Day: July 27, 2017

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 27

In the hope to get more help from the state government in protection of women in the state, a one-day consultation cum public meeting was held today at Lamyanba Shanglen.

It was organised by civil society organisations including Women Action for Development (WAD), Naga Women Union (NWU), Centre for Women Development (CWD), United NGOs Mission-Manipur among others.

Secretary of WAD, Sobita Mangsatabam giving the keynote address highlighted that there is an increase of crimes against women in the state which is really disturbing. She said that as per data collection, there are 186 cases of violence against women from January 1 to July 25 this year.

The reports itself speaks volumes of the state situation and a remedy should be brought soon to tackle violence against women, she continued.

Chinglen Maisnam, economist of MU said that the daily reports of crime against women in the newspapers are now habituated by people. Such news items do not make people curious anymore, he continued.

He also said that Manipur has a report of one crime against women in every nine days. But despite this, it also has one of the lowest submissions of charge-sheet and that means there is no conviction and many cases go unsolved.

He also mentioned one of the amazing facts of the country that while the reports of crime against women are increasing, as many as 24 members of high government officials have cases against them and still they run the government.

1. Jibanmala Devi, secretary of CWD, briefing media persons said that “we are thankful to the present state government that they have responded well to our demands and for setting up fast track court to deal cases against women and a women helpline number”.

She pointed out that holding such consultation programme may not affect immediately but “it may at least reach the ears of the MLAs and ministers of the state so that they would extend their possible help in fighting crime against women in the state”.

This is also an awareness programme plus punishment demands to the culprits plus the teaching of socialisation process to the public to live by morals and values, she added.

The meeting was also attended by Romeo Yuhlung, secretary of United Tribal Development Programme (UTDP), Okram Ranjita, secretary of Singjamei Apunba Chanura Sintha Lup, L. Pisak, director of Childline Bishnupur, Lalam Mate, president of All Tribal Women Development Organisation Chandel among others.

IMPHAL | July 27

The Manipur Government Services’ Federation has strongly condemned the statement given by deputy chief minister on the floor of the House about implementation of 7th Pay Commission on July 25.

A release said the deputy CM, Y. Joykumar, who is also the finance minister should understand that all other states have already implemented 7th Pay.

“It should be recalled that the BJP’s vision document published during last Assembly electioneering might have not been gone through by the deputy CM as he responded with a half-baked knowledge,” the release allged. “The immature and incapable minister should be excluded from the Council of Ministers so as to find a clean and ideal governance in the state.”

The federation has stated that they are not in the mode of agitation as per understanding made with the chief secretary on July 13 and further warned that if the government fails to implement the recommended 7th Pay, there will be a strong outrage from different types of employees across the state.

The Joint Administrative Council (JAC) of All Manipur Trade Union Council (AMTUC) and All Manipur Government Employees Organisation (AMGEO) also condemned the statement of Kh. Joykumar, finance minister in-charge, in which the state has not yet prepared for implementing 7th Central Pay in the Manipur Assembly session of July 25.

Khaidem Mani, president of AMTUC and AMGEO, said the organisations will launch agitation such as mass casual leave, pen-down strike and work to rules with black badge if the matter is not brought up in the ongoing Assembly session. 

Mani said, “effective functioning of the government needs the help of its employees.” He added that the organisations are disappointed as the government does not pay heed to the matter despite suspension of their strike.

He further said the employees of central government have already enjoyed 7th pay commission.

On 17th November, 2016 in the chamber of chief secretary, government of Manipur, the chief secretary had committed to the core committee and executive council members of AMTUC and AMGEO for positive response of 22 points charter of demands. Among the legitimate 22 points charters of demand submitted to chief minister on October 10 2016, 7th central pay is one of the important points, he added.

1. Biken Singh, secretary general, AMTUC and AMGEO, said that members of the organisations have discussed the implementation of 7th Pay with the government in April this year. But there is no sign of positive response from the government till now. He added that if there is communication gap between the government and its employee then, it will not be called as good governance. He also said that the government has acted contrarily on the demands made by the organisations.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 27

The cyber crime unit, Imphal west arrested two persons yesterday for uploading a group photo on Facebook with a caption “leimaramda hidak ngaorambi police na faraba nupi sing” on 24 July which later went viral in social media.

The two arrested persons are identified as Moirangthem Dorendro (26) son of late M. Babumacha of Charangpat Mamang Leikai and Sorokhaibam Opal (38) son of S. Temba of Oinam Awang Leikai.

They were arrested following a complaint filed to the police stating that one Dorendro Moirangthem and one person with Facebook profile name Sorokhaibam Opal uploaded a group photo caption with “leimaramda hidak ngaorambi police na farba nupising” on his Facebook page.

The complained also stated that the act outraged the modesty of her in various way by using electronic media and moreover it created problems in her family life thereby causing bad reputation and outraging the modesty of the women in society.

The complaint was forwarded to cyber crime unit, Imphal West and accordingly the cyber crime unit, Imphal West conducted an inquiry regarding the matter and were able to arrest the two accused persons.

The police team also seized their mobile phones with SIM cards which were used in the commission of the crime.

The arrested persons were produced before the chief judicial magistrate, Imphal West and the court remanded both the accused to five days police custody for further investigation as prayed by the investigating officer of the case.

IMPHAL | July 27

Comptroller and Auditor General of India report for the year ended March 31, 2016 said that annual programme implementation plan of Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) to improve the nutritional and health status and non-formal pre-school education of children in the age-group of 0-6 years with a view to reduce the incidence of mortality, morbidity, malnutrition and school dropout was not realistic and several deficiencies were noticed in the planning process.

As per report the social welfare department prepared annual plans for three years (2013-14 to 2015-16) but it did not prepare for the preceding two years (2011-12 to 2012-13), it said.

The report said the state could not utilize the available fund under the scheme during 2011-12 to 2015-16. Further, the state share was not fully released during the last five years. The report also said that there were delay in release of ICDS fund, violation of provision of Central Treasury Fund (CTR) by depositing fund under the major head 8449, Detailed Countersigned Contingent (DCC) bills submitted without vouchers and irregular withdrawal of Fully Vouched Contingent bills.

The report further said that construction of 336 Anganwadi Centre (AWC) buildings was not started in spite of payment of Rs. 5.52 crore. According to the report, there were 645 AWC building against 2709 AWCs. Out of these, 180 were pucca buildings, 127 were semi-pucca and remaining 336 were kutcha buildings. The audit report also could not find assurance on quality service in view of inadequate space and furniture at the AWCs.

Moreover, lack of hygiene and sanitation was noticed in the test checked AWCs. As per report, none of the test checked AWCs had drinking water facility, weighing machines and medicine kits, and also, Pre School Education (PSE) kits were inadequate. 

Supplementary nutrition was interrupted by up to six months in a year and instances of providing supplementary nutrition below the required 25 days in a month were also noticed. Such interruptions would also have adverse impact on other components of the scheme such as PSE as children are likely to be discouraged to attend for PSE in the absence of supplementary nutrition, the report added.

There was a loss of scheme fund of Rs. 5 crore due to excess engagement of UDC/LDC(96 regular clerical staff for the 43 ICDS projects) the social welfare department against the prescribed norms and infructuous expenditure of 4.24 crore on idle staff (29 drivers).

Furthermore, there was lack of monitoring and supervision of AWCs by ICDS officials. The report said coordination of policy and implementation amongst the various departments to promote child development was not achieved. Also, there were irregular implementation of Management Information System (MIS) in ICDS and implementation of Kishori Shakti Yojana (KSY) scheme.

The report recommended that the government may consider to assess infrastructure requirement and take appropriate steps to ensure provision of adequate infrastructure facilities to implement all the components of ICDS in an effective manner, to augment the capacity of the scheme functionaries to the required standards through timely training and in consonance with the targets fixed under state training action plan, to take up adequate steps to test the quality of supplementary nutrition items and strive for uninterrupted distribution, to strengthen monitoring of the construction of AWC buildings so as to ensure quality and their timely completion and strengthening and streamlining regular monitoring and supervision of ICDS projects and AWCs to facilitate effective follow-up.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 27

The Integrity Protection Day was observed today by ACOAM-Lup, Kangleipak in coordination with various social activities and academicians at Manipur Press Club, Imphal.

Speaking as presidium member of the function, United Committee Manipur (UCM), president, Johnson Elangbam said that militant groups under the suspension of operation (SoO) have become a threat to the general public as they killed many innocent people and conducted many extortion from the innocent public.

The government has not taken up any action against violation of SoO ground rules, he charged.

He said safeguarding the state’s territorial integrity and communal harmony is firm stand of the people of the state but militant groups under SoO like KNA and UPF are trying to break up the state’s integrity and unity.

The UCM president blamed the state government for allowing the SoO groups to exercise their power to the civilians by breaking the ground rules.

He urged the state government to take up action and operation against such SoO militant groups if they violate the ground rules.

Stating that SoO groups pressured Kuki brothers and sisters to demand separate Kuki homeland and Kuki territorial council, which will affect the integrity of the state Johnson warned that the state government should be responsible if any communal riot breaks out.

A two minute silence was observed to honour the 18 martyrs.

The function was attended by ACOAM-Lup, Kangleipak president, Ksh. Somorendro, national awardee, H. Ibotombi Khuman, PANDM  president, Y. Dilipkumar, IPSA president, Kh. Chingkhei Luwang, Kanglamei president, Y. Leirikleima and KIL president, R.K. Sanahanbi as presidium members.

IMPHAL | July 27

In a reply to a question of MLA, Okram Henry on the seventh day of the ongoing Assembly session, Labour minister Th. Radheshyam said that under the department, the Manipur Skill Development Mission has been set up to monitor and implement various skill development programmes.

The minister further relying to a question from the same MLA regarding various steps and schemes taken up to give employment to the youths, said, under the Pradhan Mantri Kausal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) which is being implemented by the Manipur Society for Skill Development (MSSD) targets to give skill training and job replacement link to 32,472 youths.

In another question raised by MLA, D. Korungthang pertaining to the present status of the alternate route to the National Highways from Wangjing to Khudengthabi via Heirok and Machi, Works minister Th. Biswajit replied that feasibility study is in progress by NHIDCL.

Answering to Wangkhei A/C MLA, Okram Henry’s question, Textiles, Commerce & Industries minister, Th. Biswajit  stated that DPR (Detailed Project Report) is under preparation in consultation with the technical committee constituted by the government and that the modality for running the Manipur Spinning Mills will be decided in due course.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 27

In a shocking incident, a lady who came to avail medical treatment in JNIMS was allegedly turned away for “no reasons” by an attendant.

The patient, identified as M. Thaba Devi (55) a resident of Konung Mamang, who has complaint of thyroid went to see the doctors at JNIMS today.

Like everyone else, Thaba accompanied by her sister-in-law, reportedly got herself a ticket after standing a long queue from 9am.

As per the ticket she was to see a medicine doctor in room No.117 and the same was also directed by the clerk in the counter.

Subsequently, Thaba and her sister-in-law approached an attendant of room No.117 and submitted the tickets and waited for her turn.

After a long wait, Thaba who was in serial number 33, was finally called at around 3.30 pm in by a lady attendant.

To her surprise, Thaba was reportedly asked by the attendant to produce previous papers of consultation with the doctor in the room.

Thaba alleged that she was asked to leave the doctor’s room after being informed that a referral paper from another doctor is needed if she is to see the present doctor (in room 117). The doctor was also present in the room.

She strongly resented on the attitude of the staff of the JNIMS depriving the right of a patient.

“We came to JNIMS for we cannot afford to go to private hospital. Is this the way a patient should be treated in a government hospital? We have waited for our turn since early morning and we even skipped our lunch only to be turned away for reasons not known to us”, she lamented.

She appealed to the authority concerned to look into the matter in the interest of poor people like me.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 27

Altogether five demands for grants amounting to Rs.1412,71,29,000 for the year 2017-18, were unanimously passed by the House on the seventh day of the ongoing budget session today.

The demands passed by the House are demand No. 7 police Rs. 1359,72,11,000, demand No.24 vigilance Rs. 3,92,62,000, demand No. 31 fire protection and control Rs. 13,85,45,000, demand No. 32 jails Rs. 19,61,58,000 and demand No.33 home guards Rs. 15,59,53,000.

Motion for disapproval of policy cut was moved by the Opposition bench on four of the five demands except jails.

The demands were unanimously passed by both the benches after the cut motion moved by the Opposition bench was withdrawn after deliberate discussion.

The MLAs participated in the discussion and voting for the grants were K Ranjit, Yamthong Haokip, Kh Joykishan, Abdul Nasir, K Meghachandra, Okram Henry and Surjakumar Okram.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 27

Chief minister, N. Biren Singh today informed the Manipur Legislative Assembly that the state government and Centre will start dialogue with Kuki militants under Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement and find a solution to the armed movement within a stipulated time.

Biren was responding to queries raised by the Opposition bench in connection with demand No. 7 police on the seventh day of the ongoing budget session.

The Opposition MLAs while moving their cut motions alleged that the state government has failed to control cadres under SoO groups besides other illegal activities that violate ground rules.

Biren further divulged that to initiate the dialogue the government has appointed retired IB director, Debendra Sharma, as interlocutor.

The dialogue with Kuki militant under the two constituent group, UPF and KNO, was earlier proposed to be held on August 4 but owing to some technical shortcomings the talks has been deferred and likely to begin by August 10, said Biren.

He further maintained that the government will make sure that the dialogue does not prolong and try its best to find a solution within a year or two.

“The people of Manipur particularly in hill districts have enough of the activities of militants due to prolonged extension of SoO or cease-fire. So we will make sure that a solution to the problem is brought at the earliest”, he assured.

Clarifying on allegation of failure to curb extortion along the National Highways, the chief minister maintained that the army and police are under strong instruction to keep strict vigil on militant activities.

As a result, altogether 33 cadres of NSCN have been arrested for extortion since the BJP led government came to power. Similarly, altogether 52 cadres of different groups under the SoO were also reportedly arrested for violation of ground rules. Of the total arrested SoO cadres 12 KNA cadres was reportedly arrested from Churachandpur for creating chaos and 26 cadres of UKLF along with arms during a raid in their camps.

Biren further informed the House that the government will not tolerate violation of ground rules by any militant groups under SoO or cease fire and befitting action will be taken according to the law.

With regards to setting up of National Highway Protection Force (NHPF), he revealed that the Centre has given nod for establishment of four IRB battalions rather than the desired NHPF on technical grounds.

The recruitment for the IRB will begin once the vacant post in for the state forces which is 7411 is filled, he said.

According to Biren, the total sanctioned posts for the state forces including IRB are 30,819 out of which 23,398 already filled leaving 7,411 vacant. The process for filing up of the vacancies has already been started by the previous government, said the chief minister.

To curb other chronic problems vexing the department like mob justice, slow investigation etc, he said the present government has started taking initiative in various capacities considering the priorities of the public.

Setting of community policing, separate fast track court for women and children, separate traffic wing etc are some of the initiative, he said adding that strong instruction has been given to police not to jeopardize any case due to failure to file charge-sheet in time, he said.

While clarifying on the demands of the agitating home guards, he said that the government is presently not in the position to fulfil the demands in toto due to financial constraints.

If the demand of the home guards is to be made as per the order of the Supreme Court there will be huge financial involvement, he said. Nevertheless, he assured the House that the government will see what can be done to ease the grievances to some extent.

The chief minister further reiterated that there is no pre-condition agenda on the tripartite talks to be held between the state, Centre and UNC.

From Our Correspondent 

UKHRUL | July 27

A one day tour program to Paoyi, Paorei and Phungcham village was carried out by Pawan Yadav SDO of Chingai and LM Block along with Philachui Sharon, district coordinator SSA-RTE Ukhrul, Dr. Ramakhrishna, Program Coordinator, KVK Ukhrul.

The tour also includes Rinshang Pheiray, Zila Swachh Bharat Prerak, ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation & Tata Trusts, Ukhrul to oversee the various development programs being implemented in the three villages.

In the surprise visit, sub-letting of teachers was found in most of the schools. There was no drinking water facilities and separate toilets for boys and girls. Mid-Day meals were provided but not regularly due to inadequate provisions of rice. Most of the students have received their school uniforms from SSA except Paoyi Government High School.

Paoyi Government High School with a total of 118 students is functioning without Maths and Science teachers. Paorei Primary School is running with crack wall and without kitchen. The school building is in a dilapidated condition.

The roof of two class room of Paocham High School destroyed last year by storm is yet to be repaired. The headmaster of the school said that the matter has already been reported to the authority concerned in 2016. Besides, there is no chowkidar at Phungcham Primary School.

The school has a high record of student’s enrolments with strength of 176 students. One of the buildings with two classrooms is in a dilapidated condition which needs immediate repairing.

Awareness on biometric enrolment, MGNREGS Job Card verification and on-going Swachh Bharat Mission was disseminated to the villagers. The visiting team had an interaction with the teachers, students and meeting with the villagers.

Pawan Yadav gave assurance to refer the problems and the issues of the schools to the higher authority.

IMPHAL| July 27

A district wise training programme of the staff members of the institutions under the Council of Higher Secondary Education for the online submission of enrolment and registration of students for class XI and XII was organised today at the meeting hall of the council.

On the first day of the programme today, 80 staff members of institutions from the allotted districts were imparted hands on training for the online submission, said a release. The programme is taken up as a part of the digitisation of the students’ data, it said adding after the completion of the training programme, the online submission and registration will commence from the first week of August. The training programme will continue up till July 31, it added.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | July 27

Deputy Commissioner of Tamenglong, Armstrong Pame organised awareness and registration drive on Good and Services Tax (GST) at the conference hall of DC office, Tamenglong today.

Hundreds of shopkeepers attended the first ever awareness campaign on GST in Tamenglong. Officials of state government who attended as resource persons were assistant commissioner of taxes, R. K. Khurkishore Singh and superintendents of taxes N. Denish Singh, Ph. Agang Kabui and Amos Kamei.

Armstrong Pame said that his personal assistant Rachubiu Pame has appointed temporary coordinator to monitor and registration of GST in the district headquarters till the department depute a staff.

The department is not in a position to depute a staff or sanction money to repair the room for office in the district, he added.

He also assured all the shop owners and traders to open one facilitation counter at the office complex of the DC Tamenglong.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 27

In an aim to educate the deeper logics and teachings of philosophy, a five-day teachers’ orientation course started today at DM College of Arts, philosophy department. It is also organised by the same.

During the opening function, Dorendra Singh, retired principal of DM College of Arts who was also the chief guest said that philosophy is one of the most regarded subjects and a respectable profession.

He talked about contemporary philosophy and analytical philosophy which is also the topics to be discussed in the orientation course.

He went on by saying that in philosophy, one of the most important logic is “it is our common property” and that common sense is the original home of philosophers and without it, no philosopher can substantiate its theory or thesis.

Professor S. Shyamkishore Singh, retired head dean of humanities, MU and Sharangajit Khundrakpam, president of DM College of Arts attended the function as presidium members.

IMPHAL | July 27

Maram Khullen Circle Youth & Students’ Association (MKCYSA) expressed its strong resentment against the transfer order of the Maram PHC senior most Medical Officer (SMO) in-charge, Dr. Ngouniba Peter.

A release said the transfer order has come a time when the PHC is doing so well under the said doctor. Medical facilities at Maram PHC has today become a 24×7 medical aid centre rendering prompt services not only to the locals but to the vast area populace including Mao, Poumai, Upper Zaliang areas, Don Bosco college students and other emergency patients and casualties, it added.

The local populace considers the sudden transfer of the SMO as an injustice and a measure of discouragement to an honest, efficient and hard-working government servant, it said.

From Our Correspondent

CHURACHANDPUR | July 27

Under the chief minister’s Green Manipur initiative, the deputy commissioner of Churachandpur, Shyam Lal Poonia, superintendent of police Rakesh Balwal, DLOs and civil organisations today carried out a tree plantation drive at the mini secretariat and staff quarters campus, Churachandpur

Officials from various government departments, representatives from civil societies and media persons participated in the drive.

Speaking on the occasion, Shyam Lal Poonia stressed on the need to take up serious steps towards plantation of new trees and at the same time to preserve the existing forest to maintain ecological balance for sustainable future.

He also appealed to all the stakeholders to come forward and help in achieving the goal of Green Manipur.

Search operation

In view of Independence Day on August 15, about 100 personnel of Churachandpur district police conducted a cordon and search operation in the areas of the district from 4 am to 6 am today.

The operation was led by additional SP L. Khongsai along with SDPOs Augustine Khongsai and Johnny Sharma from Thanlon and Churachandpur and altogether around 300 people were verified, out of which 16 persons could not produce valid documents and they were taken to Churachandpur police station for further verification.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 27

Coalition of Indigenes’ Rights Campaign (CIRCA), Manipur’s student front appealed to all the colleges and schools students across the state to hoist the Manipur “national flag” in their respective schools and college on August 14 (Manipur Independence Day).

Addressing a press meet today at CIRCA office at Kwakeithel, Imphal CIRCA, convenor, Moirangthem Angamba Meitei said that hosting of Manipur “national flag” is to remember and show to the world that  Manipur was once an independent country.

CIRCA will organise a function on August 11, to let the students aware about the “Instrument of Accession” signed between the Maharaja of Manipur and the Governor General of India on August 11, 1947, he added.

According to the Instrument of Accession, any function in relation to the administration of the state and law of the dominion should be exercised by the state, except for the defence, communication, action and affairs, continued the convenor.

CIRCA, co-convenor, Rajesh Yumnam said that the “nation flag” of Manipur will be available in the head office and all the branch offices of Democratic Students Alliance Manipur and Apunba Ireipakki Meheiro Sinpanglup which are CIRCA student’s front organisation.

The venue of the function on Instrument of Accession will be announced soon, he added.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | July 27

To protest over the alleged assault to the president of students’ union, Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy, Joint Tribal Students’ Union, Imphal has appealed to all tribal students to abstain from attending their respective classes from July 28.

Lensonthang Haokip, president, JTSU-I said that Mini Baite, president, Students’ Union Ananda Singh Higher Secondary Academy was assaulted by some students near the school toilet with no clear reason.

He continued that the student body demanded the school authority to resolve the matter by bringing an understanding within three days on July 24. The student body also served an ultimatum that the school authority that if the matter is not resolved within the stipulated time the tribal students will abstain from their respective class until it is resolved amicably.

“Therefore, we asked all the tribal students to stay away from their respective classes from tomorrow as the school authority has failed to resolve the matter”, said Haokip.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 27

The intending candidate of Takyel Gram Panchayat L. Geetchandra objected to holding the lottery for the pradhans and members for women’s seat reservations in SC, ST categories for gram panchayat election of Imphal West yesterday.

He alleged that the lottery was held without conforming to the rules laid down by the Centre for the panchayat election. He said the basis of rules for the lottery was different from other districts.

Geetchandra said as per the panchayat rule, those who were unreserved in the last election lottery must be reserved in the next lottery. But for Imphal West only ST seats were taken out and all the remaining seats were conducted lottery.

However, when he made inquiries officials did not entertain his complaint.

He urged the government to look into the matter within tomorrow itself and demanded that the concerned authority must clarify the matter.