Imphal: Chief Minister Nongthombam Biren Singh announced to the House that the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) PG Centre has been reinstated in the state.
During the Question Hour of the morning session on the second day of the ongoing 6th session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister informed that there are currently 19 existing fire service stations across various constituencies in the state, including a headquarters in Imphal. He added that efforts are being made to open 10 more fire service stations, with the budget sanctioned under the 15th Finance Commission.
Responding to a starred question raised by Khundrakpam A/C MLA Thokchom Lokeshwar Singh about opening Fire Protection and Control Sub-Stations in all constituencies, Biren stated that discussions are underway to include a fire service for Khundrakpam Constituency among the new stations.
Wangkhem A/C MLA Keisham Meghachandra Singh inquired about any FIR registered against officials involved in siphoning off Rs 30.36 crore in the Tribal Affairs and Hills Development Department. Biren confirmed that FIR No. 348(12)2022 IPS u/s 409/420/34 IPC & 13(1)(c)/13(2) PC Act dated 29/3/2022 has been filed, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been requested to probe the matter. Measures will be taken to recover the misappropriated funds and actions will be initiated against those involved.
Addressing a query from Sugnu A/C MLA Kangujam Ranjit, Biren mentioned that the direct recruitment process for 2,457 state forces out of 3,200 posts is underway, and swift measures will be taken to promote 3,377 vacant promotion quota posts. He provided current force numbers: 6,268 MR, 9,323 IRB, 14,076 Police (Civil, Commando, and Special Commando), 9,169 VDF, and 1,818 Home Guards.
Regarding the unauthorized construction of an RCC Bridge at K. Molnom Village, raised by MLA Ranjit, Biren stated that a team including commando, Assam Rifles, DC, and SDO was deployed to halt the construction. An order was issued, and an FIR was registered against the village chief. The construction has been halted, and efforts will be made to dismantle any illegally constructed structures.
Answering a question from Khangabok A/C MLA Surjakumar Okram, Biren reported that 226 people have been killed in the ongoing violence since May 3, 2023. A total of 146 victim families have received financial aid of Rs 10 lakhs, and assessment is underway to identify the number of IDPs (Internally Displaced Persons) who have died in relief camps since May 3, 2023.
A Cabinet Sub-Committee has been formed to assess the needs of the IDPs in relief camps. The Chief Minister urged the IDPs to report any grievances or problems.
Biren also informed that the NEET will be conducted in the state as approved by the Centre and appealed to CSOs, political parties, and the public not to politicize the government’s initiatives to restore peace.
Education Minister Thounaojam Basantakumar Singh stated that the regular Registrar and staff of Dhanamanjuri University (DMU) have been appointed and are expected to join by Monday. Responding to a calling attention motion by MLA Surjakumar Okram concerning issues at DMU and Manipur Technical University (MTU), Basantakumar said the Vice Chancellor will be appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of a committee. The notice for the Vice Chancellor’s appointment was issued on July 10, 2024, with applications due by August 9, 2024.
Basantakumar mentioned that issues of understaffing at DMU will be resolved with the recent appointment of 121 Assistant Professors and 155 non-teaching staff. The NAAC Accreditation process for DMU has been initiated, and some constituent colleges, including DM College of Science, are NAAC accredited with a CGPA of 2.8. Exams delayed due to the ongoing situation will be conducted soon.
Regarding MTU, Basantakumar said a Vice Chancellor will be appointed after a pending court case is resolved. Exams for the academic year will be conducted in February 2024 both online and offline. He assured that the government is making efforts to improve DMU and MTU and to address all pending issues to boost the education sector.
