By A Staff Reporter
IMPHAL | July 29
Commerce and industries minister, Th Biswajit, today informed the House that the survey for exploration of oil in the state have been completed and identified several areas having prospect of oil and gas deposits.
Th Biswajit was responding motion for disapproval of policy cut by Opposition MLAs for demand No. 21 commerce and industries during the ongoing budget session.
He said that survey was conducted by Jubilant Oil and gas private limited.
A total area of 2,217 sq/km was surveyed by the companies including Churachandpur, Tamenglong, Jiribam in the first block, and Tamenglong, Jiribam in the second block, he said.
Clarifying on the sluggish nature of the oil exploration process, he maintained that it was owing to technical grounds and objection from some local civil bodies.
The minister elaborated that the company has requested for force majeure to begin drilling purpose which requires brining in heavy machineries in the state.
However, with the machineries weighing 56 to 59 tons and over 4 metres wide, which is beyond the capabilities of the existing roads and bridges in the state, road diversion is required, he said.
Informing that creating road diversion would only be possible during lean season, Bishwajit said, adding that the department is constantly in touch with the company and BRO.
Bishwajit further informed that House that the department is also likely to sign Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with private companies for setting up of manufacturing unit for cement in the state after the Assembly session.
He revealed that there are about 34.658 million tons of limestone deposit in Chandel and 24.35 million tons in Ukhrul district.
Moreover, he asserted that mining prospect for gold, gemstones and other valuable minerals is in the pipeline of the mining division of the department.
Altogether three private companies including Kotak Mahindra and other two private companies have approached the department, he said.
Thongam Biswajit, who is also in-charge of information and public relation (IPR), informed the House that a site for the construction of a Press Park has been identified at Langjing Achouba in Imphal West district and that a 3 acre land has been identified for the park.
He further pointed out that in 2007, under the Manipur Working Journalists Pension Scheme, retired journalists (retired) and families of journalists were provided Rs. 2000 and Rs. 1000 which was eventually increased to Rs. 4000 and Rs. 2000 respectively since 2014.
He continued that at the moment the government is considering for enhancement of the amount to Rs. 6000 and Rs.3000 respectively. There is also a provision to increase the amount from time to time, he added.
Although the IPR plays important role in disseminating information regarding schemes and works of the government, there is still shortage of man-power in the department with a total vacant post of 56 against its sanction post of 199, he asserted.
He clarified that some translators of the department are presently utilised as reporters at District Information Offices on temporary basis where there are lack of information staff.
Biswajit further stated that the government is targeting to generate 1.5 lakh employments through the different departments in a year so that 7.5 lakh jobs are generated during 5 years. Under the Commerce and Industries department, job generation will be possible under Manipur Food Industries Company Limited, promotion of weavers under Handloom and Handicrafts, etc. He continued strengthening of the General Manager District Industry Centres will also help in employment generation.
Corporation minister, Nemcha Kipgen replying to cut motion moved by the opposition bench, said that despite the department being neglected for many years the present government during the past three months are leaving no stones unturned to improve the Co-operative movement.
She maintained that under the active and tireless leadership of chief minister N. Biren Singh, the department has been reviewed and a special package of Rs 541.70 crores have been submitted to the Central government.
Regarding salaries of the 142 newly appointed Co-operative Inspectors, the Minister said DCs of Kangpokpi, Ukhrul and Chandel have been instructed to release the salaries whereas that of the remaining districts will be released after due process is completed.
Forest and environment minister, Th. Shyamkumar clarified that due to shortage of staff in the department, prevention of deforestation cannot be launched extensively. The Reserved Forest Area is being encroached by individuals holding Dak Chitas and Pattas.
The minister further stated that as compared to the last decade, the population of Sangai has increased considerably to 260 due to the initiative of the government. He continued the animals are under constant surveillance and they are vaccinated when the need arise.
Forest guards were issued weapons earlier, however with the law and order deteriorating during the 1980s, the weapons were deposited to the government, he said.
The minister also said that 167 wetlands have been identified in the State to be preserved.
He said during the period from April 1, 2017 till date, his department has collected a total tax of Rs. 6 crore 31 lakhs, whereas the previous government during its 5 years (till March 31, 2017) had collected only Rs. 6 crore 21 lakhs.
In order to protect Indigenous plants, the “Green India Mission” was initiated for which Rs 26 crore has been sanctioned for the State, he said.
The House today passed four Demands for Grants amounting to Rs. 3, 74, 00, 08,000 including Demand No. 9 Information and Publicity, Demand No. 16 Co-operation, Demand No. 19 Environment and Forest and Demand No. 21 Commerce and Industries.
Opposition MLAs K Ranjit Singh, Th Lokeshwar Singh, D Korungthang, K Meghachandra, RK. Imo, Surjakumar Okram and Ak Mirabai participated in the discussion of the demands. MLA Awangbou Newmai from the Treasury Bench also participated during the discussion.
Read more / Original news source: http://www.ifp.co.in/item/2357-oil-exploration-completed-extraction-in-the-offing