Cabinet nod to CBI probe into Loktak scandal

IMPHAL | July 14

In its first meeting in the hill N. Biren Singh Cabinet today resolved to hand over the case of Loktak scam to CBI. This was the first Cabinet meeting held in a district headquarters outside the state capital.

The Cabinet meeting was held at District Training Centre (DTC) Hall, near DC office, Churachandpur district headquarters.

Biren Singh was accorded a warm welcome by large number of people. He was stopped at Kangvai and Molnom to welcome him by villagers, CSOs, Iocal clubs, students and women bodies. School children, and women stood in long lines on both sides of the road to welcome Biren and members of his council of ministers from Kangvai to Churachandpur District HQ.

The team was felicitated by the district administration and people of Churachandpur at District Training Centre.

After thoroughly examining the projects taken up under Border Area Development Programme (BADP), the State Cabinet also resolved to review the mode of implementation in order to ensure a visible change in the Central Government-sponsored programme.

The Cabinet also decided to open district transport office, Moreh besides engagement of 32 drivers (30 heavy and two light) and 27 handymen on casual basis for the smooth running of the Manipur State Transport.

It also decided to fill up seven vacant posts (staff) for Manipur Human Rights Commission (MHRC).

Enhancement of upper age limit/entry of age from 62 years to 67 years and maximum age for tenure of service from 65 years to 70 years for the post of JNIMS director was also approved.

The Cabinet also gave its nod to creation of one post of public relations officer (PRO) in the governor’s secretariat, Raj Bhavan, Imphal apart from approving the proposal for re-designation of media consultant to the governor as officer on special duty (OSD) with the increase of special allowance from Rs 15,000 to Rs 30,000.

Earlier speaking on the reception Biren said it is a historic day for the new government that the first-ever cabinet meeting outside Imphal is being held today at Churachandpur district. He stressed that such remarkable step is just the beginning of the new government, which has committed to uplift the hill areas of the State.

Since its first day, the slogan of the new government is “Go to the Hills”, extra care and priority would be given for the development of the hill districts of the state, he added.

Stating the government seeks the love and support of the people of Churachandpur, he said that the government would not only discuss the problems and grievances faced by the people but will also discuss and review the developmental programmes undertaken in Churachandpur with district administration, CSOs and local leaders.

During the felicitation programme, the chief minister handed over the ex-gratia of Rs. 4 lakhs each to the family members of Shri Thangkholam Hanghal and Shri Mangtinlam Samte. The duo died after being drowned in Imphal River in the recent flash flood happened last month at W. Zoujang, Sangaikot Sub Division, Churachandpur district. Memoranda were submitted to the chief minister by various CSOs of the district during the programme.

On the occasion, he distributed the emergency medical kit to all the district level officers and police vehicles of the Churachandpur district.

Later, Biren along with ministers and officials planted trees at the premises of district training centre, Churachandpur.