Month: October 2017

IMPHAL | Oct 3

The Manipur Home Guard Employees Welfare Association postponed their intensifed agitation planned to be launched today in view of the panchayat, zilla parishad elections.

Speaking to media persons today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal the association’s general secretary, Kh. Inaobi said that the association appreciates the steps taken by the chief minister to release their pending salary in the interest to Ningol Chakouba festival.

She hoped that the DGP and the home guard CO will release the four to five months pending salary as directed by the chief minister.

A delegation association will visit the Prime Minister and the Union home minister to submit memorandum to increase the monthly allowance as directed by the Supreme Court.

The association once again appealed to the government to increase their monthly allowance as per the order of Supreme Court as a salary of only Rs. 5,000 is very small to support a family.

Our Bureau 

IMPHAL | Oct 3

Education is not only about getting good marks. It is a kind of training which will equip an individual to face obstacles in life. Besides parents and guardians should mould young minds to become good leaders of the society, said Th. Radheshyam.

The education made the statement as chief guest during the inauguration of Atal Tinkering Lab & LEGO carnival of Herbert School at Changangei, here today. 

Radheshyam continued Atal Tinkering Lab & LEGO carnival in itself is to train and innovate the next generation to be a solution giver rather than become part of the problem.

He explained to the students that they are now in a very important stage of life being in the higher secondary. He said the future lies in their hands and they have to learn to make the right choice through right decisions.

The world is moving at a very fast pace today, and while learning new things one must try to grasp knowledge that could be relevant to the society and life, he added.

National Institute of Electronics Informations Technolohgy, Imphal, executive director, Th. Prameshor Singh who attended the function as the guest of honour said students need to learn to identify their dream and goal to achieve it.

He also warned the students to be careful while using internet and told them to make the best use of library, radio and newspaper.

Atal Tinkering Laboratories is a scheme with a vision to ‘Cultivate one Million children in India as Neoteric Innovators’, under Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) including Self-Employment and Talent Utilization (SETU) of NITI Aayog (National Institution for Transforming India), government of India’s endeavour to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Various schools of Manipur from both government and private schools are being selected for the scheme.

Principal of the School, K. Nabachandra Singh, invitees, teachers, students and parents attended the inaugural function.

IMPHAL | Oct 3 

The Kuki civil societies and students’ organisations of Sadar Hills, Kangpokpi district has expressed their disappointment over the decision of the State Level Kut Committee (SLKC) Manipur to organise state level Kut program of this year in Imphal instead of Kangpokpi due to certain communication gap.

A joint statement of United Welfare Committee, KSO and Kuki Inpi of Kangpokpi district said that they express deep regret that due to certain misinformation only that they could not make it to the meeting called by SLKC to finalise the Kut venue yesterday.

“However, we had a meeting the same day in Kangpokpi where we did not welcomed the idea of not holding state level Kut in Kangpokpi this time but also expressed our readiness to extend full cooperation in this regard”, it said.

Further it said, “After all, it is more than ten years that the state level Kut has been organised in the hills but continuously done in Imphal on ground of bad law and order situation in the hill” and added that “Now the situation in the hills has improved and we also would do our best to ensure that the Kut programs are done without any disturbances”.

It appealed the SLKC to review their decision regarding the state level Kut venue of this year.

From Our Correspondent

JIRIBAM | Oct 3

Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Jiribam has organised a reception ceremony today at the Raja Ram Mohan Library Hall, Babapura, Jiribam for the newly elected, local MLA of Jiribam assembly constituency,  Md. Ashab Uddin who attended the reception as the chief guest.

Md. Ashab Uddin speaking on the occasion said he would like to request the intellectuals of Jiribam to write a true history of place. If any Bangladeshis are traced in it, he would gladly assist himself in pushing them out of Jiribam, he said.

Otherwise, confusions are created amongst the people and this has disturbed the communal harmony, he said expressing his desire to stop creating confusions.

He further said the people would not like to keep outsiders amongst them and there are many reports in the newspapers which said there is an influx of outsiders. However, it is not clear from what source they are relying on, he said. “If there really is an influx of outsiders, should not the authorities concerned try to find out where they are?” he demanded.

“Jiribam is a place that has concerns for Manipur and therefore, it is requested that instead of observing looks and appearances, please write the history of Manipur. I am ready to bear all the costs of the process,” he stressed.

He further expressed that the people living in Imphal have negative views about them. The Bengalis residing at Jiribam are wrongly taken as Bangladeshis. Being a Manipuri born at Jiribam, they sometimes face difficulties while visiting Imphal, he said.  Even at Jiribam they are detained often in the name of verification, he said.

On the occasion, president, Manipuri Sahitya parishad, Jiribam, S. Khogendro, local MLA, Md. Ashab uddin and retired C.O. 5th M.R. , Y. Ashok kumar singh attended as chief guest, president and guest of honour, respectively.

A poetry recitation programme was held as a part of the reception. Around 20 poets read out poems. Writer, Tha-Panthoi attended as the felicitator, former president, Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Kh.Kanta singh from Mizoram also took part.

Local MLA, Md. Ashab Uddin donated Rs. 10,000 to Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Jiribam.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | Oct 3

“In recent years, Indian women including the women community of Manipur are extensively and steadily empowering through the present BJP government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi”, claimed minister Nemcha Kipgen.

The social welfare and cooperation minister, said this during L.P.G. safety clinic cum distribution of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) today at community hall, Kangpokpi.

The social welfare minister also said that the government has launched several schemes catering to every section of the society and it is now the responsibility of the public to take these schemes to the genuine beneficiaries in a transparent and judicious manner while reiterating her call for change of mind-set and work culture.

Stressing the Prime Minister’s concerned and care for the women community of the Nation, Nemcha said that it is hard to define the love and concerned of our PM towards women community of India while adding that he has taken several big decisions to empower women by increasing and improving the socio-economic, political and legal strength of the women and to ensure equal-right.

The minister while emphasising on the Centre’s commitment on development of the poorest sections of the society also said that PMUY is the people-oriented scheme which seeks to empower women and protect their health by shifting them from traditional cooking based on unclean cooking fuels or on fossil fuels to clean cooking gas and it is a part of the Prime Minister’s dream of ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ with the tagline of ‘Swachh Indhan, Behtar Jeevan’.

Under PMUY women belonging to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families would be provided clean cooking fuel. The scheme aims to provide LPG connections to 5 crore BPL households by 2019 across the country and offers assistance of Rs 1600 for one connection.

Expressing gratitude to M/S JS. Indane, Kangpokpi for their judicious service, Nemcha said that she is extremely happy to learn the former has been delivering service even to the remote and un-motorable areas by foot.

Nemcha further urged all village chiefs, chairman, heads, Khullakpa, Gaon Bura and concerned responsible persons to take initiative in the enrolment process of their respective villagers to avail all the government schemes mean for them.

The minister also called for unity irrespective of communities so as to ensure grassroots level development in the district.

As a symbolic launch of PMUY in the district, Nemcha handed over LPG connections to 51 beneficiaries on the occasion in the presence of other dignitaries.

The occasion was also attended by T.C. Token, F.O. I.O.C, Kangpokpi town committee chairman, Chonkam Kipgen, Mother’s Union President, Themlhing Lhouvum, KYU president Tolminthang Kipgen and Nenem Misao, proprietor, M/S JS. Indane, Kangpokpi.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Oct 3

President of Democratic Students Alliance of Manipur (DESAM), Moirangthem Angamba Meitei today demanded that a ministerial team should sent to urge Uttar Pradesh government for investigation into Pravish Chanam’s mystery death.

Speaking to media persons at the head office of Samaj Tengbang Lup, Uripok Achom Leikai

Angamba said killing and loss of Manipuri students and employees outside the state has been occurring frequently in the last few months. The cases of Moirangthem Sidharth, who was found dead after falling from the second floor of a restaurant in Delhi, mysterious death of Pravish Chanam in Noida, Uttar Pradesh and Taorem Bitoo of Khuyathong, who went missing from Masti Park, Delhi under mysterious circumstances are cause for concern.

Angamba condemned the state government for not bringing a solution to the incidents. He also condemned all political parties for not taking initiatives. The case of Pravish is suspicious and instead of assigning a police officer for investigating the case a ministerial team should be assigned to conduct proper investigation, Angamba said.

He claimed the state government should give pressure to the Uttar Pradesh government to solve the case of Pravish immediately to give a clear result of the case.

Convenor of Peoples Action Committee against the brutal killing Pravish Chanam of Uripok Achom Leikai at UP, Ahongsangbam Pholen said the mysterious killing of Pravish and his body’s cremation as unclaimed body despite filing missing report at Noida police is unacceptable.

The government should take steps to prevent such incident in future. If the state government fails to find a reasonable report within five days from today, intense agitation will start, Pholen warned.

MOREH | Oct 3

As part of the NE Manipur visit, the defence secretary of India, Ashokumar Gupta arrived today at border town of Manipur, Moreh and inspected different places of the town.

The defence secretary was accompanied by Tengnoupal SP, S. Ibomcha and Moreh ADC, N. Gojendro.

He inspected the Tamil Temple of gate number two, ICP of gate number one and border pillar number 78 and 79 along with the territorial boundaries.  

He also appreciated Tengnoupal SP, S. Ibomcha for imposing the Indian traffic rule in Indian Territory from Indo-Myanmar Friendship Bridge of gate number one to Land Customs which previously followed the Myanmar traffic rules.

IMPHAL | Oct 3

Consumer affairs, food and public distribution minister, Karam Shyam today said that the government under the leadership of chief minister, N. Biren Singh is firm in its stand to work for the development of the State.

Speaking to the media at his official residence at Sanjenthong, Shyam said that constructive criticism on the policies and programmes undertaken by the government is always welcomed.

The minister said it is unfortunate that baseless allegations were levelled by a spokesperson of a political party stating that he has swindled SK Oil quota allotted to the MLAs. The false allegations have misled the general public about the clear intentions of the government which is working for the welfare of the people of the State, he added.

Stating that, SK Oil is one of the PDS items provided at subsidised rate to selected beneficiaries, the minister said the State government cannot allocate any of the PDS items except to the beneficiaries.

The present government which took charge in March 2017 cleared the backlog (SK Oil for the MLAs) by the previous government for 4 months (December 2016, January till March 2017). In June 2017, the backlogs were cleared by allotting 12 KL (Kilo Litre) of kerosene (3KL for each month).

He said acknowledgment paper stating the salaries and allowances of MLAs including other facilities, which was shown by the spokesperson of a political party, has been misinterpreted as an Order passed by the State Assembly.

In the acknowledgment paper titled “Entitlement of a Member/Ex-Member under the provisions of the salaries & allowances of Members of the Legislative Assembly (Manipur) Act, 1972 (As Amended upto 20th Amendment Act, 2014), in the other facilities column it is stated that ‘SK Oil of 3000 litres per month was provided by the government’.

Clarifying that the acknowledgment paper is merely a statement and not an Order, he said quantity of SK Oil for the MLAs cannot be fixed as it depends on availability/stock.

He said the Central government is responsible for procurement, storage, transportation and bulk allocation of all PDS items including SK Oil. The State Government is also responsible for distributing the same to the consumers through the established network of Fair Price Shops (FPSs).

Further he said the State government is also responsible for operational responsibilities including allocation and identification of beneficiaries, he added.

The minister maintained that the SK Oil is provided by the government from the ‘Reserve Pool’ of the directorate kept for emergency purpose and the availability of SK Oil depends on the allocation by the Centre to the State.

In previous press meet called by the minister, he had stated that, SK Oil for the period of April-June 2016 was 5561.8 KL (3 KL allocated for MLAs), July-September 2016 was 5292 KL (2 KL for MLAs), April –June 2017 was 4476 KL (2.5 KL for MLAs) and July- September 2017 is 4476 KL (2.5 KL for MLAs).

He said despite the fluctuations in the quantity of SK Oil allocated for the State, the MLAs are getting increased quantity (2.5 KL) as compared to the allotments made by the previous government.

Shyam reiterated that allotment of SK Oil to the MLAs depends on the Centre’s allocation to the State. He also reiterated that no Bill was passed by the Manipur Legislative Assembly regarding allocation of SK Oil to MLAs.

Minister also said that in the State, wheat is not distributed as PDS item. Regarding the scarcity of LPG cylinders in the State, the Minister said responsibilities have been fixed to solve the issue and urged the public to cooperate with the government.

The minister said that the press meet conducted today is a clarification to the general public of Manipur and not to any particular individual or organisation.

Half marathon to be curtain raiser to Sangai fest

IMPHAL | Oct 3

Chief minister, N. Biren Singh said that the new government is on the mission mode to showcase the uniqueness of Sangai (Brow-Antlered Deer) and promote the peculiarity of Loktak lake to the entire world.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the website launch of Sangai Run half marathon at the CM’s secretariat today. The Sangai International Half Marathon which will be held on November 19 is being organised by OOREP Sports and sponsored by Manipur Tourism, Government of Manipur.

The event is supported by Athletic Association of Manipur. The marathon would cover areas of Sendra, Thanga, Keibul Lamjao and Moirang in the route map covering 21 kilometers Sangai Run will feature as a curtain raiser to the Manipur Sangai Festival, 2017.

Seeking the love and support of the people of the State, N. Biren said that ministers, MLAs and people of the State should support such mega event so as to promote the importance of Loktak lake and Manipur as a potential tourist destination in the country.

He further stated that we should strive to include the Sangai half marathon in the half marathon destination calendar/list of the world from next year.

On the occasion, chief minister also launched a promotional video for the upcoming Sangai half marathon. Those who are willing to participate in the Half Marathon can register themselves through the website (sangairun.com), he added. Registration opens from October 4 to November 4.

Mentioning about the recently launched ‘Imphal Evenings’ in the State, N. Biren said that it is the initiative of the new government to show the world that Manipur is no more a trouble-torn place and night life exist in the State.

Minister for forest and environment, Th. Shyamkumar, advisor (HR & economic affairs) to CM and MLA Moirang A/C P. Sharatchandra Singh, chairman, Manipur tourism Development corporation, Dr. S. Ranjan Singh, chairman, PDA T. Robindro Singh, MLA Kumbi A/C, S. Bira Singh, MLA Mayang Imphal A/C K. Robindro Singh, vice-chairman, Manipur Infrastructure Development Agency, M. Asnikumar Singh, special secretary (Tourism) R. Sudhan, Commissioner (Tourism) P.K Singh, football stars, P.Renedy and M. Gouramangi Singh attended the function.

IMPHAL | Oct 3

Works minister, Thongam Biswajit Singh has instructed engineers of the department to take up repairing and beautification works of certain roads in view of next month’s Manipur Sangai Festival.

Chairing the monthly review meeting of the works department today at the conference hall of his New Secretariat office, the minister firmly instructed the engineers to take up the works with all seriousness.

Today’s meeting mainly discussed road repairing works in connection with the Sangai Festival.   Biswajit also asked the engineers about the conditions of the roads leading to the venues of the festival.

Instructing the engineers to submit estimates for repairing of all important roads in and around Sangai Festival venues, the minister said once the whole estimate is finalised, the officials may start work on a priority basis.

In Bishnupur district, the minister and the engineers identified the repairing of the peripheral roads of Sendra, Keibul Lamjao, and beautification work of Moirang and the surrounding areas as the major works needed to be taken up.

During the meeting, the minister and the engineers identified certain roads in Imphal East district which needed repairing works. The roads identified include RDS Crossing to Yairipok, interior road of New Checkon, Soibam Leikai Wangkhei Khunou road, Ayangpalli road, Hatta to JNIMS, Dingku road, Imphal-Saikul road, etc.

In Imphal West roads identified include DM college campus, approach road to DM College Indoor Stadium, Naoremthong to Langol Games Village to Lamphel police station, Nagamapal Kangjabi Leirak, ICAR Lamphel Road, Iroishemba to Zoo (via CAU) road.

Observing that the border town of Moreh will attract many tourists during the festival, Biswajit instructed that the roads including the one approaching gate No 1 and 2 and IVRs in the town should also be repaired and mended.

The minister also highlighted the deplorable road conditions in most of the hill district headquarters, and instructed the chief engineer and his team to visit Ukhrul and identify roads which need repairing on priority basis.

He also said that repairing work of roads in Tamenglong district headquarter should be completed at the earliest.

Biswajit also asked the divisional heads of the department to prepare roadmaps of their projects undertaken.

Today’s meeting was also attended by commissioner works, K. Radhakumar Singh the chief engineer and other engineers of the department.

In another meeting, minister Biswajit asked officials of rural development and panchayati Raj to prepare a blueprint of the department to ensure successful implementation of development schemes under the department.

He instructed the officials to prepare a complete roadmap of the department which would provide detailed charts outlining implementation of the schemes, and said this will help in achieving goals.

The minister further enquired the officials of the implementation of various schemes including PMAY, MNREGS, NRLM, etc. He asked the officials to increase the number of workdays under the NREGA Scheme.

To a query of the minister regarding implementation of the National Rural Livelihood Mission, the official replied that most quarterly targets have been achieved so far, however due to lack of funding training could not be continued.

Officials also apprised the minister about the lack of manpower for implementation of PMAY.

Today’s meeting was also attended by officials and staff of RD&PR, and engineers of rural engineering department.