Imphal: During the evening session on the fifth day of the 6th Session of the 12th Manipur State Legislative Assembly, the House unanimously passed six Demands for Grants totaling Rs. 35,831,617,000.
The approved demands include:
- Medical, Health, and Family Welfare Services (Demand No. 11): Rs. 1,589,24,44,000
- Labour and Employment (Demand No. 13): Rs. 68,07,28,000
- Department of Tribal Affairs and Hills Development (Demand No. 14): Rs. 918,96,43,000
- Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, including Dairy Farming (Demand No. 18): Rs. 193,18,33,000
- Environment and Forest (Demand No. 19): Rs. 716,45,09,000
- Sericulture (Demand No. 39): Rs. 97,24,60,000
During the discussion, Health Minister Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh highlighted the government’s commitment to improving healthcare. He addressed a policy cut motion by Khundrakpam A/C MLA Th. Lokeshwar Singh, stating that the proposal for a district hospital has been accepted and will commence soon. He attributed the state’s doctor shortage to the study leave of medical officers and senior residents, noting that 186 Medical Officers and 44 Senior Residents are currently on study leave. Of 300 vacancies, only 124 were filled by the Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC).
The Minister assured that the Jiribam District Hospital will have adequate medical and paramedical staff, with a digital X-ray machine to be installed soon. A regular Director for JNIMS will be appointed following department rules, and infrastructure improvements at the hospital are ongoing. Additionally, a mental hospital proposal has been approved, and the Tele-MANAS cell is operational for mental health counseling.
Veterinary Minister Shri Khashim Vashum responded to a policy cut motion by Wangkhem A/C MLA K. Meghachandra Singh, Khangabok A/C MLA Shri Surjakumar Okram, and Khundrakpam A/C MLA Th. Lokeshwar Singh. He noted the existence of 55 veterinary hospitals and 109 dispensaries, with only a few constituencies lacking veterinary centers. Veterinary ambulance services are operational in some areas, and efforts are being made to upgrade these services.
The Department has initiated egg and chick production for public availability and is addressing the African swine fever outbreak by seeking compensation for affected farmers. A toll-free number, ‘1962’, is operational for departmental assistance. Work on state pony registration and certification will begin soon, with expanded grazing grounds and consultative meetings for pony welfare.
Environment and Forest Minister Th. Biswajit Singh, addressing a policy cut motion by Khangabok A/C MLA Surjakumar Okram and Khundrakpam A/C MLA Th. Lokeshwar Singh, highlighted the state’s 37 reserved forests and 23 protected forests, covering 78% of Manipur’s total area.
He reported the eviction of 413 encroachers from protected forests and identified new village construction, jhum, and poppy cultivation as primary causes of forest depletion. Under the ‘Ek ped maa ke naam’ campaign initiated by the Prime Minister, 20 lakh saplings have been planted in Manipur, with a goal of 70 lakh by year-end. Additionally, 77 lakh saplings were planted during the 75th Van Mahotsav celebration.
