Category: Imphal Free Press

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 22

Well known poet and prose writer Arambam Ongbi Memchoubi’s literary works were celebrated today with a programme named “Through my Window” organised by Sahitya Akademi at Dave Literature auditorium, Imphal.

The Akademi award winner’s life and works were looked back through a magnifying lens by another eminent writer K. Shantibala professor Manipuri department, Manipur University by delivering a talk on “Eina Uh-jhaba Memchoubi.”

Memchoubi was born at Kwakeithel Moirang Purel Leikai on January 1, 1957 to Thounaojam  Babu Singh and Sanjanbam Ibempishak as eldest of 10 siblings. Memchoubi published her first poetry book in 1984.

The social activist turned writer is the wife of late Arambam Somorendro. Brought up in Nambol, she got the inspiration to write from a very young age whilein staying in Nambol.

Quoting Menchoubi Shantibala said, “I was an activist before. I had not dreamt of writing. However, after getting two poems published in Macha Leima magazine my life changed to a great extent.”

During the lecture, Shantibala presented Memchoubi’s aspect on feminism, mystical force, culture and tradition through her poems.

1. Behari Singh, convenor Manipur Language Advisory Board Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi said the programme’s main objective is to analyse the works of the writer.

Her works made it crystal clear that Memchoubi is a multi-faceted writer, he concluded.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | July 22

Kuki Inpi Manipur decided to relax the one week deadline given earlier to arrest all the perpetrators involved in the brutal murder case.

The decision was made according to the assurance given by of the state DGP and satisfactory efforts of the police department over HSO president killing.

The press communiqué of the Information and Publicity Department, Kuki Inpi Manipur said that they have received assurance from the DGP that the police department is assigning to the ongoing investigation regarding the murder of Letkholal Haokip. It also said that the DGP assured that the police department will leave no stone unturned to unearth the conspiracy behind the murder of the late student leaders.

As per the verbal assurance received from the DGP, the KIM in a meeting today have decided to relax for one week deadline for arrest of all the perpetrators, it added.

It further said that the decision has been taken to enable the police department to carry on their investigation without any obstacle and to facilitate the ongoing investigation with the hope to bring a logical conclusion.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur also appealed to all to refrain from making baseless and provoking posts in connection to the case on social media.

From Our Correspondent

KANGPOKPI | July 22

Kuki Inpi Manipur decided to relax the one week deadline given earlier to arrest all the perpetrators involved in the brutal murder case.

The decision was made according to the assurance given by of the state DGP and satisfactory efforts of the police department over HSO president killing.

The press communiqué of the Information and Publicity Department, Kuki Inpi Manipur said that they have received assurance from the DGP that the police department is assigning to the ongoing investigation regarding the murder of Letkholal Haokip. It also said that the DGP assured that the police department will leave no stone unturned to unearth the conspiracy behind the murder of the late student leaders.

As per the verbal assurance received from the DGP, the KIM in a meeting today have decided to relax for one week deadline for arrest of all the perpetrators, it added.

It further said that the decision has been taken to enable the police department to carry on their investigation without any obstacle and to facilitate the ongoing investigation with the hope to bring a logical conclusion.

The Kuki Inpi Manipur also appealed to all to refrain from making baseless and provoking posts in connection to the case on social media.

IMPHAL | July 22

The ongoing question and answer sessions at the Manipur Assembly are made available from yesterday to the public through a mobile application called ‘DIPR Manipur App’ created by the film section of Directorate of Information and Public Relations.   

A release said, the DIPR Manipur App was launched on July 29 and it provides information about latest news, photos, films about important events and relevant schemes regarding various departments.

Moreover, it will provide information about the activities of the state government to the people in Manipur and outside the state. The app can be downloaded from Google play store by typing DIPR Manipur, it added.

IMPHAL | July 22

The ongoing question and answer sessions at the Manipur Assembly are made available from yesterday to the public through a mobile application called ‘DIPR Manipur App’ created by the film section of Directorate of Information and Public Relations.   

A release said, the DIPR Manipur App was launched on July 29 and it provides information about latest news, photos, films about important events and relevant schemes regarding various departments.

Moreover, it will provide information about the activities of the state government to the people in Manipur and outside the state. The app can be downloaded from Google play store by typing DIPR Manipur, it added.

CCPUR | July 22

The two children who were reported missing on July 19 around 9 pm were recovered by SI Shoiminthang Kipgen under the supervision of SI James Vaiphei  of Churachandpur Police Station and they were handed over to their parents today.

The lost and found children were identified as Tinsubam Amarjit (14) and Rishikumar (12), both from Thingkangphai, Churachandpur

A feast  was organised by the police under its SP Rakesh Balwal with the media and police personnel at the office complex of the SP. The gathering was attended by as special guest by the deputy commissioner of Churachandpur and treasury officer.

IMPHAL | July 22

Regarding the question number 734 put up by the state BJP president, K Bhabananda at Rajya Sabha on the online services in Manipur, the minister of state for electronics and information technology, PP Chaudhary provided the answers today as per the date scheduled.

A release said, the Manipur State Wide Area Networks (SWANs) has been made operational since March 2011, State Data Centres (SDCs) are operational since January 2013, Common Service Centres (CSCs) 646 centres have been reserved, e- districts along with State Service Delivery Gateways (SSDGs) have been launched and gone live in Manipur.

Further, the minister of state in the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Rajavardhan Rathore gave answers to the questions put up by Bhabananda about the inclusion of news about North East in the national news, that the government has not come across any trend indicating that the news from NCR and Jammu and Kashmir are overemphasised and those of the North East are ignored.

The government makes all efforts to encourage print and electronic media of the entire country including North East region, however, it does not set up news agencies on its own, it added.

Regarding the questions asked to the Prime Minister about the inclusion of Ningol Chakouba and other festivals of Manipur amongst the national holidays in the calendar, the answers were provided by the minister of state in the Prime Minister’s office, Jitendra Singh that in view of the ceiling on the total number of holidays that can be declared in a year by the government, it has not been found possible to declare additional Restricted Holiday for the above occasions.

The minister of state in the Ministry of Railways, Rajen Gohain gave answers to questions regarding rail connectivity with the capital of Manipur that a statement is laid on the table of the house and the completion of projects depends on many factors which are not within the control of Railways. Therefore, it is not feasible to fix the timelines for all the projects and the Imphal to Jiribam railway line is part of the Trans-Asian railway network, he added.

IMPHAL | July 22

Bangladeshi woman who had been arrested from Churachandpur district died at RIMS hospital on July 19 after she was hospitalised for two days.

The woman was identified as Sakala Bibi(45) wife of late Muabi alias Abumunsi from Gabtoli, Bangladesh. She was arrested under the foreigners act 1946 on February 25, 2015 under FIR number 1(2)2015 and under section 14(A) where she was kept at central jail, Sajiwa.

According to official source, she was admitted at JNIMS after suffering BP stroke on July 18. Later on the same day she was referred at RIMS for further treatment but Sakala passed away on July 19, 7.15 pm. The dead body has been transferred to RIMS morgue for post mortem. Nobody has claimed the body till then.

From A Correspondent

THOUBAL | July 21

Guardians and students of Fundrei High School, under Wangjing- Tentha Assembly constituency had closed down the school yesterday in protest against transfer of two teachers, when the school does not have enough teachers already.

Angry students and guardians held a sit-in protest in front of the school gate. “We are not opening the school until our teachers are provided,” said a protestor.

A guardian expressed that Fundrei High School is the only government school at Fundrei; there are a total of 365 students who are presently studying in the school, from class I to X. Students from the village who are mostly poor families are studying at the school. The school had 21 teachers before, but only 10 teachers are running it now with great difficulty. 

He continued that a few months before, two of the teachers from the school have been utilized, resulting in more shortage of teachers. Recently, transfer orders for two teachers of this government school have arrived suddenly; this means that there will be only 6 teachers left in the school. It would be an impossible task to teach so many students with just 6 teachers, he added. 

The students had raised the issue before since July 7, and met concerned officials who promised that teachers will be provided. The students have even met the education minister himself who also gave the promise they will be given new teachers. However, none of the promises have been fulfilled. The protestors have also met the local MLA but their please have been allegedly ignored.

The guardians have appealed to the authorities to address their issues and provide the required teachers.   

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 21

The Bishnupur police arrested three persons in connection with the murder case 4th Assam Regiment, havildar, Moirangthem Herachandra Singh.

The havildar was found death with a bullet hole on his forehead on July 10, in a canal in between Kwaksiphai and Nachou, Bishnupur district.

Police arrested one a suspect identified as S. Ibosana Singh (54) son of S. Biramangol of Keibul Awang Leikai on July 15.

From the disclosure of Ibosana yesterday police were able to arrest two more persons who were allegedly involved in the killing of the personnel including late Herachandra’s wife, Moirangthem (O) Indira Devi (41) of Moirang Khunou Khonang Makhong.

The other person is identified as Ningthoujam Tomcha Singh (52) son of N. Kullabi of Keirrenphabi Maning Leikai.

The police also seized a Maruti, Sentro car with registration number, MN07D-003 which is allegedly used in the killing of the personnel.

The court remanded all the three accused persons to police custody till next Friday.

IMPHAL | July

In the evening session of the second day of the ongoing budget session, the House unanimously passed Rs. 1035,05,43,250 for different departmental expenditures to be incurred during August, 2017.

Questions and observations raised by the opposition members in connection with the general discussion on budget estimate 2017-18, the finance minister clarified that the reason for small budget is due to inability of submission of utilization certificates (UC) by some departments and conversion of ACC Bills to DCC Bills.

He stated that with the implementation of GST and proper management of financial resources, there will be surplus revenue and also further stressed on the major thrust areas of the budget.

DBT is one of the major thrust areas for prevention of misappropriation of benefits, proper and timely delivery system of fund allocations and also stated that to take grants from the Centre is easy but proper utilization of the grants is difficult.

He maintained that the present budget is clear and ambitious since it is meant for the developmental projects in the state.

Participating in the discussion, the chief minister N. Biren Singh said that to prepare a budget is not an easy task as it needs collection of data and information from each government department and different financial resources.

The government does not have any partiality in distribution of aids, relief materials and welfare schemes to the public. All the aids for flood affected people are being entrusted to the concerned DCs particularly to avoid political biasness.

The main purpose is to serve the people and to regain the lost trust between different communities, the government is action oriented and stood for corruption free government and lastly appealed to the House for keeping confidence in his government.

Finance minister Y. Joykumar Singh moved the Manipur Appropriation (No. 3) Bill 2017 and the House passed it.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 21

Principal secretary education (s), Vineet Joshi, reacting to a recent report of transfers of 447 higher secondary teachers, clarified that the transfers were carried out in the interest of the students.

Briefing media persons in this regards at SSA office Babupara, Vineet Joshi, disclosed that the transfers of teachers wer imminent for they (transferred teachers) were graduate teachers who have been promoted to lecturers.

If the transfer process was not affected the teachers would be deprived of their salaries, said Vineet Joshi.

“The teachers themselves have been asking the department for their transfer to ensure that the payment of their salary is not hampered”, said Joshi.

Further explaining on the criteria, he stated that the transfer was affected after having done proper assessment based on the students strength and vacancy of the schools.

There could be an attachment between teachers and students but the department has to take into consideration the general interest as a whole, he contended.

“Everything we have done is in the best interest of the students”, said the principal secretary before assuring to look into the demand of the students.

education (s) director, Th. Kirankumar, deputy secretary, L. Nandakumar and officials of the education department also attended the press conference.

Unanimous stand on amending Constitution to protect state boundary

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL July 21

Manipur Assembly today unanimously reaffirmed a resolution adopted in 2015 by the House to urge the Centre to amend the Article 3 of the Constitution to safeguard Manipur’s boundary.

“This House unanimously resolves to reiterate the Resolution No. 117 passed by this Hosue on 31 st August, 2015 for amendment of Article 3 of the Constitution of India by incorporating that the prior consent of the state legislature of the affected state(s) shall be mandatorily obtained while forming new state and alteration of areas, boundaries or names of existing states,” the resolution said.

The Speaker Yumnam Khemchand adjourned the afternoon session of the Assembly for half an hour to give time to both the ruling and Opposition members to draft the resolution together, as proposed by leader of the Opposition O. Ibobi Singh.

On August 31, 2015 the Assembly adopted a resolution seeking amendment of the Constititon. The resolution was moved by the former chief minister Ibobi. The government moved the resolution after the Centre and the NSCN (IM) had signed the Framework Agreement on August 3 in the same year.

The members agreed to adopt a House resolution after Ibobi Singh intervened into a debate on what kind of resolution should be adopted during a discussion of a private member resolution seeking amendment of the Article 3 of the Constitution.

The private member bill was moved by Congress members Kh. Joykishan, K. Ranjit, Surajkumar Okram, N. Loken Singh and K. Govindas.

When the movers pressed for passing the bill leader of the House and chief minister N. Biren Singh proposed to pass a resolution moved by the government, saying it would have more significance.

As Joykishan was adamant that the bill should be passed Ibobi Singh intervened, suggesting that instead of passing a private member bill, it should be a House resolution, as suggested by Biren. He also proposed an adjournment of some minutes for drafting the resolution together by the Opposition and ruling.

Earlier during the discussion on the private member bill deputy chief minister Yumnam Joykumar Singh insisted that the resolution moved by the Opposition members that reads “provided that in the case of Manipur, the Bill for this purpose shall be introduced in either House of Parliament except on the recommendation of President made on the unanimous decision of the Manipur Legislative Assembly,” is not agreeable with him and certain wordings in the resolution need to be changed.

“I cannot betray the people of Manipur and I cannot agree with this,” Joykumar remarked, adding it was in the larger interest of safeguarding the state boundary. “If the resolution is to be put up, it should not be faulty, he said.

IMPHAL | July 21

Chief minister N. Biren Singh replying to a starred question from Opposition member Kh. Joykishan said that there are no authorized camps of the NSCN (IM) in the state. He, however, acknowledged that there are activities of the Naga group and suo-motto case has been registered regarding the killing of two civilians at Kharasom on June 15 last.

Joykishan insisted that it is common knowledge that NSCN (IM) camps exist in Manipur and whether those who are related to the murder of the mentioned two persons have been arrested.

Biren said the NSCN (IM) have mobile offices and the cadres disappear in the vast jungle expanses after committing a crime. There is no question of extension of the NSCN (IM) ceasefire in Manipur, he added.

IMPHAL | July 21

The art and culture minister L. Jayantakumar Singh said that Manipur State Film and Television Institute (MSFTI) plans to start a PG diploma course in documentary from October, with a budget provision of Rs. 1.5 crore for the fiscal year 2017-18. This was stated while replying to a question raised by MLA, Khangabok A/C Surjakumar Okram during question hours, in the second day of the second session of the Eleventh Manipur Legislative Assembly, today.

The minister further informed the House that the courses offered in the Manipur University of Culture are graduate course in dance, music, sankritana, umang lai haraoba, thang-ta, theatre, tribal studies and visual art with a budget of Rs. 1.5 crore for the fiscal year 2017-18.

On the reason for the delay in the functioning of the Manipur State Film & Television Institute, the minister replied that the recruitment of faculty and staffs of the institute will be taken up. In the absence of faculty members, support staffs, academic infrastructure and acquisition of equipment, academic programs cannot commence.

In another question raised by MLA, Wangkhei A/C, Okram Henry Singh on the present status of the Cabinet decision taken by the previous government to rename the Imphal International airport, the chief minister N. Biren, who is also holding the portfolio of transport, informed the House that the state Cabinet took decision in its meeting held on September 21 last year to rename the Imphal International Airport and decided to recommend to the ministry of civil aviation for necessary action in the interest of the people of Manipur.

The Centre has released a total amount of Rs. 739.44 lakh for National Food Security Mission for the year 2016-17 for the state of Manipur for nine districts including Imphal West, Imphal East, Bishnupur, Thoubal, Chandel, Churachandpur, Senapati, Tamenglong and Ukhrul. The beneficiaries were selected through the extension functionaries of the respective districts. This was informed by agriculture minister V. Hangkhanlian to the query raised by MLA, Lilong A/C Md. Abdul Nasir.

Newmai News Network

SENAPATI | July 21

Much to the disappointment of the United Naga Council (UNC), the tripartite talks on the district creation have been postponed, again. The talks involving the United Naga Council (UNC), the Central Government and the State Government of Manipur were scheduled to be held on July 22 (Saturday) in Senapati district headquarters at the ‘political level’ but the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has “fervently requested” the UNC leaders to have the talks early next month.

Speaking to Newmai News Network this evening over phone, Satyendra Garg, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA),Government of India said that the State Government of Manipur had “requested” the former if the date of the talks could be scheduled for July 23 (Sunday) instead of July 22.

According to Satyendra Garg, the State Government of Manipur had expressed that its cabinet ministers who are assigned to take part in the tripartite talks would not be able to skip the ongoing session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly on Saturday. To this, the UNC had agreed even to hold the talks even on Sunday but the proposal of the State Government of Manipur gives inconveniences to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officials participating in the tripartite talks. According to the MHA Joint Secretary, the Union Home Minister is taking part in the Question Hour of the ongoing Parliament Session on July 24, Monday, for which it has become a matter of compulsion that all the MHA officials are stationed from Sunday.

Now, things have come to such a situation that the next tripartite talks have been tentatively scheduled either on August 5 or August 11, according to Satyendra Garg.  He also said that the Government of India “takes seriously” on the tripartite talks, and “I hope things should be alright for everyone in the early part of next month.”

It can be noted here that the tripartite talks on district creation issue which were scheduled earlier for July 10 at Ukhrul district headquarters were postponed, and the talks were latter fixed for July 22 with Senapati district headquarters as the venue. Apparently reacting to the prolonging of the tripartite talks the UNC has expressed its frustration today again.

UNC president Gaidon Kamei reiterated that Naga people in Manipur “to remain alert to face any eventuality”. Earlier, the UNC had alleged  that a party engaging in the tripartite talks was intentionally trying to sabotage the ongoing dialogue on district creation issue.

On May 19, the representatives of the Manipur Government, the Central Government and the UNC had agreed upon to hold tripartite talks on the district creation issue at the political level within a month’s time. The one month’s time frame to hold tripartite talks on the district creation issue had lapsed on June 19.

UNC had also stated earlier that “since the new government of Manipur under the leadership of N Biren Singh and the Narendra Modi government at the Centre had assured us to redress the problems created by the communal Ibobi Singh government we are fervently waiting for the justice.”

Things may be recalled here that, in the last tripartite talks held on May 19 in Senapati headquarters, it was reaffirmed the “focal point No 1 of agreement arrived at in the tripartite talks on March 19, 2017” which states that “the grievances of the United Naga Council which led to the imposition of the economic blockade by them was recognized as there was non-adherence to the four Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the Government of India’s assurance on the matter. The Government of Manipur agrees to start consultation with all stakeholders to redress the same”.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 21

The 24×7 emergency health service of the Community Health Centre (CHC) Yaipripok has been suspended immediately following shortage of doctors.

A statement issued by the hospital management society CHC Yairipok stated that the decision to suspend the 24×7 operation of the CHC was taken by the society during its emergency meeting.

The statement further pointed out that as per the Indian Public Health Standard a CHC requires 11 doctors. However, the CHC is presently run by only two doctors.

It claimed that the matter pertaining to the shortage of doctors has been appraised to the authority concerned several times yet the authority remained indifferent.

As a result, taking into consideration the plight of the two doctors the society has decided to suspend the emergency service until enough man power is provided to the CHC, it said.

According to the society, Yairipok CHC avails service to highest number of patients with over 150 patients per day in the emergency section excluding the OPD patients.

Given the maximum intake of patients, it claimed that the workload could become detrimental to the health of the only two doctors posted at the CHC before pointing out that a doctor is recommended to work for maximum of 48 hours as per Indian Public Health Standard.

Against this backdrop, it contended that in Kakwa PHC and Akampat PHC, areas close to Imphal, have over five doctors each.

It appealed to the authority concerned to look into the grievances of the CHC at the earliest in public interest.

By A Staff Reporter

IMPHAL | July 21

Four students of CC Higher Secondary School got minor injuries and Imphal East police commando OC, L. Vaiphei got head injury during a clash today between the students and the police.

The the clash broke out at around 12 noon when the police tried to stop the students of the school from marching a rally in front of the school gate at Sanjenthong, Imphal.

The student tried to march towards chief minister’s bungalow demanding roll back of the transfer of eight teachers from the school.

During the clash traffic was stop from Sanjenthong bridge till Palace gate for around one hour.

Eyewitnesses said stones were pelted by the students as police tried to stop. To bring the situation under control and disperse the students, police fired some rounds of tear gas cells and also used mock bombs.

Later at around 1 pm police were able to control the situation after negotiating with the student leaders.

Speaking to media persons, CC Higher Secondary School Students’ Union, general secretary, Samson Longjam said that the students of the school strongly condemned the transfer of the eight teachers as they have already covered half of the syllabus.

He urged the government to cancel the transfer of the eight teachers with immediate effect as it will affect the carriers of the students who are going to appear the upcoming board and council examinations.

He further also urged the government to fill up teachers, as the school suffers from lack of teachers.

The student association warned the government that classes will be boycotted until the transfer of the eight teachers are cancelled and will take up different forms of agitation until their demand is fulfilled.

By A Staff Reporter with DIPR

IMPHAL | July 20

 The Second Session of the Eleventh Manipur Legislative Assembly began today with presentation of Budget Estimates, 2017-18 with a fiscal deficit of Rs 851.41 crore by the deputy chief minister Y. Joykumar Singh

Joykumar said that the government is committed to serve the the people of the state with utmost sincerity, dedication and unflinching effort to fulfil the people’s aspirations.

The government had only little time to prepare the revised estimates for 2016-17 and budget estimates for 2017-18. Therefore, only a vote on account for budget estimates, 2017-18 to enable the government to discharge its responsibilities and meet all essential expenditure during the first four months of 2017-18 could be presented.

To mention some of the major initiatives undertaken by the govt. in the first 100 days are, the Manipur Goods & Services Tax Act 2017 was enacted in June and paving the way for GST to be implemented in the state of Manipur. The Manipur Goods & Services Tax Act 2017 has replaced the Value Added Tax Act 2004 and 2 others Acts in the State and expected to generate a revenue of around Rs 700 crore.

The finance minister further said that to the fiscal policy, the priority was to exercise fiscal prudence and maintain financial discipline. The state’s own resources comprise about 10% of the total revenue receipts while the rest comes from central transfers in the form of grant- in- aid and state’s share in central taxes.As compared to last financial year, the total revenue receipts have shown an estimated increase from Rs 9950.15 crore to Rs 11,096.25 crore.

The annual exercise of budgeting is designed for optimal and balanced allocation of the resources available taking into account the larger socio-political and economic considerations. For 2017-18, the total receipts are estimated at Rs 12510.61 crore out of which revenue receipts are estimated at Rs 11096.25 crore and capital receipts at Rs 1414.36 crore.

Total estimates of state’s own tax and non-tax receipts in the Budget Estimates are Rs 831.86 crore and Rs 245.51 crore respectively. Receipt from state’s share in central taxes and duties is estimated at Rs 4168.45 crore.

During this fiscal year, it is proposed to have a total expenditure of Rs 12,420.65 crore out of the consolidated fund of the State. Out of this, Rs 9952.35 crore is under Revenue account and Rs 2468.30 crore under capital account. Out of the total expenditure, an amount of Rs 961.31 crore is charged expenditure and the remaining amount of Rs 11459.34 crore is voted expenditure.

By A Staff Reporter with DIPR

IMPHAL | July 20

 The Second Session of the Eleventh Manipur Legislative Assembly began today with presentation of Budget Estimates, 2017-18 with a fiscal deficit of Rs 851.41 crore by the deputy chief minister Y. Joykumar Singh

Joykumar said that the government is committed to serve the the people of the state with utmost sincerity, dedication and unflinching effort to fulfil the people’s aspirations.

The government had only little time to prepare the revised estimates for 2016-17 and budget estimates for 2017-18. Therefore, only a vote on account for budget estimates, 2017-18 to enable the government to discharge its responsibilities and meet all essential expenditure during the first four months of 2017-18 could be presented.

To mention some of the major initiatives undertaken by the govt. in the first 100 days are, the Manipur Goods & Services Tax Act 2017 was enacted in June and paving the way for GST to be implemented in the state of Manipur. The Manipur Goods & Services Tax Act 2017 has replaced the Value Added Tax Act 2004 and 2 others Acts in the State and expected to generate a revenue of around Rs 700 crore.

The finance minister further said that to the fiscal policy, the priority was to exercise fiscal prudence and maintain financial discipline. The state’s own resources comprise about 10% of the total revenue receipts while the rest comes from central transfers in the form of grant- in- aid and state’s share in central taxes.As compared to last financial year, the total revenue receipts have shown an estimated increase from Rs 9950.15 crore to Rs 11,096.25 crore.

The annual exercise of budgeting is designed for optimal and balanced allocation of the resources available taking into account the larger socio-political and economic considerations. For 2017-18, the total receipts are estimated at Rs 12510.61 crore out of which revenue receipts are estimated at Rs 11096.25 crore and capital receipts at Rs 1414.36 crore.

Total estimates of state’s own tax and non-tax receipts in the Budget Estimates are Rs 831.86 crore and Rs 245.51 crore respectively. Receipt from state’s share in central taxes and duties is estimated at Rs 4168.45 crore.

During this fiscal year, it is proposed to have a total expenditure of Rs 12,420.65 crore out of the consolidated fund of the State. Out of this, Rs 9952.35 crore is under Revenue account and Rs 2468.30 crore under capital account. Out of the total expenditure, an amount of Rs 961.31 crore is charged expenditure and the remaining amount of Rs 11459.34 crore is voted expenditure.