Category: Imphal Free Press

Is PWD ridiculing government rules?  

 By Paojel Chaoba

IMPHAL | Sept 5

The state government had decided to remove all re-engaged retired employees except for a few who have been screened by a committee and approved for re-engagement. Only five individuals having vast experience and technical knowledge were approved for re-engagement at the public works department.

 At present, however, a retired person who is not approved nor screened by the committee is holding office as deputy secretary of the public works department till date. Deriding the government’s re-engagement process, the works department has retained one Th. Amalkumar Singh as deputy secretary. Sources mentioned that the said official retired on December 31, 2013.

It may be recalled the state cabinet in a meeting held on April 3 last decided to do away with re-engagement of government servants by giving one month’s notice as per the contract agreement. A committee was also set up chaired by the chief secretary, principal secretary (Finance) and the commissioner (Department of Personnel) to identify the need based engagement in respect of technical posts.

The committee met the government heads of departments concerned on April 6, 2017 and scrutinised the need of re-employment on a case to case basis. After threadbare discussion, the committee decided to recommend for discontinuation of all re-engagements after retirement except for those cases whose services have been deemed indispensable in dealing with matters which require vast experience and knowledge of the subject.

As per recommendations of the committee, only five individuals were approved for re-engagement in the works department.

They were identified as senior division accounts officers O. Manihar Singh, Ch. Nabakumar, N. Kumarjit Singh, L. Shyamjai Singh and L. Thoiba Singh. These are the five approved engagements and re-engaged as there is acute shortage of experienced staff in the PWD accounts section. Their extension is till December 2017.

Commissioner of finance department Vivek Kumar Dewangan had intimated the works commissioner on May 11, 2017 that any case of re-engagement which was not brought to the notice of the screening committee shall be deemed terminated with effect from May 31, 2017 onwards.

A compliance report was sought by Dewangan from the works department for necessary pay implementation by May 20, 2017.

A permission from the chief engineer was sought by Th. Amalkumar for an e-tender process on August 24, 2017. The question is as per notification of VK. Dewangan, all retired and re-employed personnel would be terminated by May 31, 2017 except for the named five individuals.

But, Th. Amalkumar continues in office till date. On what capacity is the retired person attending office and under whose authority? Who is providing salary for him? These are some of the questions raised from a certain concerned source.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 5

Victims of fake ‘Consumer Shop Keeper’ recruitment clarified that they have not cheated the public. On the other hand they have been duped by one B. Kulachandra Sharma who disguised himself as PDS director of Manipur Statehood General Amnesty Reliever’s Trust (MSGART).

Speaking to media persons today at Manipur Press Club, Imphal one of the victims, Kangabam Bijiya said that Kulachandra visited different localities of the state as a part of survey to select PDS agent. In his fake recruitment drive, he selected 216 individuals from different districts including hill districts, she added.

He has taken Rs. 20,000 each from the 216 individuals and asked them to collect Aadhaar card copies, passport photos and amount of Rs 100 from peoples of their respective localities to make their PDS card, Bijiya pointed out.

She continued that all the victims did not have any contact with Kulachandra earlier as they were introduced by their friends to him.

Bijiya said that the money which has been collected by the victims from the public for making so called PDS card will be refunded shortly. She appealed to the public to restrain from resorting to any untoward action against them (victims) as they were duped by the same self-proclaimed director of MSGART.

It may be mentioned that the Kulachandra was arrested yesterday be Sekmai police following a complaint lodged by state BJP scheduled caste morcha, general secretary, Khwairakpam Robin.

The complaint stated that MSGART director has collected huge amount of money from the public in name of fake schemes and projects.

Earlier when the general secretary visited the trust’s office he found a signboard that wrote “Under CBI Supervision” and the staff of the trust driving a vehicle inscribed “Government of India.”

The director said to the general secretary that the trust work under the instruction of one FCI Northeast India dealer, Naorem (O) Chaningkhombi alias Nungshitombi of Nongmeibung Nambam Chuthek.

During investigation by authority concerned, it was found that the name of the trust is not registered and it was established in December 2016 and has collected amount to Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 1, 00,000 from around 200 individuals.

And moreover the authority concerned found that the trust obliged those people who are interested in becoming agents to write an affidavit leasing away their land for 20 years.

From Our Correspondent

TAMENGLONG | Sept 5

Strongly condemning the transfer of doctors from district hospital, Tamenglong while solving the demands of Nungba Area Joint Action Committee, civil societies of Tamenglong has convened a meeting at Zeliangrong Evangelistic Fellowship (ZEF), Tamenglong.

The meeting viewed the transfer and posting of doctors recently from Tamenglong district hospital despite of acute shortage of doctors in the district hospital, Tamenglong. The meeting also decided to serve ultimatum to chief minister of Manipur to depute adequate doctors within 72 hours.

In the name of solving the Nungba Area Joint Action Committee demands, the state government threw seeds of hatred among the people, the meeting observed.

In the meantime, a press statement issued by chairman of Zeliangrong Baudi Tamenglong Zone, Agipou Pamei, decried the transfer of two specialist doctors of Pediatics and Gynae from district hospital Tamenglong to CHC Nungba.

He said that the district hospital, Tamenglong is already understaffed and the transfer order is an act of no sympathy to the poor people of the hill district like Tamenglong but also undermines the fundamental right of the people of Tamenglong . There are hospitals and health centres in the valley where doctors and nurses are over staffed. The Zelianrgong people will not tolerate such disparity between the hills and the valley, he added.

The Zeliangrong Baudi demanded the authority concerned to depute adequate full time specialist doctors, staff nurses, technicians and others in the district hospital as per the guidelines of government of Manipur and in the interest of the general public.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 5

Joint action committee against the killing of one Oinam ongbi Tanu Devi (32) alleged her husband Oinam Chandrababu Singh and his family responsible for her death. Tanu passed away on September 2 under doubtful circumstances. 

The JAC along with the family member today carried out a protest rally from Tanu’s birth place Tera Sadokpam leikai towards the chief minister’s bungalow to submit a memorandum. The rally was blocked by a team of police personnel at near Tera Sayang Pukhri.

After moments of negotiation the rally continued and the agitators staged sit-in-protest at the west side of Kwakeithel bazar community hall.

Speaking to media person co-convenor of the JAC, Khumukcham ningol Langlen Leima recounted that Chandrababu’s elder brother called up Tanu’s mother at around 3.30 am on September 2, informing that Tanu has committed suicide by hanging herself on a Tamarind tree inside the residential premise of her husband.

On hearing the news, Tanu’s elder brother, Taorem Jayenta called back to the residence of Tanu and requested them not to take down the body from the tree until their reach the spot, she said.

When Jayenta reached the residence of Chandrababu, Thanga Karang Mangae Makhong police personnel was already there and the dead body was taken away to Bishnupur police station without the consent of Tanu’s family, Langlen added.

According to police personnel the body was already on the courtyard before they reach the crime scene, she added.

Langlen further said family members and Jayenta demanded for post-mortem as Tanu had died under doubtful circumstances. Consequently, Tanu’s body was taken to the Regional Institute of Medical Science (RIMS) morgue for post-mortem.

“Jayenta and family members could sense pungent smell oozing out of Tanu’s body. They became more suspicious of foul play by Chandrababu and his family. During the process of post-mortem three scars were found on her dorsal side; one near the neck, two at the middle and lower back areas”, said Langlen.

Further the JAC co-convenor maintained that Tanu had frequent quarrel between her husband on the matter of dowry.  “The JAC strongly refute the police report of suicide as there are enough evidences that point to foul play by the husband’s family”, she added.

The stories narrated by the in-laws and husband of the deceased are all concocted to cover up their crime, Langlen asserted.

Meanwhile, the JAC submitted a memorandum to the chief minister demanding justice for the death. It demanded that a special investigating team (SIT) be formed to investigate into the matter hand over the findings to a fast-track court.

Investigation should be time bound within September 10 and the government should produce a white paper on this crime against women and should advise the SIT to act in conformity with the justice Verma Committee, Langlen demanded.

The dead body must not be handed without any proper investigation to both the parties, she said.

From Our Correspondent

UKHRUL | Sept 5

The JAC of Ukhrul Town Affected Households of NH-102A has expressed its discontentment over the notification given by the deputy commissioner of Ukhrul stating that survey and identifications of owners to be affected in expansion of the road of Hungpung Junction to Hoomi has been completed.

The Ukhrul DC gave its notification on June 20 and the same notifications also invited for submission of claims and objections of correction or omissions within July 20. To address the grievances, the affected household formed the JAC on July 2, consisting of 242 households.

As per the convenor of JAC, A. S. Ningmi, the DC issued the notification without the knowledge and consent of the land owners which amounted to arbitrary use of power with no public hearing.

The JAC submitted a memorandum to Ukhrul DC voicing objection to the notification on July 12. The affected households members also submitted a representation to the regional officer, National Highway Authority of India,  Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways, Government of India, including the Ukhrul DC for initiating a new alignment of NH 102A at the eastern side of Ukhrul town. Further, the representation pointed out that the expansion of NH 102A in the heart of Ukhrul town as it is already congested and will be inconvenient to the public in general.

1. S. Ningmi has opined that a new alignment of the NH-102A at the eastern side of Ukhrul from Jail Road to Khaireng Kaphung-Muiyi-Shaokhak-Khararphung and to Talui will be more convenient concerning the future.

Secretary of the JAC, John Phungshok stated that the authority concerned has not responded so far in spite of the representation submitted. The size of the land is not expandable, however the population is increasing day by day and the numbers of vehicles is increasing rapidly which is a risk for pedestrian especially school going children, he added.

The JAC has called for immediate diversion of the NH-102A and immediate intervention of the authority concerned, and will organise campaigns and other democratic agitation if the grievances are not addressed.

IMPHAL | Sept 5

Thounaoujam Shyamkumar today raised concern over the rising crime against women in the State, especially on the social media. He encouraged girl students to concentrate in studies for a bright future.

The minister of forests and environment, MAHUD, town planning and horticulture and soil conservation, was speaking as the chief guest at the annual fresher’s meet (2017-2018) of GP Women’s college hostel at the DM college campus, Thangmeiband, Imphal West.

Th. Shyamkumar advised the girl students to study hard and maintain conducive atmosphere so that they can add value to their college. He also asked them to plant flowers and fruit bearing trees around the hostel campus.

As promised during his speech, Th. Shyamkumar kept his word by sending around 70 saplings of orange and lemon from the horticulture department for the hostel students which was appreciated by the teachers and students.

Addressing the gathering as the president of the function, Ksh. Rajeshwar Singh, superintendent, GP Women’s college hostel, said we have to maintain discipline in every sphere of our life to become a successful person.

He also drew the attention of the minister over the bad drainage system surrounding the hostel, established in 1965. B. Lalhari Sharma, principal, GP Women’s college, teaching and non-teaching staffs, and students attended the function. Cultural programmes were also showcased during the function.

THOUBAL | Sept 5

Lamding Educated Welfare Association (LEWA), Lamding Khumanthem Leikai, Thoubal district distributed financial aid today to the differently abled persons living in the locality of Lamding Khumanthem Leikai.

11 differently abled persons were provided with the aid along with motivation and encouragement.

On the occasion, Sajida begum attended as the chief guest while the former pradhan of gram panchayat, Sangaiyumfam, part II, Md. Wahidur Rahman and social worker, Sorokhaibam Haridas attended as president and guest of honour respectively.

President, LEWA club, Sorokhaibam Ojit expressing the purpose of the programme, stated that the club is taking efforts to achieve its four different goals. They are measures against drugs, providing aid to differently abled persons, plantation of tree saplings, and measure to increase human resource.

The club is currently involved in its drive against drugs along with the people. Efforts to give proper directions to drug addicts are currently taken up. Above all, the club organised the programme today, not because it has a sufficient amount of funds but to provide motivation to the differently abled persons. The club will try to organise the programme every year, he said.

He further said that everybody should take off a little time out of their busy schedule to do some social work for the people. The differently abled people should not be looked down with discriminatory eyes, they should be given encouragement, he said. 

It may be mentioned that two members of club Khumanthem Manichandra and Heikham Thomas, who were actively involved in its drive against drugs were felicitated, especially for their heroic act of protecting the life of president of the club, S. Ojit who was recently attacked by a drug addict.    

Biren promises to enact acceptable law

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 4

Coming out of its hiatus, the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permitt System JCILPS launched its fresh agitation today by taking out a peace rally in Imphal city area demanding a bill to regulate entry by outsiders.

On the other hand chief minister N. Biren Singh today said his government would soon start working on a bill that can safeguard the indigenous people of the state.

“As we are busy with 100 days programme of the government, Budget session and frequent floods in the state the government found little time to look into the bill issue. We will consult all stakeholders and experts so that a bill acceptable to all can be drafted and introduced in the Assembly,” Biren told reporters.

The rally started from the office of JCILPS located at Sega road Konjeng Hajari Leikai with around 120 volunteers. The rally headed to Wahengbam Leikai junction, Khoyathong point, Minuthong bridge, Hatta road, Wangkhei road, Advanced Hospital road and after passing through old Thumbuthong bridge, it passes Keishamthong bridge and culminated at JCILPS office.

Speaking to media persons, convenor of JCILPS, Arjun Telheiba said number of non-locals is becoming equivalent with the population of indigenous people of the state. Markets are becoming captive market by non-locals especially in the city area. Due to the increasing number of non-local population they are becoming majority in some places of the state. As impact of this, it affects the state economically and socially, he added.

He said due to increases population of non-locals, they got the courage to become candidates in elections. Due to their position of majority level they have elected one in the Assembly elections.

To protect the rights of indigenous people government must pass the ILP law at the earliest.

Answering questions, Telheiba said bandh, blockade, strike will not be resorted to as a part of agitation for the implementation of ILP. Agitation from now will not harm any student and public. Agitations like poster campaign, public meeting will be organised at different parts of the state to strengthen the movement of ILP issue, Telheiba asserted.

But, ILP being a public issue which touches the sentiments of public the agitation might become volatile. The bill should be passed during the winter session, he added. 

He further said to strengthen the movement mass public meeting will be organised within this month for all the ethnic groups of the state. The bill on land law does not affect the hill people who are settling in the state since 1951 as base year. The bill is to stop buying and selling of land by non-locals, Telheiba added.

As a movement of inner line permit a public meeting will be organised on September 20 as first step, it will include all the ethnic groups with other civil society organisation, Telheiba claimed.

IMPHAL | Sept 4

The governor Najma Heptulla has extended warm greetings to the people of Manipur, especially the members of the teaching community on the occasion of teachers’ day.

In her message Heptulla said September 5 is celebrated across the country in memory of Dr. S. Radhakrishnan a renowned educationist, scholar and a former President of India on his birth anniversary. Dr. Radhakrishnan recognised the importance of teachers who are the guides and mentors of the youth who are the future pillars of the society.

Every human being has to go through a learning phase and his mentor’s ability will determine the performance of his pupils, the message read, adding the traditional Guru-Shishya parampara has yielded to the present system of schools, colleges and universities with the basic principle of imparting knowledge remaining the same.

The teachers are therefore, the shapers of our future and hence their services need to be acknowledged and I have no doubt that they will continue to strive to provide their services with utmost dedication and devotion, said Heptulla.

Arrest Yumnam Devjit within 48 hours: MMWO

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 4

The Manipur Muslim Welfare Organisation (MMWO) has submitted a complaint against Yumnam Devjit Singh, son of deputy chief minister, Yumnam Joykumar Singh at the cyber crime police station today.

The report stated that Devjit on his Facebook wall had posted a “communal statement” and hurt the sentiments of the minority Muslims. The report prayed that necessary action be taken and arrest Devjit under section 153-A, 295 and 295-A of the IPC for insulting religious beliefs.

Devjit had uploaded a post stating “Kurbani Kaina, sha hatpa, mi hatpa heinaba practice touhanbani ni. Atei keim nte” (killing of animals at Qurbani is a practice to be able to kill animal, men and nothing else). This post met with severe criticism in the social media.

President of MMWO Abdullah Pathan said ‘Qurbani is our religious practice. We have submitted a report to the police and seek necessary action within 48 hours for his communal statement,” Pathan said adding that he requests the Muslim people not to retort to his hate post and avoid any communal statements.

“His mental frame is questionable. The deputy chief minister needs to reprimand his son. How can he serve the public when he cannot even bring his own son under control? He should resign on moral grounds,” Pathan added.

He mentioned that the state BJP has not imposed any form of religious dictate in the state like the beef ban and the Muslim community is proud of N. Biren and his political will. But such statement from the son of a political figure is an attempt to spread communal tension which is a crime.

The MMWO has complained to the cyber-crime police today and necessary co-operation is promised from the police, he said adding that the Muslim civil organisations are prepared to commence agitations if action is not taken up.

IMPHAL | Sept 4

Commerce, industry and textiles minister Thongam Biswajit Singh has strongly instructed handlooms and textiles department officials to follow guidelines of the central sponsored schemes during implementation.

Chairing a monthly review meeting of the department this evening at the conference hall of his new secretariat office, Biswajit explained that decrease in fund flow from the Centre is due to failure of the departments concerned to submit their utilisation certificates in time. He continued if the officials follow the scheme guidelines properly there will be no problem during preparation of utilisation certificate.               

Instructing the officials to ensure proper implementation of the handloom and handicrafts delivery scheme, Biswajit said the government has a stock of 50,000 yarn for distribution to the weavers and Rs 1 crore to buy back of the finished products from the weavers.

According to the officials, as on August 7, a total of 2236 weavers have registered and enrolled under the scheme, whereas the target of the department is to enroll and register 5000 weavers.

The minister also instructed the officials to distribute the remaining solar lamps to the beneficiaries under the solar home lighting system.

During the meeting, the officials apprised the minister that the state level project committee constituted will recommend 80 numbers of cluster development projects under NERTPS, 20 block level cluster under NHDP, one consolidation of 27 clusters under NHDP, two each of mega handloom clusters and handloom parks and 20 numbers of handloom cluster under MSME to the Centre for the year 2017-18 in the Handloom Sector.

Officials also informed that the directorate of handlooms and textiles will propose 20 projects each of handicrafts cluster projects under AVHY, setting up of Common Facility Centres (ITDS), handicraft clusters under MSME and two for mega handicraft clusters under NERTPS and 16 for Technical Training on Handicrafts for SC Artisans.

Biswajit also strongly instructed the officials concerned to submit the list of beneficiaries who have already received the amount sanctioned for procurement of looms but yet to procure the looms.

During the meeting, the minister also discussed the issues of developing hill Haats and Crafts Centre in each districts of the State, setting up of textile workers hostels, establishment of district handlooms and textiles offices, etc.

Today’s meeting was attended by principal secretary (Textiles, Commerce & Industries) L. Lakher, director Lamlee Kamei, project manager of all districts and other officials of the department.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 4

Spiritual leader of Tibetan people, Dalai Lama, is likely to visit Manipur to attend international peace conference in October, said Manipur Legislative Assembly Speaker, Y. Khemchand Singh.

Speaking to media persons at his office chamber, the Speaker said he met with the spiritual leader during his recent visit to Dharmasala, Himachal Pradesh to attend a workshop on “Tribal of India and social issues” following an invitation by Kuldeep Agnihotri, vice-chancellor, Himachal University.

Khemchand revealed that during the meeting he personally requested the spiritual leader to visit the state and give message of peace, which according to him is need of the hour.

The Dalai Lama positively responded to my proposal, said Khemchand adding that an international peace conference would be organised in the state.

Khemchand further said that he had talked to Dalai Lama’s secretary and soon an official invitation would be sent to organise the conference in the last week of October.

The Speaker informed that he presided over the workshop which was organised by Himachal University and participated by dignitaries from across the North east.

Citing the land law of Himachal Pradesh which gives protection from non-locals, he expressed the need to carefully digest such laws taking into the issue of protecting indigenous population confronting the state.

From Our Correspondent

LAMKA | Sept 4

An alleged cadre of UG involving in a crime of killing his commander in-chief was detained today under National security Act (NSA), 1980 by order of Churachandpur District Magistrate which came after a dossier prepared by SP of Churachandpur.

The alleged cadre of KNLF identified as Ngamminlien Haokip alias Diamond (23), who is involved in four FIR cases, including killing of its commander in-chief, (L) Lalmoi Haokip last months at Tuibong, Churachandpur, was ordered to be detained today under NSA, 1980 by District Magistrate Churachandpur after his police remand period was over.

It may be worth mentioning that any detainee under NSA has to spend one year in jail at a stretch without any bail and the order of NSA can only be challenged in front of advisory board of high court after expiry of six weeks.

In another related news from the police department of Churachandpur district under its SP, Rakesh Balwal of Drug Cell, a team of Drug Cell, Ccpur and Ccpur police station led by SI Thanglianmang Paite seized liquors during a raid conducted at New Bazar area and picked up one shopkeeper in the process from whom they seized Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) this morning.

One hotelier identified as Ibemcha Monalisa of OK Hotel was arrested for selling liquor and was produced before SDM of Ccpur. She was released for good behaviour bond after her signing a bond under 107 of CrPC that she will not repeat the acts in future.

From Our Correspondent

MOREH | Sept 4

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s three-day visit to Myanmar, two diesel tankers carrying 40 thousand litres altogether were delivered to Myanmar for the first time.

In a programme held today at the Land customs office, Moreh gate no. 1, the oil tankers provided by Numaligrah Refinery Limited (NRL) were handed over to Parami energy services co. Ltd Myanmar. 

The programme was attended by CGM (HR) NRL, AK. Bhattadharya, director (T) NRL, BJ. Phukan, director (F) NRL, SK Barna from India and finance manager, U kyaw htay, senior manager, U win myint, manager of projects, U khin Mg Myint and management head of services, U Soe Win.     

SK Barna told the media on the simple ceremony of handling over of oil, that the diesel provided today was the first consignment. In the future, India and Myanmar will work together regarding matters related to oil.

IMPHAL | Sept 4

The Manipur University Teachers’ Association (MUTA) has extended supports the nation-wide movement of ‘Court Arrest Programme’ on the day of teachers’ day celebration to protest against the apathetic attitude of Central government. 

A release by the general secretary of the association, L. Bishwanath Sharma said it strongly support the movement launched by demands by Federation of Central University Teachers Associations and All India Federation of University & College Teachers’ Organisations and their demands.

MUTA had already expressed solidarity to the movement by observing ‘Black Day’ on August 22, it said.

In continuation of our journey towards the standing goal, the secretary on behalf of the MUTA humbly appealed to all the members for their co-operation and solidarity by abstaining from the nation-wide observation of teachers’ day celebration on September 5. 2017.

Our Bureau

IMPHAL | Sept 4

Women should fight for their rights and get justice. When a man and woman produce a child, it is their responsibility to take care of the child and not leave them. Greed makes a person the way he behaves.

This was stated by governor Najma Heptulla following the screening of Manipuri feature film, ‘Nangna Kappa Pakchadey – Tears of a Woman’ at the Durbar hall, Raj Bhavan, here today.

Appreciating the works of the producers and the actors, she said that she would try to make some shows outside Manipur. The movie gave a message that women should be independent and not beg for anything, she added.  

She continued the movie focuses on the sufferings of a young village woman and her child left by her husband and denied of her rights. In spite of her young age she took the challenge to take the responsibility of the child and lives for the child. This kind of life, seen in all parts of the country, is the problem of the society, she added.

Further the governor said the film is so beautifully produced and so simple. There is no melodrama but a true story, she added. She also said that she had been working, nationally and internationally, for the empowerment of the women and had come across the same condition in other parts of the world.

Remembering a discussion with an African woman, she said that the woman collects firewood, cooks food, feed the children and husband go into the forest for a long walk and do not work. It is the woman who works. The story was the same everywhere. However, today the things are changing and that is the message of the film, she said.

She also expressed her desire to dub the film into Hindi or other languages instead of English as people in other country will have problem with the language and people will see more.

The film is the 5th production of PK films directed by Makhonmani Mongsaba, produced by Thouyangba and Thoungamba and story by Late Maharaj Kumari Binodini Devi. The film, produced in the year 2013, has been screened in many international film festivals and has recently received the special judge award with the title ‘Epic Mirror of the Century’ from Kinshasa International Film Festival (KIFF).

Tonthoi, Denny, Leibakshemba are the lead actors with Sorojini, and Pishak supporting the movie. Many well-known women working in the field of women empowerment and other art lovers attended the screening.

Court rejects Ningthem’s bail application; several files seized

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 4

A police team led by sub-divisional police officer A. Ghanashyam Sharma today raided the plush home of former project director and presently officer on special duty of Manipur Development Society (MDS) Yambem Ningthem at Lamlongei Maning Leikai, Mantripukhri today.

The raid began at 6 am in the morning and was still continued at the time of filing this report.

The police team was seen talking to Ningthem in the presence of his wife. The police seized several files of MDS projects which were kept at his residence. The police also checked his laptops and searched the contents.

The state vigilance commission had in its inquiry report stated that Ningthem had kept several files pertaining to MDS projects at his residence.

Earlier today the district and sessions judge, Imphal West today issued house search warrant against Ningthem in connection with multi-crore MDS scam.

A case was lodged against Ningthem and five others including former chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh on September 1, alleging huge financial irregularities totalling Rs.185.79 crores were committed.

The others in the FIR included former chief secretaries, D.S. Poonia, P.C Lawmkunga, O. Nabikishore Singh and also S. Ranjit Singh (administrative officers, MDS).

The FIR was lodged against them by Dr. Th. Muhindro Singh, joint secretary planning, government based on findings of the investigation conducted by the state vigilance commission.

Ghanashyam filed a plea seeking search warrant under section 93 Cr.P.C.

In his plea the SDPO submitted before the court that as per the inquiry report it has been indicated that the official and staff of MDS had not observed prescribed procedures, established norms and extant rules scrupulously, thereby facilitating the misappropriation of government funds of total liabilities of Rs.185.79 crores and prayed for issuing house search warrant.

Having examined the report submitted by the I.O report, the court found “sufficient grounds” for issuing house reach warrant and issued the same.

The same court also today rejected anticipatory bail plea of Ranjit Singh, administrative officers, MDS.

In his bail plea, the accused’s counsel submitted that the petitioner is working as an administrative officer in MDS and that the allegations made against Ranjit were “vague and baseless.”

However, the court observed that charges levelled against the accused are of criminal breach of trust, cheating, conspiracy and criminal misconduct by public servant, which are of serious offences and as such this court is not inclined to entertain the prayers of the accused and thereby rejected the bail plea.

BISHNUPUR | Sept 3

A district level essay writing competition with the theme ‘What can I do for a clean India’ was organised today by district water and sanitation committee, Bishnupur under Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin at Bishnupur Higher Secondary School.

The occasion was attended by AE Bishnupur PHED, K. Bishwajit, Zilla Prerak, N. Julia Devi, AE Nambol PHED, Kh. Ranbir, secretary, Swachh Bharat Mission Coordinating Committee, N. Nanao Singh, executive members of the committee and SOs of PHEDs.

Bishwajit expressed that students studying at grass root level i.e. school level should start keeping ideas about health and hygiene as it will help in keeping their homes, locality and villages clean. The essay writing competition was held today with that aim, he added.

Students from 14 school of Bishnupur district including four government schools took part in the competition. The competition was divided into two categories, A (Class V to VII) and B (Class IX to X). 244 students in took part in category A while 112 students took part in B. A total of 356 students took part in the competition.

IMPHAL | Sept 3

MLA, Ashab Uddin strongly condemned the allegation made by social activist, Ningthoucha Lancha that he is a not an indigenous person of the state during a meeting on September 1 at Manipur Press Club.

Speaking to media persons today at his quarter at Babupara, Ashab claimed that his father and mother were state government employees and moreover, his grandfather was a pradhan.

He asked “how will people elect me as representative if I am a Bangladeshi?” Such meaningless statement made by Lancha is to tarnish my image, added Ashab.

“If anyone can rightly prove that I am a Bangladeshi, I will immediately resign from the MLA seat on moral ground,” said the MLA.

He warned that legal action will be taken against anyone who made such false allegation.     

Ashab said that the new government under the leadership of chief minister, N. Biren is working very hard to bring all round development in Jiribam district. 

He said that the government is giving priorities to education, health, and transport.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | Sept 2

The chief minister N. Biren has been appraised that the state agricultural policy is not being implemented in totality and contradictory to central norms.

Moreover, the director of the department is keeping key charges to himself and the contractual staff of Agricultural Technology Mission Agency (ATMA) has been left high and dry.

The state has not paid out 10 months salary for the said staffs whereas the ATMA staffs are the ones which are tendering grassroot level work to aid the farmers and implementing various schemes commenced by the centre.

They have been sidelined from carrying out their duty as extension workers and contradictory to central norms, been taken over by the state Agriculture Department.

As per complaints of the ATMA staffs and a memorandum submitted to the chief minister, Manipur, in the regard, it mentions that filling up of vacant posts in ATMA and SAMETI is mandatory as per guidelines of 2010 for desired impact as activities performed by the additional charge by the officers of state department were not optimal below the block level but many higher posts are lying vacant and the current posts are being occupied by the staff of the agriculture department as in charge or additional charge.

The objective of the scheme “Support to State Extension Programmes for Extension Reforms” can be achieved only through strengthened institutional management, dedicated manpower and revamped strategies but there is at present weak institutional management and very less dedicated manpower of higher posts at district and state level.

The post of State Nodal Officer and SAMETI Director, is taken charge by the Agriculture Director and majority of the posts of Project Directors(PDs) are taken over by the District Agricultural Officers, whereas the Director and DAOs do not meet the essential criteria or qualified enough to take charge. Whereas, as per central guidelines Coordinator, Gender Coordinator shall be appointed as contractual, whereas, SAMETI Director, SAMETI Deputy Directors, Project Directors and Deputy Project Directors shall be appointed on deputation/appointment/secondment from the Agriculture & Allied Departments.

The Agriculture Department is directed by the centre to converge extension related works and various missions and schemes like MIDH, NFSM, RKVY, PMKSY, KVK under NMAET to act as an overarching umbrella at district level to oversee all extension related activities which should be performed by ATMA staffs but this has not happened in practice.

It was also envisaged in the ATMA scheme that manpower support under ATMA will also look after the work related to RKVY, NFSM, National Project on Soil Health and Fertility, etc. as mandated under respective scheme. However, while reviewing progress of implementation and feedback received from various states it was found that there is lacking of convergence between ATMA and Krishi Vigyan Kendras; and between ATMA and line department at district level.

Further, as per decision arrived to by the chief secretary, government of Manipur on August 18th last, it was decided among others that to review the implementation of major programmes of Agriculture Department – the District Agriculture Officer should be made Project Officer for ATMA in the districts to avoid redundancies in the form of separate Project Officer which is a gross violation of central norms.