Imphal: The 12th session of the Manipur Legislative Assembly today passed the motion of thanks on the Governor’s address that was delivered at the House on February 3, 2021. The discussion on the motion of thanks on the Governor’s address was moved by MLA P Sharatchandra Singh and seconded by MLA Dr Sapam Ranjan Singh.
Clarifying on the suggestion for amendments on the Governor’s address by different opposition MLAs, Leader of the House and Chief Minister N Biren Singh stated that the ruling government is not able to accommodate all issues in detail due to space and time constraints.
Replying to MLA K Govindas’ query, he stated that about 3 projects are recommended by Niti Aayog that will be implemented with financial assistance from the Asian Development Bank. The Dolaithabi and the Thoubal Multipurpose projects have been completed while the Civil Secretariat is still pending due to court case but it will also commence shortly, the Chief Minister assured.
In response to MLA K Ranjit’s stating that corruption has become rampant and that there are whispers of demand for Rs 5 lakh to Rs 8 lakh for IRP recruitment and wondered whether the Anti-corruption cell is still functioning, Chief Minister informed the House that the Anti-Corruption Cell is functioning as expected and appealed to officials not to indulge in corruption in case of Government job recruitments like IRB among others. He told K Ranjit to come up with evidence so that appropriate action can be taken and the guilty punished.
He also expressed that the present Government is ready to take adequate measures to repeal AFSPA as the law and order situation of the state has improved considerably. The Chief Minister said that there is a committee to seek amendments prior to 2014 and satellite mapping after 2014 in connection with paddy lands. He also clarified on the matter of poppy cultivation raised by MLA K Meghachandra stating that there are 49 cases at present and the state is facing hurdles in tackling the issue as there are no proper guidelines for the protected forest under which most of the poppy cultivation is done.
Leader of the House N Biren Biren Singh mentioned that the Government’s startup scheme consisting of 3 types is aimed to generate employment and cater to the needs for around 40,000 to 45,000 returnees due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He also stated that Cabinet has recommended the matter relating to the Autonomous District Council (ADC) election and there are 27 blocks functioning properly at the grassroots level. Welfare of the people living in the hill areas is one of the top priorities of the Government and is included in the Manipur Vision Document 2030
Drawing the attention of the House on the vast scope of tourism in Manipur, the Chief Minister stated that it is an important, viable option for a sustainable economy and promoting development apart from being a big binding force and income generator for the state. Speaking on delimitation, he stated that delimitation is a constitutional procedure and there is a committee to look into the matter.
On groups under SoO indulging in unlawful acts brought by MLA Alfred, N Biren Singh said that the Government has given strict instructions that these groups should remain confined in their designated camps and in case of any violations, SoO will be reviewed. Clarifying on the Indo-Naga Peace talks matter, he said the state government is not part of the talks and has no role in it but desires a peaceful solution between the NSCM-IN and the India Government at the earliest.
Opposition MLAs Govindas Konthoujam, K Ranjit Singh, K Meghachandra Singh and Alfred Kangam Arthur expressed lapses on the developmental activities and projects of the ruling Government during the discussion on motion of thanks on the Governor’s address.
