Rally

IMPHAL March 4:An armed forces veterans (ex-servicemen) rally is being organized on March 10 at Senapati town. The rally is being conducted for ex-servicemen of Senapati district. Facilities like CSD,… Read more »

IMPHAL March 4:An armed forces veterans (ex-servicemen) rally is being organized on March 10 at Senapati town. The rally is being conducted for ex-servicemen of Senapati district. Facilities like CSD, medical checkup and documentation will be organized at the venue. Pick-up and drop facility will be provided from the collection points on NH-39 at Mao Gate. Tadubi, Makhan Centre, Kangpokpi, Kethelmanbi and Motbung. All Ex-Servicemen of Senapati District are requested to attend.

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State initiates security strategies for visiting President

IMPHAL, March 3: The state home department has initiated strategies as security measures in the state capital in connection with the proposed visit of the President of India, Pratibha Devisingh… Read more »

IMPHAL, March 3: The state home department has initiated strategies as security measures in the state capital in connection with the proposed visit of the President of India, Pratibha Devisingh Patil on March, 10.

According to an official source, a total of 152 personnel of the state police forces, headed by one Additional SP (Imphal West) with 38 Sub Inspectorss, 35 ASIs and 48 women constables from eight district police stations of the state except Ukhru under himl have been detailed the security measures for the proposed visit of the President.

The official source further mentioned that, the security rehearsal for the proposed visit will be held on March 6 and 7 next.

The source further mentioned that, with the official confirmation from the office of the Rastrapati, Bhavan New Delhi of the official visit of the President of India recently, the state government has initiated the security strategies to prevent any untoward incidents during the President’s visit.

On the other hand ,as per the official scheduled prepared by the state home department, the President of India, , Pratibha Devisingh Patil will be arriving at Imphal Airport by Indian Airline Flight BBJ where a team of state police personnel will give guard of honour and reception of the visiting Indian President at 1.30 pm.

The official source further mentioned that, soon after landing at the Imphal Airport she will travel by road from Imphal Airport upto Raj Bhavan under a tight security arrangement along the Tiddim and will attended a meeting with Governor Gurbachand Jagat at Raj Bhavan which will start from 3 pm of the day and will be followed by a series of discussion and meeting with Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, chairperson of State Social Welfare Advisory Board, chairperson of Manipur State Women Self Helf Group at Raj Bhavan Imphal on her arrival.

The visiting Presient of India will be entertained with cultural programmes at the Raj Bhavan which will be followed by dinner.

The official source further mentioned that, the President during her visit will inaugurate the Manipur State Data Centre (SDC) and will also lay the foundation stone of IT Park at Mantripukhri Imphal at 9.30 am and will be followed by the launching of SWAN Project and afterwards depart from Imphal at 12.30 pm of the same day by a special Indian Airforce Flight at 12.30 pm, the source added.

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AMTU suggests 3-point schema for green revolution in tribal districts

Imphal, Mar 3: All Manipur Tribal Union (AMTU) has highlighted a 3-point schema to the Prime Minister in order to flag down the socio-economic exclusion of the tribals and the… Read more »

Imphal, Mar 3: All Manipur Tribal Union (AMTU) has highlighted a 3-point schema to the Prime Minister in order to flag down the socio-economic exclusion of the tribals and the need for a green revolution in tribal region to weaken the force that strives on exclusivist politics.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh being the miracle hand of the Indian economy knows best that only through green revolution in the tribal region the socio-economy of the people can be enhanced, a memorandum submitted by AMTU to the Prime Minster stated signed by its general secretary Romeo Bungdon.

AMTU has suggested a 3-point schema to bring about green revolution in tribal areas for the fortification of the economy of the tribals of Manipur.

Firstly, it has suggested for the creation of a nodal agency similar to—and as good as—Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) to be routed preferably through Autonomous District Council (local government) so that development funds reach the target tribal population and avoid being misused and diverted as it often happens in Manipur.
Second, AMTU has suggested for the earmarking of financial provision of Tribal Sub Plan (TSP) exclusively for the development of tribal areas of the State.

And lastly, it has proposed for the provision of funds under such scheme to be utilized in heath, sanitation and to procure fencing materials like barbed wire and gauged wire for paddy fields.

There are vast acres of land which could not be cultivated due to herds of domestic animals traditionally unleashed to graze freely all the year round. This culture of animal rearing is counter active against cultivations. Therefore, fencing facility should be provided to poor land owners to enhance better harvest of both kharif and rabi crops. Otherwise, cultivable lands and paddy fields are wasted for such a long season, AMTU highlighted.

Again, it hinted that rationalization and mechanization of agricultural tools which is the vehicle of any green revolution has largely remained unaffordable to the poor tribal farmers of the State. “Impoverished people of this region can never afford such type of mechanized farming, unless nodal agency for TSP is formulated and implemented for such noble development of the tribal region in the State like Manipur,” it said.

The tribal body also thanked the Prime Minister and his government for the successful mission of MGNREGS in empowering the grass root population and for evolving a plan for the real development in the hill districts of Manipur.

The two districts of Senapati and Churachandpur have been conferred with the national awards for two consecutive years alternatively for outstanding performance in the implementation of MGNREGS through the diligence of the two lady deputy commissioners, AMTU has observed, adding that it is MGNREGS which has made these mere tribal districts emerge to such a high profile districts, without which there is no other means to excel over others by such economically feeble tribal districts.

A copy each of the memorandum singed by its general secretary Romeo Bungdon has also been submitted to Sonia Gandhi, UPA chairperson, and the chief secretary of Manipur.

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Condoled

IMPHAL, March 3: A condolence meeting was held at the Association of Premier State College Seniors, Manipur on March 1 in the memory of Md Riyazuddin Choudhury,an eminent teacher who… Read more »

IMPHAL, March 3: A condolence meeting was held at the Association of Premier State College Seniors, Manipur on March 1 in the memory of Md Riyazuddin Choudhury,an eminent teacher who also served the DM college as a librarian and then as a lecturer of history. He retired from service from the GP Women’s college. The meeting observed a two minute silence in the memory of the departed and shares the grief of the bereaved family members.

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KCP Maoist

IMPHAL, Mar 3: While supporting the stance taken by the Lamsang Kendra Development Committee against the Lamsang MLA Brajabidhu, the proscribed KCP (Maoist) has today announced that the ban on… Read more »

IMPHAL, Mar 3: While supporting the stance taken by the Lamsang Kendra Development Committee against the Lamsang MLA Brajabidhu, the proscribed KCP (Maoist) has today announced that the ban on the works of the MLA which had been earlier by the outfit has been further strengthen.

A statement of KCP (Maoist) signed by its assistant publicity secretary and propaganda Nonglen Meitei has further stated that some people with vested interest and pocketed by the MLA had criticized the ban put upon the MLA by the outfit, however, it further added that the party has not changed the ban put upon the MLA.

According to the release the party has only strengthen the ban.

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Water supply to resume

IMPHAL, March 3: A notification from the Executive Engineer ,Water Supply and Maintenance Division-I of PHE Department states that water to consumers will be resumed from the new pipelines along… Read more »

IMPHAL, March 3: A notification from the Executive Engineer ,Water Supply and Maintenance Division-I of PHE Department states that water to consumers will be resumed from the new pipelines along Wahengbam Leikai to Keisampat till Tera.

The release further states that an exercise consisting of on the spot verification ,reconnection and regularization of consumers and tariff will be conducted for the areas of Waheng Leikai-Moirtang Leirak, Waheng Leikai –Kangabam Leirak from March 4 onwards. Consumers are requested to comply and provide connection order along with latest tax receipts and 12.50 mm GI pipes to be arranged by the consumers. The notification states that official staff for collection of water rent will be available at Waheng Leikai and Ebudhou Khamlangba Laikol Moirang Leirak from March 4 to 10, during office hours.

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Power drive

IMPHAL, March 3: The electricity department in its conducted power drive today disconnected 355 lines of defaulters and booked 16 unauthorized consumers. A sum of Rs 9,63,047 was collected from… Read more »

IMPHAL, March 3: The electricity department in its conducted power drive today disconnected 355 lines of defaulters and booked 16 unauthorized consumers. A sum of Rs 9,63,047 was collected from 144 persons who paid at the site. The drive was conducted at Heirangoithong ,Thangal Bazar, Haobam Marak,Khuman Lampak, Sagolband Salam Leikai ,Lanjing Achouba,Lamphel Supermarket, Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai, Thangmeiband Lourungpurel, Singjamei Kshetri Leikai,Lilando Lampak, Khongnang Phaidekpi , Ningthempukhri Maning,Younglan Leirak, Khurai Thangjam Leikai, Kongpal Keisam Leikai etc.

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Gratitude

IMPHAL, Mar 3: Luangrang (Nungnang) Village Development Committee has expressed gratitude to power minister Phungzathang Tonsin, MP Thangsho Baite, Adim Pamei and staffs of electricity department for providing electricity to… Read more »

IMPHAL, Mar 3: Luangrang (Nungnang) Village Development Committee has expressed gratitude to power minister Phungzathang Tonsin, MP Thangsho Baite, Adim Pamei and staffs of electricity department for providing electricity to the Nungnang village.

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28 AR saves snake bite victim

IMPHAL, Mar 3: The medical team of 28 Assam Rfiles, Lilong Post has saved the life of one snake bite victim. The victim is Md Sahajuddin, 19, of Lilong Loumang…. Read more »

IMPHAL, Mar 3: The medical team of 28 Assam Rfiles, Lilong Post has saved the life of one snake bite victim.
The victim is Md Sahajuddin, 19, of Lilong Loumang. He was bitten by a venomous sanke yesterday night at 7;50 pm while he was walking at his lawn. The medical team of 28 Assam Rifles adminitered anti-venom injection to the victim after he was brought to Lilong Post.

Sahajuddin was kept under observation and he is out of danger now. His family members thanked the commander of 28 Lilong Post and the medical team for saving his life.

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HC Bar Assn to abstain from works

IMPHAL, Mar 3: The High Court Bar Association, Manipur has resolved to abstain from court works indefinitely with immediate effect till the Union Government makes a full proof assurance to… Read more »

IMPHAL, Mar 3: The High Court Bar Association, Manipur has resolved to abstain from court works indefinitely with immediate effect till the Union Government makes a full proof assurance to establish Manipur High Court prior to the establishment of Tripura and other separate High Courts in the North East Region.

A release of the association said that the resolution for abstaining from court works has been taken as per the special general body meeting.

The association further resolved to submit a joint representation to Prime Minister, Union Law Minister, Union Home Minister and Chief Minister regarding the establishment of separate High Court for Manipur.

It also resolved that the executive committee of the bar association will be constituted to meet the authorities of both union and state government to demand the establishment of High Court.

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Women shopping for Shivratri

Women folk looking for items to buy while a man looks at a picture of Lord Shiva ahead of the Shivrati celebration which falls on March 3. 2011-03-02 | by… Read more »

Women folk looking for items to buy while a man looks at a picture of Lord Shiva ahead of the Shivrati celebration which falls on March 3. 2011-03-02 | by : IFP Photo

Women folk looking for items to buy while a man looks at a picture of Lord Shiva ahead of the Shivrati celebration which falls on March 3. 2011-03-02 | by : IFP Photo

Women folk looking for items to buy while a man looks at a picture of Lord Shiva ahead of the Shivrati celebration which falls on March 3.
2011-03-02 | by : IFP Photo

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KCP (Maoist) bans works of MLA Brajabidhu

IMPHAL, Mar 1: The proscribed KCP (Maoist) has announced ban on the works undertaken by MLA of Lamsang assembly constituency, Brajabidhu for alleged misappropriation of local development fund. A statement… Read more »

IMPHAL, Mar 1: The proscribed KCP (Maoist) has announced ban on the works undertaken by MLA of Lamsang assembly constituency, Brajabidhu for alleged misappropriation of local development fund.

A statement of KCP (Maoist) signed by its assistant publicity secretary and propaganda Nonglen Meitei said that the party has taken up the decision to ban MLA Brajabidhu following misappropriation of local area development fund as well as PDS items which are supposed to be given to the people.

The MLA has been working for his own benefits at the cost of the people`s money and properties, it said.

The statement also mentioned that the misdeeds of minister Parijat and other MLAs of the ruling party will be highlighted to the public very soon.

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Loan recovery drive begins at Senapati

IMPHAL, March 1: The SEGP Loan Recovery Agent Senapati has launched a loan recovery drive from today in the district as per the direction given by the competent authority of… Read more »

IMPHAL, March 1: The SEGP Loan Recovery Agent Senapati has launched a loan recovery drive from today in the district as per the direction given by the competent authority of the Manipur State Co-operative Bank, (MSCB) Imphal, Manipur.
It informed all the loanees/defaulters of Saikul, Karong, Tadubi, Kangpokpi, Saitu of Senapati district who have taken the loans under the SEGP of MSCB to clear the outstanding due on or before March 20. At the same time the loanees are also asked to pay the loan installment on time without delay so as to enable the bank in formulating its working mechanism progressively without any difficulty.
It further informed that the MSCB also directed the SEGP loan recovery agents to use all legal means to recover the SEGP loan.

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Sukhois inducted

GUWAHATI, Mar 1 (NNN): A fleet of Sukhois was formally inducted at Chabua, the Indian Air Force`s easternmost base in Assam on Tuesday. The induction was done through a ceremonial… Read more »

GUWAHATI, Mar 1 (NNN): A fleet of Sukhois was formally inducted at Chabua, the Indian Air Force`s easternmost base in Assam on Tuesday. The induction was done through a ceremonial fly-past by three SU 30 MKI aircrafts.

Air Marshal KK Nohwar, AOC-in-C of Eastern Air Command, Air Commodore Mrigendra Singh, AOC of Chabua Air Force Station, senior army and air force officers as well as civil dignitaries attended the induction ceremony.

`The Vijaynagar runway is being repaired and will soon open to operations of fixed-wing aircraft for better air maintenance,` said Air Marshal Nohwar.

Vijaynagar is on the southeastern tip of Arunachal Pradesh bordering China and Myanmar. The IAF periodically drops essentials for locals and ex-defence personnel settled there to keep a watch over the frontier.

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Combined forces arrest two hardcore KCP cadres

IMPHAL, March 1: A combined force of Imphal West Police Commandos, 116 Bn BSF and 5 Assam Rifles have arrested two hardcore cadres of KCP involved in several crimes in… Read more »

IMPHAL, March 1: A combined force of Imphal West Police Commandos, 116 Bn BSF and 5 Assam Rifles have arrested two hardcore cadres of KCP involved in several crimes in Imphal area including the murder of one Leishangthem Ranabir of Heirangoithong yesterday night.

The arrested cadres are Thingbaijam Chitaranjit Singh alias Tangba, 38, son of (late) Manigun of Heirangoithong Awang Maibam Leikai, and Thingbaijam Somokanta alias Tomcha, son of Saratjit of Heirangoithong Awang Maibam Leikai.

Speaking to media-persons today, DSP of CDO Imphal West, S Ibomcha stated that Chitaranjit was apprehended while a combined force of CDO Imphal West, 116 Bn BSF and 5 Assam Rifles was conducting intense frisking and checking yesterday at around 10:30 pm near the gate of Oriental College based on specific information provided by 23 Assam Rifles that some members of KCP were going to lob hand grenade.

From Chitaranjit’s disclosure another cadre Somokanta was also arrested from his residence along with various incriminating articles today at around 10 am. They disclosed that they are working under Thingujam Sorojini, 37, wife of Subhash Dev Burman of Heirangoithong Awang Maibam Leikai and one Malemnganba of KCP.

DSP Ibomcha further said that the duo has been involved in several crimes in Imphal area. They shot dead Leishangthem Ranabir of Heirangoithong Mutum Leirak near Catholic School, Canchipur.

Chitaranjit along with Lourembam Poncha, son of Lolito of Heirangoithong Awang Maibam Leikai lobbed one hand-grenade at the residence of executive engineer Thokchom Lokeshwar of Sagolband Tera Tongbram Leikai.

The duo lobbed one hand-grenade at the residence of Pradhan Chaobi of Yurembam Makha Leikai and Chitaranjit also lobbed one hand-grenade at the quarter of BDO Rajen at Lamphel Sana Keithel.

Chitaranjit also blank fired one round at a brickfield at Pangei by going together with L Ranabir and took Rs 80, 000 which was later handed over to Sorojini.

Chitaranjit along with Ranabir burnt down one van at Ningombam and also served a demand letter at a stone crusher at Pheidinga along with Th Sorojini.

Somokanta and Poncha blasted one hand-grenade at the residence of one Pradhan at Lilong Chajing Karam, and served one demand letter at Pratap Talkies along with Sorojini.

The security force have also recovered four Chinese hand-grenades, 13 live rounds of 9mm caliber, 23 live rounds of 7.65 mm caliber, two live rounds of long range cartridge, one magazine of 7.65 mm caliber, seven demand letters of KCP, one Honda Activa (silver colour) bearing registration number MN-01Q 5132 and one mobile handset with SIM card, the DSP stated.
Assam`s ruling Congress faces a divided opposition.

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Five states to go to polls in April-May

NEW DELHI, March 1 :Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, Assam and West Bengal will go to polls in April and May in the biggest popularity contest since the 2009 Lok Sabha… Read more »

NEW DELHI, March 1 :Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry, Assam and West Bengal will go to polls in April and May in the biggest popularity contest since the 2009 Lok Sabha election, it was announced on Tuesday.

Chief Election Commissioner S.Y. Quraishi said some 150 million voters will be eligible to take part in the elections that will begin April 4 and conclude May 10.

The vote count will take place May 13, Quraishi told reporters at his office. While Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry will have a single phase polling on April 13, Assam will see balloting on April 4 and 11.

Polling in West Bengal will be spread over six phases — April 18, 23 and 27 and May 3, 7 and 10.

The April-May battle will dominantly involve the Left, the Congress and regional parties like the Trinamool Congress, the Asom Gana Parishad, the DMK and the AIADMK.

One of the keenest contests is expected in West Bengal, where the Left Front led by the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M), which has been in power since 1977, faces its most serious challenge.

The Left Front`s biggest threat comes from the Trinamool Congress of Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee who has vowed to unseat the Marxists and form a government.

In Kerala, the coalitions led by the Left and Congress will take on each other. The ruling DMK in Tamil Nadu will lead its alliance against a resurgent AIADMK.

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National Science Day

IMPHAL Feb 28: The National Science Day 2011 as observed throughout the Nation was observed by the Socail Economic and Environmental Development Organization (SEEDO) at Takyel Khonbal today. The function… Read more »

IMPHAL Feb 28: The National Science Day 2011 as observed throughout the Nation was observed by the Socail Economic and Environmental Development Organization (SEEDO) at Takyel Khonbal today. The function was jointly organized by SEEDO Innovators Science Club (SISC) and SEEDO Science Club(SSC) at the Office hall of the organization.
National Youth Awardee T Romen Meitei ,Assistant secretary of SEEDO Sanayai Devi and socail worker Mangolnganbi Devi were the chief guest, president and guest of honor at the function respectively.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/Ymf5gMd6Q1o/

National Science Day

IMPHAL Feb 28: The National Science Day 2011 as observed throughout the Nation was observed by the Socail Economic and Environmental Development Organization (SEEDO) at Takyel Khonbal today. The function… Read more »

IMPHAL Feb 28: The National Science Day 2011 as observed throughout the Nation was observed by the Socail Economic and Environmental Development Organization (SEEDO) at Takyel Khonbal today. The function was jointly organized by SEEDO Innovators Science Club (SISC) and SEEDO Science Club(SSC) at the Office hall of the organization.
National Youth Awardee T Romen Meitei ,Assistant secretary of SEEDO Sanayai Devi and socail worker Mangolnganbi Devi were the chief guest, president and guest of honor at the function respectively.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/Ymf5gMd6Q1o/

Union Budget 2011-12: Don’t forget the people, but wisely

Amar Yumnam IMPHAL, Feb 28: The general elections are round the corner. In a democracy and its elections, what counts are the votes cast by an individual irrespective of age,… Read more »

Amar Yumnam

IMPHAL, Feb 28: The general elections are round the corner. In a democracy and its elections, what counts are the votes cast by an individual irrespective of age, caste, class, region or education. This dictum has been very wisely adopted in the Union Budget presented by the India`s Finance Minister on Monday. In other words, in this latest edition of the union budget, the approach is rather of the neoclassical wherein the interests of the individual agents in the economy are addressed rather than of the classical one which calls for grand designs for the economy as a whole.

There are four aspects from which I would try to evaluate the latest budget. First is the case of inflation. Second, we have the issue of lack of accountability and corruption in the governance of the country. Third, we need to look at how the budget addresses the issues of the North Eastern Region. Fourth, we have the forthcoming general elections. Let me give my take on all these four issues now.

Coming to inflation, we would have expected a very frank and directed approach in this regard. The inflation we experienced in 2008-09 was mainly because of international factors of high food and fuel prices. This was satisfactorily taken care of. But soon after this we started experiencing the current phase of inflation due to domestic reasons of rising food prices. While this is being attempted to put under control, the world now sees the emergence of another round of rising fuel prices consequent upon the Jasmine Revolt in Tunisia and the aftermaths in Egypt, Libya and others. This is coupling the already high food prices at the global level. All these factors would certainly have an unfavourable impact on prices in the country. The budget is completely silent on this aspect. Maybe with the elections getting near, the government does not wish to alarm the people on any issue, or otherwise these are conditions favourable enough for governments to push ahead with strong measures.

The last few months have witnessed the increasing exposure of corruption and corruptibility in the governance of the country. Naturally the whole world expected that the government would come up with certain tough and innovative measures to address this menace, particularly because the entire prestige of the country has been terribly compromised. But the government thinks otherwise, or particularly at this time of democracy, it feels it should rather leave the responsibility of taking care of this to the next government whatsoever. At at least three places, the Finance Minister does display absolute understanding of the issues involved, but when it comes to the remedial measures he has sought time by appointing committees.

When it comes to our region, the budget has nothing specific about it. The special assistance being promised for the next fiscal year would of course go a long way in meeting the election expenses of the ruling party. The Untied Special Central Assistance would be of extreme use in this regard.

Lastly, we need to examine how the budget attempts to meet the interests of the people. The Finance Ministry must definitely have burnt the midnight oil in order to identify the different cross-sections of the population in the country and their varied needs. The budget has definitely attempted to put in place one scheme or the other for every category of the population of the country and with benefits to be delivered at the level of the individual. This is where the ingenuity of the budget lies. Unlike the earlier pre-election budgets, it does not show a picture of populism in as much as it is. It tries to portray these as inclusive development schemes. The problem here is of course would be how is the government going to ensure that these do reach the population group being targeted. Such schemes have been the most convenient ones for the powers that be to siphon-off the funds for their own personal aggrandisement. With the governance issue being skirted for the time, the fear still remains strong. This is particularly surprising as well, as the pre-budget Economic Survey itself had acknowledged the World Bank ranking of India as one of the worst countries to do business with in so far as the quality of administration is concerned.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/SKr4bNpNe1I/

Union Budget 2011-12: Don’t forget the people, but wisely

Amar Yumnam IMPHAL, Feb 28: The general elections are round the corner. In a democracy and its elections, what counts are the votes cast by an individual irrespective of age,… Read more »

Amar Yumnam

IMPHAL, Feb 28: The general elections are round the corner. In a democracy and its elections, what counts are the votes cast by an individual irrespective of age, caste, class, region or education. This dictum has been very wisely adopted in the Union Budget presented by the India`s Finance Minister on Monday. In other words, in this latest edition of the union budget, the approach is rather of the neoclassical wherein the interests of the individual agents in the economy are addressed rather than of the classical one which calls for grand designs for the economy as a whole.

There are four aspects from which I would try to evaluate the latest budget. First is the case of inflation. Second, we have the issue of lack of accountability and corruption in the governance of the country. Third, we need to look at how the budget addresses the issues of the North Eastern Region. Fourth, we have the forthcoming general elections. Let me give my take on all these four issues now.

Coming to inflation, we would have expected a very frank and directed approach in this regard. The inflation we experienced in 2008-09 was mainly because of international factors of high food and fuel prices. This was satisfactorily taken care of. But soon after this we started experiencing the current phase of inflation due to domestic reasons of rising food prices. While this is being attempted to put under control, the world now sees the emergence of another round of rising fuel prices consequent upon the Jasmine Revolt in Tunisia and the aftermaths in Egypt, Libya and others. This is coupling the already high food prices at the global level. All these factors would certainly have an unfavourable impact on prices in the country. The budget is completely silent on this aspect. Maybe with the elections getting near, the government does not wish to alarm the people on any issue, or otherwise these are conditions favourable enough for governments to push ahead with strong measures.

The last few months have witnessed the increasing exposure of corruption and corruptibility in the governance of the country. Naturally the whole world expected that the government would come up with certain tough and innovative measures to address this menace, particularly because the entire prestige of the country has been terribly compromised. But the government thinks otherwise, or particularly at this time of democracy, it feels it should rather leave the responsibility of taking care of this to the next government whatsoever. At at least three places, the Finance Minister does display absolute understanding of the issues involved, but when it comes to the remedial measures he has sought time by appointing committees.

When it comes to our region, the budget has nothing specific about it. The special assistance being promised for the next fiscal year would of course go a long way in meeting the election expenses of the ruling party. The Untied Special Central Assistance would be of extreme use in this regard.

Lastly, we need to examine how the budget attempts to meet the interests of the people. The Finance Ministry must definitely have burnt the midnight oil in order to identify the different cross-sections of the population in the country and their varied needs. The budget has definitely attempted to put in place one scheme or the other for every category of the population of the country and with benefits to be delivered at the level of the individual. This is where the ingenuity of the budget lies. Unlike the earlier pre-election budgets, it does not show a picture of populism in as much as it is. It tries to portray these as inclusive development schemes. The problem here is of course would be how is the government going to ensure that these do reach the population group being targeted. Such schemes have been the most convenient ones for the powers that be to siphon-off the funds for their own personal aggrandisement. With the governance issue being skirted for the time, the fear still remains strong. This is particularly surprising as well, as the pre-budget Economic Survey itself had acknowledged the World Bank ranking of India as one of the worst countries to do business with in so far as the quality of administration is concerned.

Read more / Original news source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Kanglaonline/~3/SKr4bNpNe1I/