Manipur News

IMPHAL, February 16: A two-day national workshop on sustainable development of medicinal plants sector in North East India, organised by Manipur Forest Department, was inaugurated today at the RIMS Jubilee Hall.

The State Chief secretary PC Lawmkunga, Secretary of the Ministry of AYUSH, Nilanjan Sanyal and former Governor of Chhattisgarh, Shekhar Dutt attended the inaugural function as the chief guest, president and guest of honour respectively.

Organisers said the workshop intends to promote the marketing of the medicinal plant and products extracted from them in the North Eastern region besides exploring the potential of the medicinal plants.

In his address as the chief guest, Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga said Manipur has more than 6500 plant species out of which around 1200 are medicinal plants and its medicinal plants have a lot of potential.

He further stated that the Union government is mainly focusing on NE including Manipur because their geographical positions have made them the gateway to South Asian countries and Manipur is playing a leading role in the utilization of medicinal plants. He also urged the AYUSH authorities to help the State in exploring the medicinal plants.

In his presidential speech, AYUSH secretary Nilanjan Sanyal said the ministry is initiating various steps to increase the number of the highly used medicinal plants as well as to uplift the livelihoods of the marginalized people through the cultivation of medicinal plants in the fringes of the country.

Speaking on the occasion, former Chattisgarh Governor Shekhar Dutt said that the workshop will highlight the importance of using medicinal plants in human development as well as the extensive use of medicinal plants increasing the life expectancy of the people.

He also appealed the gathering to explore the potential of medicinal plants in the NE region to develop the livelihoods of the people.

Six experts namely T Gapak of Arunachal Pradesh, Dr L Promila of Manipur, AK Srivastava of Meghalaya, Tiakaba Jamir of Nagaland, Dr Pritam Bhattacharjee of Tripura and Dr Arunkumar Sharma from the college of horticulture and forestry at Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh gave an overview of the medicinal plants sector in North Eastern states in the day`™s first technical session which was followed by another session on global and national scenario of medicinal plants. The workshop will conclude tomorrow.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/national-workshop-on-sustainable-development-of-medicinal-plants-begins/

IMPHAL, February 16: The State unit of the Lok Janasakti Party will pressurise the Central government to repeal AFSPA, 1958 from Manipur and to streamline the disparity of PDS items in the State very soon, stated L Kheroda Meetei, the Central advisor of the LJP, Manipur.

Speaking at a press meet at North AOC, Minuthong near MMTA complex, L Kheroda said various political parties of the State have raised their voices for the repeal of AFPSA, 1958 from the State. The incumbent Congress government has the power to repeal AFSPA but unfortunately it is not interested in getting the Act repealed.

She further lashed out at the government for intentionally imposing AFSPA till date in the State. It is within the powers of the State government to get the Act repealed as it is not under the purview of the Central government, he said, adding that if the disturbed area status is removed, AFSPA would lose its potency.

Regarding the repeal of AFSPA from the State, he said, the State Unit of LJP submitted a memorandum to Union CAF & PD Minister Ram Vilas Paswan during his recent visit and the party has got the information that after his return to Delhi, he has submitted the written letter to the Union Home Minister and has met Prime Minister Narendra Modi today.

He said the national leader of the party will soon direct members of its State unit to visit Delhi, and members of the party`™s State unit and other civil societies of Manipur fighting for the repeal of AFSPA will rush for Delhi, expressing his optimism that the Act would be soon lifted.

He further said that the PDS item distribution system in the State is in a vulnerable condition, with even the Union CAF and PD Minister expressing his reservations about it.

The volunteers of LJP, Manipur will monitor every step of the PDS in Manipur thoroughly so that the norms as laid down by the Central government are transparently and accurately followed in the State, he added.

He said the Chairman of National LJP, Ram Vilas Paswan has instructed them to strengthen the party by making it well organised in the State too. As per the instructions of the national leader, the State LJP will organise a membership drive very soon and the party will give more emphasis to educated youths so that the State can become free from corruption and transparency is maintained under Modi`™s idea of a Digital India.

The LJP has also prepared a list of potential candidates for the up-coming ADC elections in the hill districts and the party will capture at least six MLA seats in the Manipur Legislative Assembly at the Assembly Elections, 2017, stated Kheroda Meitei.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/ljp-manipur-to-mount-pressure-on-union-govt-for-afspa-repeal/

IMPHAL, February 16: The All Manipur Working Journalist Union (AMWJU) has lifted its boycott imposed on all news related to Assam Rifles with immediate effect during an emergency meeting convened today.

A statement issued by GA Naocha Sharma, general secretary, AMWJU said the decision was taken following a high level meeting held at the Manipur Press Club, Imphal with Brig. Rajeev Chibber, commander 26 sector Assam Rifles, Pallel on February.

It said that in the emergency meeting presided by Wangkhemcha Shamjai, president AMWJU, Brig. Rajeev Chibber, conveyed the gathering that an internal inquiry was underway to probe into the February 12 incident occurred at Moreh wherein the 9th Battalion AR personnel led by Col Anandi Antare who reportedly assaulted impact TV`™s bureau Chief, Noren Ningombam and video journalist, K Bipin Sharma at Moreh while they were covering a mob attack at the SDPO, Moreh office.

Assuring that all those found guilty in the incident will be awarded with befitting punishment, it said that the Brigadier further informed to communicate the proceedings of the inquiry to the union.

Further the AR commander also gave his assurance that similar incident will not be happen in future adding that if it does so, the involved AR personnel will be punished instantly, it said.

At the same time, the AR commander while proposing better relation between the force and the media, assured to give special concessions to media persons on duty while crossing all its check points, it continued.

The AMWJU also insisted the AR should bear the expenses of Noren`™s damaged spectacles, microphone, ID logo and medical expenses incurred and the brigadier accepted this demand, it said.

Taking the above into account and having considered the views and interests of the victims, Noren and Bipin Sharma, the standing committee of AMWJU, in the interest of the journalists and in the interest of providing news concerning the state, it has unanimously decided to life its boycott of the Assam Rifles, concluded the statement.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/amwju-lifts-ban-on-ar-news-following-assurance-by-concerned-brigadier/

IMPHAL, February 16: Most of the representatives of the All Political Party Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS), have started to raised their eyebrow on the Government`™s idea of introduction of a new Bill and law in lieu of Inner Line Permit system.

According a highly placed source, a meeting was convened at the CM`™s secretariat and was attended by members of the All Political Party Committee on ILPS, principal secretary (Home).

The meeting which commenced from 8.30 am which lasted till 11 am, deliberately discussed on the pros and cons of the proposed Manipur Visitors`™ Regulation Bill. The Bill is due to be introduced in the upcoming session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly.

In the wake of the Manipur Visitors`™ Regulation Bill, the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh, reportedly proposed for another alternative `Tenant`™s Law`.

Subsequently, another round of meeting was held at the office chamber of Law Minister Thoudam Devendra Singh around 3.30 pm wherein they resolved to form an drafting committee for the proposed `Tenant`™s Law`.

The drafting committee comprises of Law Minister, Th Devendra Singh, advocate Khaidem Mani, advocate N Kumarjit, said the sources adding that the proposal will be tabled during the assembly session.

Meanwhile, taking into consideration the formation of the new committee, most of the political party leaders deemed it was legitimate to dissolve the All Political Party Committee on JCILPS, said the source.

Moreover, it has been informed that the political parties have raised their concerns on the move of the Government, observing the proposed bill/law will not be up to live up to the expectation of the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS).

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/jcilps-expresses-unhappiness-over-govt-proposal-on-jcilps/

IMPHAL, February 16: The All Manipur College Teachers Association (AMCTA) staged a sitting protest today at the Manipur College in pursuance of various demands.

Speaking to the media persons M Lokendro, president AMCTA stated that AMCTA had submitted a memorandum to the chief minister and education minister on 16 November, 2014 and also given an ultimatum including all the demands to be fulfil by 25 November but the government still remain silent over the issue.

He further said that if the government fails to resolve the issue by 17 February, 2015 then AMCTA will cease work from 18 February, 2015indefinitely until the demands are fulfil.

The demands strongly made by the AMCTA were immediate release of a fresh notification/OM considering local conditions in respect of recruitment CAS and other service matters, cancellation of government order No 7(2)/6/2003-HE dated 14/11/2014 and appointment of regular principals to al the government colleges of Manipur.

Removal of existing commissioner (H/E), P Vaiphei from Higher Education Department and immediate release of pending due allowances ie SCA, TA etc entitled to college teachers and equivalent cadres by making correction of ROP orders dated 12/08/2011 as top priority.

M Lokendro said that AMCTA also supports All India Federation of University and College Teacher Organisation (AIFUCTO)`™s demands for the approval of MHRD regarding pending issues including UCG decisions like amending the regulations, 2010 and roll out of new regulation for CAS and Ph D regulation.

He also said that AMCTA too protest against the HRD minister attitude for denying an audience with AIFUCTO for the last nine months.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/amcta-holds-protest-to-press-demands/

IMPHAL, Feb 16: Emphasising on developing bio-resources, Union Minister for Earth Sciences, Science and Technology, Harsh Vardhan said Manipur is richly endowed with bio-resources while speaking at a reception function hosted at the State BJP`™s office.

He said his visit was scheduled on a short notice while also stressing on the contribution which can be made by the State BJP in strengthening the nation. He also stated that the potential of the State BJP will be reflected in the coming 2017 assembly elections.

Assuring on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to give priority to the State`™s development, he said the Central government is committed to favouring the North Eastern states to strengthen the nation with full dedication and sincerity. He also expressed that issues of NE States are given priority in Union Cabinet meetings.

The Union Minister further said that he has travelled many countries and visited many States of the country but nowhere did he experience as much bumps as during his tour of Henbung, back and forth, covering 100kms.

Roads appeared to be smooth but they gave the maximum jerks, he quipped.

Informing that it was the main agenda of the Union government to give priority to the development of Manipur, he said the State also needs to have a good government.

While also stressing on the importance of developing the State`™s bio-resources, he said the Central government was planning to set up a Bio-Technology Park and Women Technology Park.

He also assured to improve the existing Software Technology Park of India and the Institute of Bio-Resources and Sustainable Development at Mantripukhri, Imphal.

He said his ministry will do its best in developing Science and Technology in the State, adding that the Ministry welcomes any suggestions from the State`™s side and he will try to implement those suggestions.

The BJP is a party which has brought good governance in the country, he said, adding other parties are synonymous with corruption. He said that it was due to the BJP`™s unique governance that he, as a Union Minister, was able to visit Manipur.

The State BJP president Th Chaoba in his reception speech said Union Minister Harsh Vardhan was one of the most efficient ministers. Calling the attention of the Union Minister, he said the existing IBSD and STPI located at Mantripukhri need to be strengthened and must be made fully functional.

Women bodies in the State are very strong and motivated, Th Chaoba said, stressing on the need for setting up a women technology park in the state. He also added that the Central government must develop the bio-resources and medicinal plants found in the state.

Harsh Vardhan was received by executive members of the State BJP at its office today but there was a glitch during his reception as even before he was seated at the reception function, a power shutdown which lasted for three minutes left the BJP office in darkness.

As the State BJP office is not equipped with a power back-up, those gathered at the BJP office including the Union Minster had to wait for the power to be restored before resuming the reception function.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/state-richly-endowed-with-bioresources/

IMPHAL, February 16: The first sitting of the state level tripartite monitoring committee for ensuring and monitoring the speedy implementation of the recommendations of the Mazithiya wages boards in the State of Manipur was held on January 28 this year.

The State Government was represented by Director of Information and Public Relations W Rajen Singh and Deputy Labour Commissioner E Tomba Singh.

Newspaper establishment representatives include managing director of Sangai Express Nishikant Sapam, managing director of Poknapham Goutam Sharma and managing director of Hueiyel Lanpao S Niladhaja Singh.

All Manipur Working Journalists`™ Union president W Shyamjai Singh represented for the journalist and non-journalist employees.

The agenda items of the sitting include: to devise procedure of sitting of committee, to formulate action plan to review the implementation of the recommendations of the Mazithiya Wages Board for working journalist and non-working journalists in newspaper establishments and news agencies in the State of Manipur.

The principal secretary (Labour & Employment), Govt of Manipur in the chair welcomed all the members present and briefed them about the agenda-items of the sitting for discussion to devise procedure of sitting of the committee and to formulate action plan to review the implementation of the recommendations of the Mazithiya Wages Board for working journalists and non-working journalists in Newspaper establishments and news agencies in the state of Manipur.

He added that according to the judgement and order dated February 7, 2014 passed by the Supreme Court of India in the W.P. (C) No 246 of 2011 the said recommendations are valid in law and the wages as revised shall be payable from November 11 of 2011 when the Government of India notified the said recommendations.

All the arrears of wages up to March, 2014 shall be paid to the eligible persons in four equal instalments within a period of one year from February 7, 2014 and payment of wages and allowances of eligible persons in the revised scales shall be continued from April, 2014 onwards to the newspaper employees.

The members from the newspaper management representatives suggested that the number of members from the newspaper management representatives be increased to cover all the prominent newspaper establishments including ISTV and Impact TV in the State of Manipur.

After discussion of the suggestion of members from the newspaper management representatives, the procedure of meeting of the Manipur Building and Other Construction Workers` Advisory Committee, the class of Newspaper Establishments/News Agencies and the revised scales of wages and allowances of the Working Journalists and Non-Working Journalists applicable to the different classes of Newspaper Establishments/News Agencies placed before the meeting for reference all the members present unanimously adopted the following resolutions:

The State Government of Manipur will be moved by the Deputy Labour Commissioner for reconstitution of the Committee to include the Managing Directors/Proprietors of AZA (Ukhrul/Thangkhul), Di-Cham (Tamenglong), Hornbill (Senapati), ISTV and Impact TV, if it is possible.

It was resolved that the State Level Tripartite Monitoring Committee shall sit at such place and at such time as may be decided by the Chairman of the Committee and it shall sit at least once in six months.

Resolutions were also taken regarding the notice of sitting and list of business.

The relevant information on the Gross Revenue of the Newspaper Establishments/News Agencies for the Accounting Years, 2008-09, 2009-10 and 2010-11 and the number of Working Journalists and Non-Working Journalists employed in the Newspaper Establishments/ News Agencies during 2011, 2012 ,2013 and 2014 and the rates of wages of the said newspaper employees will be collected by Office of the Deputy Labour Commissioner, Manipur, who is enforcing the provisions of the Working Journalists and Other Newspaper Employees ( Conditions of Service ) & Misc. Provisions Act,1955, to ascertain the class of the Newspaper Establishments/ New Agencies and the implementation of the revised Scales of Wages and Allowances of the Working Journalists and Non-Working Journalists in the State of Manipur.

The information collected will be placed before the next meeting of the Committee.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/first-sitting-of-state-level-tripartite-monitoring-committee-on-scribes-wages-held/

KANGPOKPI, Feb 16: Union Minister of Science & Technology and Earth Sciences & VP, CSIR, Government of India, Dr. Harsh Vardhan on Monday inaugurated a four-storey Vigyan Sadan in the FEEDS Campus at Hengbung in Sadar Hills, Senapati district.

Accompanied by Kh. Raghumani Singh, IAS, Addl. Secretary, Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt. of Manipur, former Minister Haokholet Kipgen who is also the President of FEEDS, Laxmi Kanta Sharma, ADM, Senapati, DK. Thangboi Haokip, Addl. DC Kangpokpi along with other officials, the Union Minister earlier went around and saw the facilities in the Laboratory, the Orchidaries, Hardening Chamber and the field Gene Bank and conveyed his deep appreciation to the Orchid Research and Development Centre, Hengbung staff of their good and dedicated hard work before he inaugurated the Vigyan Sadan.

The Minister inaugurated the Vigyan Sadan right after he had been accorded a warm reception by various tribes`™ civil society organizations at the FEEDS campus.

Visibly impressed by the activities and struggles of FEEDS and its associate projects in his maiden visit to Manipur Dr. Harsh Vardhan noted the FEEDS campus at Hengbung as world class research centre at a tribal and remotest part of the country.

Inaugurating the `Vigyan Sadan` the former medical doctor and CM candidate in Delhi election 2014 was in full praise of the research centre which also holds one of the biggest and best Orchid Gene Bank in the NE region.

Speaking at the investiture function the Union Minister said that despite hearing about the State of Manipur since long, he was finally able to make it after six decades, and only after becoming a Union Minister while adding that his visit to the state endowed him with understanding the needs, particularly the needs pertaining to Science and Technology in the state.

He also assured that if the scientists and officers with the help of the Government of Manipur heaved together for the welfare of the people of Manipur, it can make this state far more improved in all respects.

`I strongly feel that in spite of over six decades since Independence our states in the North East certainly deserve better treatment, better developmental modalities and better attention`, asserted Dr. Harsh Vardhan.

I can assure you on behalf of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi that he himself, with his whole cabinet and party colleagues of BJP are thoroughly committed to ensure the development of the North eastern states and to make Manipur one of the most prosperous and scientifically development states in the country, the Union Minister said.

Further assuring Manipur and North East India of special attention by the Modi led BJP government in the Center, the Minister also called upon the youths to contribute to the welfare of the State and the nation.

Dr. Vardhan also committed to setting up of Bio-Tech Park in Manipur as proposed and declared that the issue will be discussed with Chief Minister O.Ibobi whom he is meeting by evening today.

The five times elected member from Delhi Dr. Harsh Vardhan gave special reference to protection of our environment and bio-diversity which has become the most challenging task across different countries.

ENT by medical profession and the former Minister of Health and Family welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan also promoted the Make in India policy of the Center government encouraged skilled development of the locals and upgrade through the intervention of science and technology.

A veteran politician, writer and social activist, Dr. Harsh Vardhan stated that his visit to the State will give better understanding and will develop the state in whatever way possible.

Kh. Raghumani Singh, IAS, Addl. Secretary, Dept. of Science & Technology, Govt. of Manipur stressed on the need for popularizing Science and Technology in Manipur through proper facilities and upgradation of the Science City at Takyelpat and establishment of Bio-Tech park in Manipur.

While seeking more assistance for developing the newly inaugurated Vigyan Sadan the IAS officer also acknowledged the presence of the Union Minister as a big boost to the State`™s assets like FEEDS/KVK Hengbung which is rare in the country.

Speaking on behalf of the District Administration, ADM Laxmi Kanta welcomed the Union Minister to Senapati District and expressed its happiness over the presence and concern for the District.

Haokholet Kipgen, president of the Foundation of Environment & Economic Development Service (FEEDS), who is also the vice president of BJP(ST) morcha and former Minister in the Manipur Government said that Vigyan Sadan has been constructed as a centre to promote science, technology and innovation to scale up development particularly in Manipur and the North East region in general.

He continued that FEEDS, a host institute of KVK and ORDC, is an NGO located at Hengbung, Sadar Hills, Senapati district in Manipur for promoting research, extension and development using technology and innovation.

The FEEDS set up a Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) under Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR), Govt. of India in 2002 and is extending agricultural technologies while adding that FEEDS was the first to introduced Emu birds in the Northeast Region and KVK Hengbung received the Best KVK of the North Eastern Region 2012 by ICAR.

He also said that with the support of the Department of Science and Technology, FEEDS established an Orchid Research & Development Centre (ORDC) in 2009 in its campus at Hengbung with the aim of Orchid Gene Conservation in the eastern Himalayan region.

Kuki Students`™ Organization Sadar Hills also submitted a memorandum to the Union Minister urging a Technology Centre at Kangpokpi.

Apart from ADC members, various CSOs leaders, local & village leaders, BJP workers, Horticulture and Agriculture department, Senapati, scientist and other dignitaries also attended the inauguration function.

Cultural dances were presented by Kuki-Thadou dance troupe, Maram and Poumai troupes marked the occasion.

Read more / Original news source: http://kanglaonline.com/2015/02/union-minister-dr-harsh-vardhan-inaugurates-vigyan-sadan-at-hengbung/