increase power supply the men assigned the task of performing duty have different idea quite diametric to the original plan of the Government. They do not feel at all the need for sending meter readers to the houses of consumers. If meter readers do not prepare bills and leave it to the consumers to do the task of meter reading how will the dream materialise? What is happening at Uripok is consumers themselves do the meter reading and prepare the bill by themselves. Many have not cleared bills for the energy used. When the cumulative bill has crossed four figures no consumer will be to clear the bill. After all hard earned money cannot be given away easily. Subsequently they have to indulge in power theft. Who is responsible for all these misdeeds? The blame will naturally fall on the concerned department for it has not performed its duty of sending meter readers to the houses of consumers. The matter is serious. It should be looked into by the higher authority. We all agree that meter readers might be ridiculed when they go to the houses for doing the task of meter reading. The number of such persons throwing abusive languages to the meter readers might be very few. There are thousand others, who want the bills be delivered in time. If the authority is thinking of outsourcing the task of meter reading to the private organisations nothing wrong with that as long as the task is done regularly on monthly basis. Something must be done to enhance the revenue of the state.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/revenue-collection/

Assembly resolves to introduce ILP

IMPHAL, June 13 MNS NNN : In a significant development, the Manipur assembly has on Thursday once again resolved to introduce the Inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the state by extending the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation 1873.
The resolution was taken by the House during short duration discussion after Congress MLA RK Anand moved the proposal for implementation of ILP system in the state. A similar resolution was taken by the assembly last year.
Anand told the House that the issue of ILP was valid and it should not be overlooked suggesting the House that the system be introduced in Manipur by extending the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation Act, 1873.
Observing that the demand for introduction of ILP was just plain, Dr Ng Bijoy from the ruling party, who seconded the proposal initiated by Anand, also said that if the demand was fulfilled, a coordination committee could be set up to avoid misunderstanding over the issue.
MLA L Ibomcha from the Opposition bench also said that the Act was still enforced in some parts of Assam and it was in the hands of the Centre to implement it in the state.
Taking part in the discussion, Opposition MLA Dr I Ibohanbi pledged that full support would be given to the Government in its efforts to introduce the Act in the state.
He said the Census records between 1950 and 1961 shot up heavily which had resulted in the increase of voters in the electoral rolls and all these things must be seriously discussed in the House.
Chief Minister O Ibobi while clarifying on the issue, said that Manipur assembly in 2012 unanimously passed a resolution regarding introduction of the Act and it was later dispatched to the Centre apprising the clear stance of the House.
He said the Government was looking into the unparalleled swelling of population in the Census reports recorded between 1950 and 1961 in the state adding that such controversies would be able to solve as the Biometric Survey had been introduced.
Ibobi in an apparent attack on the Joint Committee on inner Line Permit System (JCILPS), held that it was a hasty move to bar non-locals from entering the state for want of ILP implementation and appealed to the NGOs in the state not to take the law in their hands.
Manipur Agriculture minister Md Abdul Nasir today informed the state Assembly that there is adequate fertiliser in stock for distribution to the farmers at subsidized rate.
Replying to a query raised by Th Shyamkumar the minister said Agriculture department is providing fertilizer and there is no issue of facing fertiliser scarcity. He added there is also some stock of last year.
Works minister, Dr Kh Ratankumar said construction of SDC office at Konthoujam at a cost of Rs 14.74 lakhs has been completed.
He said works were taken up by his ministry based on official reports and recommendations from the general masses.
Manipur Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam today said that the Government had not yet confirmed that there was a unit manufacturing pseudoephedrine drugs in Moreh town (a township in the Indo-Myanmar border) in Chandel district of Manipur.
Opposition leader Dr I Ibohanbi moved a Calling Attention Motion in the House alleging that a pseudoephedrine manufacturing unit had been opened in the commercial hub Moreh, bordering Myanmar.
Gaikhangam in response to the move informed the House that the state Government was taking serious steps against drug trafficking network and said that the Government alone could not curb the menace while maintaining that it had become a serious threat.
He also sought cooperation from all sections of the society to counter this problem together and said that this could be brought to an end only by a stringent Act and the Government was trying to introduce a bill in the current assembly session toward that end.
Ibohanbi then claimed, “The youngsters in Manipur who once used heroin now have started using amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS), the second most commonly abused drug type worldwide.”
Manipur assembly today passed an amount of Rs 1167, 61, 07, 000 for seven different demands that would be utilized upto March 31, 2014.
The demands approved by the House include State Legislature (Rs 39, 92, 04, 000), Council of Ministers (Rs 6, 01, 73, 000), Secretariat (Rs 72, 29, 85, 000), Municipal Administration, Housing and Urban Development (Rs 363, 18, 91, 000), Election (Rs 7, 89, 62, 000), Planning (Rs 614, 17, 28, 000) and Minorities, Other Backward Classes and Scheduled Castes Department (Rs 64, 11, 68, 000).
Opposition leader Dr I Ibohanbi, MLAs Th Shyamkumar, P Brojen, Th Shyamkumar and Th Joykishan took part in the discussion on the demands.
Before passing the seven demands by the House, Chief Minister O Ibobi, also holding additional charge of Finance made clarification on token cut, policy cut and economy cut motions raised by the members and later assured them that their suggestions would be considered.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/assembly-resolves-to-introduce-ilp/

Vehicle carrying seized liquor burnt

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 13 : Based on information of illegal transportation of war like stores, Shakpao post of Assam Rifles established a Vehicle Check Post near Lambui at 0600 AM on 13 Jun 2013. During the ensuing checking of vehicles, 1600 litres of country made liquor was found which was being carried in a Tata pick up truck bearing registration number NL-01 A3559. Four individuals were also apprehended.
However, the situation turned ugly when the Tata Pick Truck carrying liquor was moving towards Ukhrul Police Station along with Assam Rifles vehicles was overturned and burnt by unidentified miscreants near Jessami junction. The fire spread fastly because of the liquor in the civil vehicle which was overturned and also to the Tata 407 vehicle of the Assam Rifles in which a small quantity of liquor was shifted for carriage. The vehicle was partial damaged before the fire was completely extinguished. Taking advantage of the situation, the miscreants also managed to release the apprehendees.
Commander 10 Sector AR along with SP, Ukhrul visited the location and brought the situation under control. The matter is being further investigated by the Police. Unconfirmed reports suggest hand of militant groups. It is noteworthy that there was a bandh on Imphal-Ukhrul highway yesterday based on differences between rival factions.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/vehicle-carrying-seized-liquor-burnt/

Police charged of assaulting students

IMPHAL, June 13 NNN : The Thadou Students Association(TSA)-Chandel district and the TSA-Imphal branch have strongly condemned the acts of Manipur police commandos on two incidents. According to TSA-Chandel, two persons on evening walk were picked up by police commandos at Pallel bazar last evening at around 7 pm. When the locals came to the police pleading for the release of the two persons, the police opened blank fire, alleged the TSA-Chandel. The TSA said it strongly condemned the act of the police commandos. The Thadou students’ body then said the police in Pallel area should come under the superintendent of Police, Chandel district.
Meanwhile, the Thadou students Association, Imphal branch alleged that three student leaders were assaulted at Khongnangkarak, Chingmeirong (Imphal) on June 11 night by the police commandos. “We were coming back after meeting the CM when the police commandos stopped us and assaulted us. They even threatened to shoot us,” said TSA-Imphal branch.
Thangjalun Baite (vice president of TSA-Chandel), Kakai Singsit (Kuki Students Organisation-General HQ information secretary) and Mark Haokip (Tribal Students Union, DM College of Science) were returning by bikes and the police personnel asked for their ID cards, said the TSA-Imphal branch. “All the three showed their ID cards but even after that the commandos assaulted them,” alleged the TSA.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/police-charged-of-assaulting-students/

Government assures ATSUM to fulfil demands

IMPHAL, June 13 NNN : The state government of Manipur has assured the leaders of All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) during the meeting yesterday and following which the ATSUM has suspended its ongoing agitation with immediately effect.
Manipur government has agreed to the demand of the ATSUM leaders for the establishment of a separate State Commission for Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) in Manipur. According to ATSUM leaders, chief minister O Ibobi Singh had assured them in this connection. “Once established, the commission as in the case of Karnataka, the issue of reservation will be dealt with by the commission,” said the ATSUM.
The chief minister then assured that all the government schools in the hill districts will have adequate teaching and non-teaching staff. “In some schools there are more than 20 teachers for just few student or vice versa. The chief minister had assured us that the concerned authority will work out for the balance in this regard. After these are done, if more teaching staff are needed then recruitment of teachers will be done,” the ATSUM leaders added. The chief minister also assured to develop infrastructure of government schools in the hill districts. “He had also assured us to have B.Ed centres in the hill districts,” the ATSUM leaders added.
On health sector, the chief minister said more doctors will be recruited and the first preference will be given to the hill districts. “Out of 12 Primary Health Centres, Primary Health Sub-Centres (PHSC) etc., etc., in the hill districts only two are functional and that two with very poor effieciency while the rest 10 are non-functional,” pointed out the ATSUM leaders, adding, “Given this picture, the chief minister had said 50 specialist doctors will be recruited and the first preference will be given to the hill districts.” The chief minister also assured the ATSUM leaders that recruitment drive for the ST category at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Imphal will begin soon.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/government-assures-atsum-to-fulfil-demands/

Three killed, five injured after Naxals attack passenger train in Bihar

Jamui, June 13 (MNS/ANI): Three persons were killed (two passengers and one RPSF constable) in an ambush when Dhanbad Intercity Express Train No.13331 was stopped by a group of suspected Maoists at around 1.20 PM near Jamui Railway station in Bihar today. Stating that the incident was very extremely unfortunate and a matter of profound grief, the Minister of Railways Dr. C. P. Joshi announced an enhanced ex-gratia amount of Rs 5 lakh to the next kin of each of those who were killed in this incident, Rs. one lakh to one passenger who was grievously injured and Rs. 25,000/- to each of four persons (three passengers and train Guard) who received simple injuries. The Minister also apprised the media that all possible help including medicinal facilities were immediately made available to the passengers including the injured persons. The affected train resumed its operation at 3.30 p.m. and all trains are running normally on this route.
Director General, Railway Protection Force (RPF) has rushed to the incident spot. The Ministry of Railways is in constant touch with the Ministry of Home Affairs and the State Government of Bihar to ensure safe and normal train operations in the area.
Minister of State for Home R.P.N. Singh earlier in the day condemned the attack by the Naxals on the Dhanbad-Patna Intercity Express in Bihar, saying this reflects the frustration of the ultras.
“It is unfortunate that now they have started attacking innocent people, started attacking trains and they have even started attacking political rallies and destroying and killing people in very barbaric manner,” he said.
A group of over hundred Maoists attacked and opened fire on the Dhanbad-Patna Intercity Express in Bihar earlier this afternoon.
The Naxals targeted Railway Protection Force (RPF) jawans, who were onboard the train as a standard security precaution. The ultras wanted to snatch the weapons of the RPF jawans.
Thursday’s incident takes place nineteen days after the audacious attack by the Maoists on a convoy of Congress leaders in Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district, killing 28 people including PCC chief Nand Kumar Patel, his son Dinesh, Congress leader Mahendra Karma and ex-MLA Uday Mudliyar and injuring 37 others.
An all-party meet held at Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh’s official 7, Race Course Road (RCR) in New Delhi earlier on June 10 emphasized that there can be no compromise on dealing with the Naxal violence.
A resolution, which was adopted at the meeting, urged the youth to leave the path of violence and pursue their goals through democratic means.
The resolution, which strongly denouncing Left-Wing Extremist violence, said nothing can be more dangerous than the insurgency to overthrow parliamentary democracy and Constitution of India through violent means.
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has said the government has been following a two-pronged strategy to deal with this challenge of Left Wing Extremism- sustained and proactive operations against Maoist extremists and addressing development and governance issues in Left Wing Extremist affected areas.
“We believe that there is a need to further fine tune and strengthen this strategy. We have already started work in this direction. I would not like to take your time to give details of the steps that we are taking or planning to take, but would only reaffirm that our government will not be found wanting in this regard,” said Dr. Singh in his opening remarks at the all-party meeting held in wake of the May 25 Chhattisgarh Maoist attack.
“We believe that there is urgency to the need to effectively deal with the Naxalite menace. Even as we take all measures that are needed to permanently root out this menace, we must immediately ensure that Naxalite violence is held in check and attacks like the one in Chhattisgarh do not recur,” he added.

BMSC India loses in semifinal

PENANG, June 13: Birachandra Memorial Sporting Club (BMSC) of Taobungkhok Imphal which represented India lost in the second semifinal in the ongoing Manchester United Premier Cup 2013 under 15 years boys Seas Final held at Univeriti Sians Penang Malaysia today.
In the 2nd semifinal match Thailand team played well in an attack mode while BMSC India team played defensively and the match remained goalless till end of the extra time. Thailand players were able to hit the cross bar several time . The officials of BMSC remained silent without changing the game plan in the entire match and extra time . The Indian goalkeeper played superbly performance in today semifinal match.
In the tie-break goal scorers of the BMSC India team Suesh and team captain Ng Peter. The rest kickers of BMSC India were Lansingam, Buanthanglun and Jim Singh spot kick was brilliantly saved by the Thailand goalkeeper. India team lost by 2-3 goals in tie-break.
In the 3rd place, BMSC of India team played with host team Malaysia. BMSC lost in hand of host team Malaysia by 1-2 goals as the players were in a bad mood following the semi final match according to Jinendra Maibam and N Anand Singh.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bmsc-india-loses-in-semifinal/

Coast Guard Saves 22 Lives from Sinking vessel

MNS: The onset of the south west monsoon had yet another casuality in the Arabian sea. The Indian Coast Guard today rescued 22 crew, 18 Maldivian and 04 Indian from MV Asian Express, Maldvian registered cargo vessel in position 50 nm north of Minicoy Island, (194 nm west of Kochi). The 5955 gross tonnage, general cargo vessel enroute from port Md Bin Qasim, Pakistan to male carrying cargo of cement and sand was a drift due to engine failure since last two days. The weather in area was extremely hostile with sea state four /five, swell of 3-5 metres and winds gusting upto 40 Kts.
The first information of the vessel was passed by an Indian Naval Ship. Coast Guard Ship Varuna on patrol in the Lakshwadeep islands was diverted with despatch and reached the position of vessel at 1500 hrs. In the mean time, vessel developed two inch 3-4 mtr vertical crack on the starboard in the midships below waterline. The master and the crew were unable to control the flooding and abandoned the vessel at 1830 hrs. Despite prevailing weather conditions ICGS Varuna on account of valiant effort put in by its officers and men rescued all 22 crew with help of life boats.
The ship is commanded by Cdr KM Arun Kumar. The rescue mission was coordinated by MRCC Mumbai.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/coast-guard-saves-22-lives-from-sinking-vessel/

House discusses water, nursing college problems

Mail News Service
Imphal, June 11 : Chief Minister, O Ibobi also laid the report of the CAG and Dy Chief Minister, Gaikhangam laid the report of the state Vigilance Commission for 2012.During 2012 116 numbers of cases were closed where charges could not be substantiated, six numbers of cases were recommended for four major and two minor penalties. Two cases were converted into FIR involving three officials and 122 cases were disposed off. Now 224 cases are pending.
Irengambam Hemochandra, Minister Public Health and Engineering today assured in the floor of the House to take up steps to ensure water supply in the state is improved. During question hour replying to a query raised by Th Shyamkumar, the minister said seven main schemes were taken up to provide drinking water under National rural drinking water programme, non lapsable central pool of resources, special plan assistance, NEC projects, Imphal water supply and urban infrastructure development schemes for small and medium towns.
The department also provides water tanker to individuals at the rate of Rs 550 per trip. He further said two persons died while taking up sewerage works earlier and to avoid such accident he has instructed all to strictly adher to the guidelines strictly.
Th Shyamkumar raised a call attention motion regarding issuance of unrecognised certificates by Rabi School of Nursing, Ghari. Phungzathang Tonsing, Minister Health informed the House that the government earlier there were no nursing council in the state hence the nursing colleges were affiliated to Assam Nursing Council. The Assam council issued certificates to institutes which had no proper infrastructure and now as the state has full fledged council the rules recommended by Indian Nursing council are strictly followed.
State medical officials personally visited all the nursing colleges earlier registered to Assam Council and most of those which did not follow the rules were ordered to be closed down. The said institute Rabi School of Nursing has also been ordered to be closed down and he appealed to all to check about the institutes before admitting their children to any institute.
There are over one lakh Indira Gandhi Old Age Pension beneficiaries in Manipur. Manipur Social Welfare minister AK Miraibai today told the House that the total number of beneficiaries of Indira Gandhi Old Age Pension, Indira Gandhi Widow Pension and Indira Gandhi Disability Pension under National Social Assistant in Manipur was 1, 09,075 for the year 2012-13.
Responding to a Calling Attention Motion by Dr Ibohanbi, Opposition leader in the state assembly, Mirabai said that bank accounts for more than 81, 500 beneficiaries had been completed.
She further informed that the pension money had been transferred to their own accounts for 60, 074 beneficiaries, but bank accounts for 27, 000 had not yet been opened due to errors in filling forms for the purpose.
The minister also assured that the Social Welfare Department was exerting efforts to make it easier for the beneficiaries to withdraw the money and asserted that inconveniences had to face to implement the new pension scheme.
Mirabai also informed the House that as per the decision taken by the Cabinet in its meeting in October 2012, pension amount for the Old Age Pension, Widow Pension and Disability Pension had been raised.
The evening sitting of the 5th Session of the 10thManipur Legislative Assembly thrashed out the Governor’s Address delivered on March 6 on the floor of the House.
MLAs Dr I Ibohanbi, Th Shyamkumar, Kh Joykishan and L Ibomcha from the Opposition bench took part in the discussion.
Taking part in the discussion on the Governor’s Address, all the members expressed their wish for making amendment in various activities of different Government Departments.
They pushed for like modern administrative social institutional reformations during the debate.
Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, clarified on the amendment proposals by mentioning on separate policy of HIV/AIDS, now in drafting process, policy on sending medical doctors in remote hill areas, the Cabinet decision on ban of tobacco products, plan on renovation of the state assembly guest house, policy for agricultural land use, settlement policy for surrendered militants.Later, the House unanimously passed the Governor’ Address.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/house-discusses-water-nursing-college-problems/

Angry man speaks the truth

Advani is angry. His words of caution against the projection of Modi as the top leader of the party fell to the deaf ears. So he took the extreme of relinquishing all the three posts held by him in the BJP. Question is now being asked will he retreat or maintain strong stance of keeping away from the all the functions of the party. Lal Kishen Advani quitting the posts of the BJP did not come as a surprise. He had indicated that when he did not attend the meeting of the party meeting held in Panaji, Goa. He even projected Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister for the post of top post of the party. The charge that he made BJP has ceased to be an idealistic party is serious. He knows too much about BJP. From just two MPs in 1980 Lok Sabha election the party grew by leaps and bound and even leading the Government under the NDA. Now the party appears to be bruised. Therefore it is on the lookout for a new leadership to enthuse fresh blood with the solid aim on 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Leadership starved party fell its eye on Narendra Modi. His projection may create a fresh wave. Modi is cynosure of all eyes in the Hindi heartland. But the wave will be checkmated even by the allies of the NDA. Can BJP go it alone minus these allies and sweep the poll getting the magic figure of 270 plus. If it is confident of getting the magic figure required for formation of Government at the centre, there is nothing wrong with Modi’s projection as chairman of election committee. If it cannot it will suffer colossal loss. For not only allies it will lose support base of the party. Advani and co know that hence the warning against the hasty step of projection of Modi as top leader. The question is also being asked will Modi under pressure from the senior leaders of the party decide to remain confined to his state. If he does he will do a good service to keep the BJP morale high. But he is different from Sonia Gandhi. So he will not do that. Sonia Gandhi refused to be the Prime Minister of the country when the party led by her swept the poll continuously for two terms. There lies the greatness of the lady at the helms of affairs. A political party requires a great leader who can make sacrifice. But the fight within BJP is ominous. It may end like a faux pas.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/angry-man-speaks-the-truth/

KNO stir , off

The proposed indefinite blockade of Imphal-Ukhrul road to be affected from 6 pm today by Kuki National Organisation (KNO) has been called off this evening itself.
On June 8, cadres of NSCN-IM allegedly assaulted some cadres of KNO at Mahadev Lamkhai along Imphal-Ukhrul road and confiscated some weapons of the latter group.
Demanding the returning of the confiscated weapons and condemning the incident, the KNO had announced to call the indefinite blockade.
KNO’s Sinai Camp information secretary Helen Kipgen informed this evening that the outfit’s decision to impose the indefinite blockade was reviewed today considering the public’s sentiment.
“We have decided not to impose the indefinite blockade along the Imphal-Ukhrul road considering the hardship it will cause to the public but in the event of any element disregarding and belittling the KNO in future will be dealt with drastic action,” cautions the KNO leader.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/kno-stir-off/

ATSUM lines up threat

IMPHAL, June 11 NNN : The All Tribal Students Union, Manipur (ATSUM) has threatened to intensify its ongoing agitation by imposing indefinite economic blockade in all the national highways leading to Manipur any day from now.
Under the code name ROTO (Reckoning of the Others), ATSUM’s agitation has completed 9 days today but the state government is still ignoring to address our demands,” said ATSUM leaders while adding, “Since the government seems to understand only the language of bandh and blockade, ATSUM is all prepared to resort to such radical forms of agitation including indefinite economic blockade any day.”
According to the ATSUM leaders, the chief minister of Manipur or the state government is shying away from addressing the tribal problems head-on. “For three/four times some ministers have unofficially and casually approached us but the chief minister has so far not hinted his interest to address the problems,” rued ATSUM leaders.
Regarding the budget estimates of receipts for the current Financial Year of Rs 8990 crores against the expenditure estimates of Rs 9397.78 crores, ATSUM leaders pointed out that out of this hefty amount only Rs 30 crores have been earmarked for Hills and Tribal Affairs.
“Actually, Hill Area Committee (HAC) is the right authority in this connection but the state finance department has manipulated this process and therefore only Rs 30 crores was alloted for the Hills and Tribal Affairs,” further pointed out ATSUM leaders while asking, “Why the tribal MLAs have not raised any question when such discrimination is happening?” The ATSUM asked all the tribal MLAs irrespective of their party affiliations to stand up unitedly for the cause of the tribal people.
ATSUM then proposed to have a strong tribal based civil organisation in Manipur which will be for a common good of the tribal people.
UNA adds The Kuki Students’ Organization-General headquarters has threatened the state government not to initiate any talk with the “Pseudo ATSUM”.
In a statement of the student body that threatened government not to hold talks with “Pseudo ATSUM”, the KSO said that if government happened to do so, the student body would assume the government as betrayer of whole tribal people and the KSO-GHQ would be compelled to launch agitation.
Any decision or understanding is arrived between the state government and “Pseudo ATSUM”, KSO-GHQ would declare it as “Null and Void” the statement added.
It s is closely monitoring the activities of “Pseudo ATSUM” as well as the government. It would be a wise decision to stay away from the “Pseudo” student body.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/atsum-lines-up-threat/

Passing away of Vidya Charan Shukla condoled

Mail News Service
New Delhi, June 11 : The President of India, Pranab Mukherjee has condoled the passing away of Vidya Charan Shukla.
In a condolence message to his wife, Sarla Shukla, the President has said, “Shri Shukla was son of illustrious freedom fighter and first Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla. He entered into Parliament at a very early age and represented undivided Madhya Pradesh in the Lok Sabha for a long period of time. He served as Minister of State under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi from 1967 to 1977 including as Minister of State with Independent Charge of Information and Broadcasting. He also served as Cabinet Minister under Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao during 1991-96 in charge of Parliamentary Affairs and Irrigation. A veteran Parliamentarian, able administrator and an outstanding statesman, Shukla made valuable contribution to the growth of our nation in various capacities. The nation will remember his contributions and his pursuit of excellence in public life.
I had a long personal association with Shri Shukla. In his death, I have lost a friend and the nation an eminent public figure”.
Veteran Congress leader Vidya Charan Shukla, who was critically injured in the May 25 Maoist attack in Chhattisgarh, breathed his last at Gurgaon’s Medanta Medicity Hospital this afternoon. He was 84.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/passing-away-of-vidya-charan-shukla-condoled/

Bru repatriation politics

AIZAWL, June 10 NNN: The Government of Mizoram is waiting for a green signal from Tripura Government for resumption of repatriation process of the Bru refugees.
According to official sources from State Home department, the process of repatriation was temporarily stalled by officials of Tripura Government following tension in the border area in the aftermath of the death of Siberamriang.
But now, the situation has improved further with reopening of Langkaih Bridge which connects Mizoram and Tripura.Meanwhile, Langkaih and Taitesena group Young Mizo Association (YMA) leaders also said that they will cooperate with the Government in the repatriation of the Bru refugees.
On May 7, in the wake of the move to resume the repatriation of the Bru refugees, Mizo Zirlai Pawl (MZP),the largest students’ body of Mizoram had asked the state government of Mizoram not to resume the repatriation process of Bru refugees from Tripura camp to Mizoram unless the refugees inform the government in writing that they are willing to come back to Mizoram.
The MZP leaders had said that the Bru people did not want to return to Mizoram when they were given chances five times by the Centre and the government of Mizoram as they left Mizoram for Tripura on their own volition.
The MZP also expressed concern over the increasing law and order problem in the border area including kidnapping of Mizos by the Brus for ransom.
It is pertinent to note that hundreds of Brus left Mizoram in 1997 and 2009. The first case was triggered when Bru militants murdered two Mizos who were forest guards on October 21, 1997. The second case happened after a 17-year-old Mizo boy was killed by the Brus near Bungthuam village on November 13, 2009. When the Bru left Mizoram they had driven out some Mizos in villages of Sakhan Hill Range in Tripura like Sakhan Serhmun, Sakhan Tlangsang, Sakhan Tualsen and Upper Dosda which had kicked up much ruckus in Mizoram then.
Meanwhile, a couple of years ago, head count conducted by the MBDPF found that there had been 31,703 Brus in the relief camps belonging to 5,448 families who were bona fide residents of Mizoram.
The repatriation of the 1997 batch of Bru refugees was underway until it stalled by the November 13 killing.
In the year 2011, conglomeration of major NGOs in Mizoram had submitted a joint memorandum to the then Union Home minister P Chidambaram to rehabilitate displaced
Mizos in Tripura and stall the ongoing repatriation of Brus from Tripura to Mizoram. The memorandum was signed by representatives of four large NGOs in the state–the Young Mizo Association (YMA), the MZP, the Mizoram Upa Pawl (MUP) or elders association and the Mizo Hmeichhe Insuihkhawm Pawl (MHIP) or the women’s federation and four political parties.
The memorandum had mentioned that more than 80 Mizo families displaced from Tripura’s Sakhan Hill range in 1998 after being threatened by Bru militants should be adequately rehabilitated by the Centre, otherwise, the repatriation of Bru refugees from Tripura relief camps should not be allowed.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/bru-repatriation-politics/

ZSUM alleges fund misuse

IMPHAL, June 10 NNN: Zeliangrong Students’ Union, Manipur (ZSUM) has on Monday charged that the government of Manipur has swindled huge amount of funds meant for the Autonomous District Councils (ADCs) and cautioned ADC Members not to hijack developmental funds in collusion with the Government.
ZSUM claimed that the sanctioned fund of Rs. 1.8 crore released under the 13th Finance Commission meant for filling up the loopholes in the grass roots level failed to reached the targeted section.
Another Rs.44 lakh under Loc and Rs 81 lakh released for maintenance of ADC Tamenglong by the state Government last year, which was deposited in 8449 account, has been found withdrawn in the month of May this year without any sign of execution of intended works, it alleged, claiming that this was a clear case of misappropriation of the fund.
The sanction amount of Rs. 7 crores meant for infrastructure development such as construction of quarters for ADC Chairman, Vice-Chairman, CEO, and Executive Members and for Members should be judiciously utilised by fulfilling as per specification, ZSUM said.
It said any attempt to misuse and exhaust the funds without completion of works will not be accepted adding the ADC Members, who were elected amidst strong objection and boycott calls by United Naga Council (UNC) and other NGOs, should not try to hijack the developmental funds in collusion with the State Government. The firm determination of the SPF Government to hold ADC elections despite strong protest by the Naga people in particular and tribal in general after a gap of more than 22 years have now become visible, the statement claimed. It also said ZSUM will closely watch the recruitment and appointment process of 159 vacant posts of chowkidar-cum-peon under Tamenglong ADC and cautioned that no one should indulge in bribery activities.

Read more / Original news source: http://manipur-mail.com/zsum-alleges-fund-misuse/

Chief Minister presents budget estimates for 2012-13

Imphal Jun 10 MNS : Chief M inister O Ibobi Singh who also holds the finance portfolio presented the state deficit budget in the state Assembly today.
Two minute silent was observed in remembrance of Damjakhai Vaiphei, former member of Manipur Legislative Assembly (Pre-merger) 1948-49 from Churachandpur constituency in the august house on Monday.
Speaking in the obituary reference CM O. Ibobi Singh said that the state has lost one of the most important persons who have guided the state right after the Independent of India.
Damjakhai Vaiphei is one among the tribal who was the first member of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.
Apart from chief minister, MLA T. Manga Vaiphei, Shyam Kumar speak in the obituary reference.
CM said, “As you are aware, a full budget could not be presented in the last Assembly session due to non-finalization of Plan outlay for 2013-14. We obtained only a Vote on Account to meet essential expenditures during the first four months of 2013-14.
Sir, I am pleased to inform this august House that the Plan outlay of the state for this fiscal year has now been finalized. Following discussion with the Planning Commission, our Annual Plan Outlay has been fixed at Rs 3650 crores for 2013-14. These plan funds will be utilized for completing ongoing projects and taking up some new important developmental works, which I will explain in detail later.
When I presented the vote on account, I had spoken about the severe resource-crunch that we were facing. I also spoke about the need for us to take concerted steps to prudently manage our resources and check unproductive and non-essential expenditures. Despite severe financial constraints, we were able to close the fiscal year, 2012-13 with a balance of (-) Rs 364.76 crores. This is lower than the negative closing balance of (-) Rs 510 crores during 2011-12. Our ways and means position has improved and this is expected to consolidate further as Plan releases from the Centre begin during the course of the year.
Our fiscal deficit during 2012-13 is estimated at below 1 percent, which is within the ceiling of 3.5 percent of Gross State Domestic Product mandated by the Manipur Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management Act. Our outstanding fiscal liability as percent of GSDP is 57.29 percent which is within the ceiling of 60.10 percent mandated by the FRBM Act. During the current fiscal year, we intend to continue with the fiscal tightening process. We are aware that the fiscal imbalance we are facing is not temporary in nature and only fiscal tightening will not resolve the problem in the long term. We will be strongly urging the 14th Finance Commission to adequately address all our concerns, particularly relating to the gap in our non plan resources, when we submit our memorandum to the Commission.
On the economy front, we know that the overall domestic economic I environment is not favourable. But, we have been able to sustain the growth momentum. As per the Advance Estimates, for 2012-13, our I economy grew at 7.13 percent in real terms. Given the fact that the overall growth of the country was only 5 percent, our consistent I growth at almost 7 percent during the last two years is a very positive development. The primary sector is growing at over 8 percent for the I second consecutive fiscal year and has emerged as a growth driver. It has been the effort of my government to provide a conducive I environment for growth and development. We will continue to try and accelerate the growth momentum in a broad based and inclusive I manner.
Budget Estimates, 2013-14 Sir, I will now take up the Budget Estimates for 2013-14 which has I been framed in the light of the challenges we continue to face in regard to the economy in general and state resources in particular. I
Estimates of Receipts (2O13-14) .
For 2013-14 (BE), the total Receipts are estimated at Rs 8990 crore.
This shows an increase of 10.11 percent over 2012-13 (RE) level of I Rs 8164.14 crore. While the revenue receipts are estimated at Rs 8619.47 crore, the Capital receipts including Public Account receipts are at I Rs 370.53 crore.
Sir, we have been making efforts in recent years to improve our tax and non-tax collections. Total estimates of state’s own tax and non-tax I receipts assumed in the Budget Estimates are Rs 491.87 crores and Rs 429.77 crores respectively. Together, they constitute 10.69 percent of our total revenue receipts. The tax to GSDP ratio has also increased because of our efforts. It has gone up from just 2.37 percent in 2009-10 to 3.68 percent in 2012-13. Collection from VAT and Power, the two largest sources of state revenues, is estimated at Rs 385.88 crore and 171.69 crores respectively. While 14 percent growth is expected in VAT receipts, collection from power is expected to grow at 27 percent. We have recently taken a number of^measures aimed at minimizing transmission and distribution losses such as, introduction of prepaid meter system, computerized billing system, and renewed drive against unauthorized consumers and tax defaulters. This is likely to help us increase the collection from Power sector gradually. Structural reforms of the power sectors are also underway and the power scenario in the State is expected to improve significantly once these reforms are put in place.
Receipt from the State’s share in Central Taxes & Duties are estimated at Rs 1568.85 crores as per indication received from the Central Government. Non-Plan grants from the Centre, mainly consisting of 13th Finance Commission grants, are estimated at Rs 1563.37 crores. Plan Grants including receipts on account of centrally sponsored and central plan schemes are estimated at Rs 4565.61 crores.
Expenditure Estimates (2013-14)
On the Expenditure side, I am proposing a total expenditure of Rs 9397.78 crores out of the Consolidated Fund of the State. There is an increase of 16.86 percent over the Revised Estimates (RE) of 2012-13 which is Rs 8041.85 crores, mainly because of higher outlays under the state plan and other schemes where assistance is received for earmarked purposes. Out of the total expenditure, Rs 4907.83 crores are proposed under Non-Plan, Rs 3667.41 crores under State Plan, and Rs 822.54 crores under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) and Central Plan Schemes (CPS). The provision in respect of the CSS and CPS are subject to change according to actual releases during the course of the year.Out of the total expenditure, an amount of Rs 617.68 crores is Charged. The remaining amount of Rs 8808.77 crores which includes recoveries is Voted expenditure. The estimated expenditure on revenue account is at Rs 6692.95 crores while that on capital account isRs 2704.83 crores.
The total expenditure under the non-plan revenue account which is mainly for meeting the establishment and related expenses of the state is projected at Rs 4732.51 crores during 2013-14. This shows an increase of 6.28 percent over the Revised Estimates of 2012-13. But, the increase in respect of non-salary items of expenditure has been provided at only 3 percent. This has been done keeping in view our. objective of containing the non-plan expenditure.

Plan Outlay
Expenditure under Plan is one of the most important components under the State Budget. Plan expenditure is aimed at giving impetus to development and creating capital assets. Sir, because of our concerted efforts and the generous support received from the UPA Government at the Centre, plan investments over the last two to three years have increased many fold. This has indeed provided the much needed push to take the State to a higher growth trajectory.
The aggregate plan outlay for 2013-14 as agreed with the Planning Commission is Rs 3650 crores. The plan outlay will be financed from many sources. We will receive Normal Central Assistance of Rs 907.78 crore for this purpose. An additional Special Plan Assistance (SPA) of Rs 450 crores will be available for taking up important and priority projects in the State. While enhanced plan outlay provides us an opportunity to give a strong impetus to the growth momentum, it also entails obligations for us. We have to raise more resources and exercise maximum restraint in order to restrict fresh liabilities on the non-plan account. We have to take serious steps to realize the targets for additional resource mobilization envisaged in the scheme of financing. I solicit the co-operation and support of all honorable members in our effort to realize these resources.
Rs 1632.58 crores out of the total outlay will be financed under various schemes under Additional Central Assistance including NEC and NLCPR schemes. It is notable that, from the current year, all provisions made for schemes under Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) and North Eastern Council (NEC) will be part of the state plan. For the year 2013-14, we have made a provision of Rs 94.63 crores for schemes supported under NLCPR and Rs 44.82 crores for NEC supported schemes. In addition, we have also provided for Rs 6.53 crores and Rs 10.88 crores of unspent amounts received last year for NLCPR and NEC-assisted schemes respectively.
The rest will be financed by way of assistance under Externally Assisted Projects, Open Market Borrowings, Negotiated Loans, Small Savings Loan and balances from the Public Account. We will be raising a net borrowing of Rs 387 crores during the year 2013-14 to finance our expenditure.
In terms of sectoral allocation, highest emphasis is accorded to social services sector with an allocation ofRs 978.14 crore, which is 26.80 percent of the total allocation, followed by irrigation and flood control sector with if 948.70 crore and general economic services with Rs 685.63 crore. Of the Rs 800 crore under special central assistance, Rs 485 crore is provided to meet the backlog and current state matching share of CSS/ACAs and flagship programmes.
Let me now briefly mention some of the work, schemes and projects we propose to take up under Annual Plan, 2013-14. Allocation of the outlay among various sectors has been made in accordance with the needs of development and priorities of the Government. As I have mentioned earlier, out of the approved outlay of Rs 3650 crores, Rs 450 crores is devoted to taking up important and priority projects under Special Plan Assistance (SPA). This will also help us address critical gaps in vital infrastructures. Out ofRs 450 crores under SPA, Rs 102.30 crore is for up gradation of various roads and bridges in both hill and valley districts, and a sum of Rs 60 crores is for infrastructural development of JNIMS, Rs 15.00 crores for completion of the balance work for conservation and management of Loktak Lake and associated wetlands, and Rs 40.00 crores for flood control and anti erosion schemes. I am happy to inform that an amount of Rs 30 crores each has been earmarked under SPA for phase-I 85 phase-II of the Tribal Areas Inclusive Infrastructure Growth Projects that will cover altogether 27 development blocks in the Hill Areas. This project which envisages construction of integrated complexes for SDO-cum-BDO offices will also include sufficient office and residential accommodation for bank branches. We expect that this will not only improve governance at the cutting edge level in the hill areas but also significantly increase banking penetration in the outlying and interior areas of the State. As part of our continuing initiative to strengthen school infrastructure in the hills areas, we propose to allocate an amount of Rs 25 crore out of the SPA funds for construction of residential Quarters for the Primary Teachers in ADC areas.
Some new projects that are proposed to be funded out of SPA during the current year are setting up of Information Technology Special Economic Zone at Mantripukhri, for which an amount of Rs 20 crores has been earmarked. The proposed economic zone will cater to both local and outstation entrepreneurs with a view to generate employment opportunities for the educated youth in the State. The total estimated cost of the project is Rs 832 crore and it would be implemented in two phases through a Public-Private Partnership model. Construction of 6 children homes is proposed with a view to check child trafficking and an amount of Rs 10.80 crores has been earmarked for this purpose. For the augmentation of much needed security infrastructure in the Hill areas, there is an allocation ofRs 10 crores.
Keeping in view the importance of forests for maintenance of natural environment and livelihood security of people, we propose to take up during the current year an externally aided project for regeneration and conservation of forests in catchment areas of water supply project. The project having a total estimated cost of Rs 628 crore will aim at regeneration and conservation of forest in the catchment areas as well as mitigating water supply problems in the State. An amount of Rs 50 crore is provided under EAP.
One of our priorities during the year will be on augmenting drinking water supply, in the Imphal city. A project with an estimated cost of Rs 687 crores is envisaged for utilising raw water from Thoubal dam. Once implemented, this project will substantially address the existing large demand-supply gap of water supply in the Imphal city. An amount of Rs 50 crores is earmarked under EAP for this project.
Our economy is agriculture based. Hence the State Government is committed to the development of agriculture and the farmers. The outlay for agriculture and allied sector has been stepped up from the revised outlay ofRs 201.19 crores during 2012-13 to Rs 243.76 crores during 2013-14, showing a growth of 21.16 percent. The enhanced outlay will help in sustaining the growth momentum in the primary sector.
Sir, development of agriculture is not possible without improvement of irrigation. The state government will continue to give priority towards development of water resources. Allocation for Major, Medium and Minor Irrigation during 2013-14 is at Rs 740 crores, which is 20.27 percent of the total Plan outlay and 19.90 percent higher than the allocation made in the Revised Estimates for 2012-13. The allocation for Major & Medium Irrigation will be used mainly for ongoing Thoubal and Dolaithabi projects.
With a view to further augment physical connectivity in the State, Rs 163.86 crores are provided towards Roads & Bridges which include an amount of Rs 102.30 crores for upgradation of road connectivity in both hill and valley districts under SPA and further Rs 11.46 crores for various other roads and bridges projects. For the infrastructural development of border and tribal areas, a sum of Rs 33.46 crores has been earmarked under Special Area Development Programme, which includes an amount of Rs 20 crores for Border Area Development Programme.
Reliable power is a pre-requisite for growth and development. An amount ofRs 130.87 crores has been allocated to the power sector with the twin objectives of improving the power situation and enhancing the revenue collections this year.
There is an allocation of Rs 139.23 crores for the Education, sports, Arts and Culture, while the Health and Water Supply sectors have been provided a sum ofRs 310.61 crores. For urban development, an amount of Rs 338.29 crores has been earmarked, which is 67 percent more than the allocation made in the Revised Estimates of Rs 202.73 crores for 2012-13. The enhance allocation will help us in improving the basic urban services in the State. Adequate provision has also been made for state matching share of flagship social sector schemes so that implementation of these important schemes do not suffer due to inadequate provision of state’s share component in the State budget.
Continuing with my government’s commitment to the strengthening of the local self government institutions in the hills, an allocation of Rs 132.75 crores has been made for the Autonomous District Councils, which includes, among others, an amount of Rs 26 crores for construction of modern primary school buildings in the hill districts. This will help accelerate the much needed infrastructural development in the hill areas.
Sir, our government has always emphasised the socio-economic advancement of scheduled castes, minorities and other backward classes in the interest of inclusive development. We propose to allocate a sum ofRs 17.80 crores for this purpose.
Khadi and Village Industries, and Sericulture play an important role in an economy like ours where there is no presence of major industries. These sectors provide direct employment as well as supplementary employment to lakhs of households in the State. With the objective of further promoting and developing our industrial sector an amount of Rs 97.70 crores has been earmarked during the current year. This includes EAP component of ^ 50 crores for taking up works under the Phase II of the Manipur Sericulture Project.
Sir, I would like to conclude by highlighting once again the necessity of utmost restraint and financial prudence in our expenditure. I am sure our government will receive full cooperation of the Honourable members of this House in achieving this objective.
With this submission, Mr. Speaker Sir, I present the Budget Estimates for 2013-14 for approval of this August House.

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