SUMMARY LIST OF GOVERNOR'S ADDRESS
Hon'ble Speaker and Hon'ble Members of the august House,
It gives me great pleasure in welcoming you to the First Session of the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly. I take this opportunity to convey my greetings for the New Year to you all and to the people of Manipur. I am sure that this year will see Manipur moving further on the road to peace and prosperity.
I would also request all the Hon'ble Members to join me in paying homage to all those security forces personnel and civilians who have lost their lives in the mindless violence perpetrated by the extremist during the last year.
Manipur has made considerable socio-economic development. The State has done well in the spheres of sports and youth affairs, art and culture and education. However, the pace of development of infrastructure has been slow, which is the main factor responsible for slow economic growth. The economy continues to be predominantly agrarian even now, due to lack of industrialization and non-development of the tertiary sector. Inadequate employment opportunities in the organized sectors, both public and private, have contributed towards the problem of unemployment, particularly for the educated youth. The future belongs to the youth, and it will be the endeavor of my Government to tackle the issues presently confronting them.
2. The State finances have improved considerably during the last two years with enhanced central devolutions to the State Government under the recommendations of the Twelfth Finance Commission. As a result of the State Government's better management of debt, expenditure and cash flow, the State Government did not resort to overdraft or utilize ways and means advance facility during the year.
2.1. The State Government has been on the fiscal correction path and would achieve the targets envisaged under the Manipur Fiscal Responsibility and Budget
Management Act. The fiscal deficit has been brought down from Rs. 449.31 crores in 2004-05 to Rs. 107.82 crores in Budget Estimates, 2006-07. The Government has also been able to maintain revenue surplus during the current year. Since the Government was able to achieve the fiscal targets, the Centre provided debt waiver grant of Rs. 37.54 crores each for the years 2005-06 and 2006-07.
3. The size of the Annual Plan 2006-07 for the State, which was fixed at Rs.1160.00 crores, has been increased to Rs.1183.67 crores with additional allocation of Rs. 23.67 crores from the various Central Ministries in respect of Border Area Development Programme (BADP), National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP), Control of Shifting Cultivation, Flood Control and Tribal Development. Pending the finalization of Annual Plan 2007-08, sectoral allocation for a tentative outlay of Rs. 900.00 crores has been provided in the budget, 2007-08. The allocation is tentative and subject to changes when the size for Annual Plan 2007 -08 is finalized.
3.1 The Ministry of DoNER has so far approved 76 projects with financial support of Rs.674.80 crores since 1998-99, of which 15 projects with a total estimated cost of Rs. 118.50 crores were sanctioned during 2006-07. Rs. 467.13 crores has been released from Non Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) for 62 projects against which the State Government has utilized Rs.375.21 crores.
3.2. The State Government is implementing 37 schemes under NEC plan. During the current year, State has received Rs.12.30 crores so far for these NEC schemes.
3.3 During 2006-07, Ministry of Home Affairs has allocated Rs.12.50 crores, of which Rs. 7.50 crores are for general BADP and Rs. 5.00 crores for specific area schemes. The Proposed outlay for BADP in 2007-08 is Rs.18.75 crores which is a 50% increase over the current year outlay. Proposed outlay for the XIth Plan for BADP is Rs. 93.75 crores. Villages within 15 kilometres from the international border are being given priority and focus is on infrastructure development works. Economic development activities will be taken up through a participatory approach with village community contribution of 100% for selected activities.
4. Security and law and order issues have continued to pose a major challenge to the State Government and its development initiatives. Competing social, economic and political interests also generated a number of emotive issues, several of which led to violent and disruptive agitation during 2006, especially in the run-up to the State Assembly elections. However, despite the wide array of forces inimical to security and maintenance of law and order, the State Government has been able to respond effectively and maintain public order. The relatively peaceful elections to the State Assembly, the enthusiastic participation of the electorate and the distinct resistance of the people to attempts by vested interests to manipulate the elections are all positive signals. The people of Manipur and the electorate deserve to be congratulated for their commitment to democracy and India's constitutional frame work.
4.1. Be that as it may, the overall security scenario is still a matter of great concern and the people continue to be subjected to intimidatory and extortionist activities of various insurgent groups and unlawful outfits. In order to counter these activities the State has responded firmly. During the year 2006 and 2007 (till January) as many as 842 extremists belonging to various militant outfits were arrested and 112 extremists killed, while 171 assorted weapons were recovered from the extremists along with 1906 assorted ammunitions, 79 hand grenades, 17 bombs, 314 detonators, 48 lethod bombs, 9.4 kg of explosive materials and 12 W/T Sets. During this period, 87 persons including extremists belonging to various militant groups were detained under National Security Act and 21 extremists belonging to various outfits surrendered to the Government authority. Investigation of cases have shown considerable improvement during this period and 2380 cases were disposed.
4.2. It is also a matter of satisfaction that the 3-tier Unified Command Structure, established to synergize counter insurgency operations of State and Central Government agencies, has worked cohesively and effectively. Counter-insurgency operations conducted and coordinated action taken through this mechanism has put the insurgent groups and the unlawful outfits under considerable pressure. Bases and camps of militants in Churachandpur, Chandel and Tamenglong Districts have been dismantled to a considerable extent thereby leading to functioning of NH-53 and the establishment of civil administration in sub-divisions of Churachandpur District and in the interior areas of
Chandel District.
4.3. My Government remains committed to ensure that these initiatives are sustained and intensified in order to enable steady and qualitative improvement in the security environment of Manipur. At the same time, the State Government is equally aware that peace can be achieved only through resolution of issues and redressal of grievances both real and perceived. As such, the State Government is always open to dialogue on all issues with all insurgent groups and is willing to work towards a settlement within the frame work of the Indian Constitution and without compromising the territorial integrity of the State of Manipur.
4.4. It is also heartening that the modernization of the Manipur Police continues to receive priority and that the financial support from the Central Government has picked up substantially due to better implementation. As against cumulative Central support of Rs. 52.64 crores during the last six years, a plan outlay of Rs. 20.21 crores is available in 2006-07. These initiatives have upgraded weaponry, mobility, equipment and communications. Mobility has increased with the addition of 295 Non-BP vehicles and 28 BP vehicles. Wireless communication has improved with the addition of 693 wireless sets, installation of Digital Trunking System and connectivity of all the District headquarters under the POLNET scheme. High priority has been given to the weapons and bulletproof items in the form of jackets, patkas, and morchas. Special emphasis has been given to the construction of infrastructure at police stations.
4.5 A major initiative has been taken to strengthen the Manipur Police Force by injecting young blood through a direct recruitment drive at different levels of police functioning. The 4th India Reserve Battalion has been operationalised and the recruitment process for 5th and 6th India Reserve Battalions has been completed. In order to meet the security imperatives of districts, the target is for establishment of one IR Battalion in each of the districts, subject to Central support.
5. Public Works Department has taken up large scale improvement of road networks with fund provided under One Time Additional Central Assistance/Special Plan Assistance (ACA/SPA) giving emphasis to roads connecting the District & Sub-Divisional headquarters. A sum of Rs. 101.67 crores has been earmarked for improvement of road networks in the state during the financial year, 2006-07. Department has also taken up maintenance/ improvement of roads with funds provided under 12th Finance Commission. Construction of nine major bridges under NLCPR has also been taken up with funds provided by the Ministry of DoNER.
5.1 Improvement of Churachandpur-Singhat road at the cost of Rs. 27.32 crores and Singngat-Sinzawl-Tuivai road at the cost of Rs.82.52 crores are in progress with funds provided by the North Eastern Council. Proposal has also been submitted to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Govt. of India for converting the stretch from Mao to Imphal of NH-39 into a four-lane highway.
5.2 My Government has taken up works for construction of Administrative Complexes at the District and at the Additional Deputy Commissioner headquarters with funds sanctioned under SPA. It has also taken up improvement of the Manipur Bhawan in Delhi and construction of new Bhavan at Guwahati with funds provided under SPA.
6. The power supply of the State depends upon the Central Sector Generating Stations located in the North Eastern Region. The present power demand of the State during evening peak and day time peak periods are 145 MW and 80 MW respectively. Keeping in view the shortage of power in the State, my Government has given priority to construction of its own power plants. Investigations of Irang Hydro Electric Project with 60 MW capacity and Tuivai Hydro Electric Project with 51 MW capacity have been taken up under North Eastern Council funding. These two projects have been included in the National Action Plan as State Sector Projects. Under the Central Sector scheme, the Tipaimukh Hydro Electric Project with 1500 MW capacity is being taken up. Under the Joint Venture of the State and NHPC, Loktak Down Stream Hydro Electric Project with 66 MW capacity is also being taken up.
6.1 At present, the highest transmission voltage level in Manipur is 132 KV. My Government has proposed to have 220 KV System in Manipur. New Constructions and Upgradations of existing 132 KV Sub-stations and also construction of a number of 33 KV Sub-stations have been taken up under different programmes. System Improvements of the Sub-transmission System of (i) Greater Imphal, (ii) Thoubal, (iii) Bishnupur and (iv) Churachandpur are also being taken up under Accelerated Power Development and
Reforms Programme.
6.2 Under the National Action Plan, all the villages are to be electrified by year 2009 and electricity to all Below Poverty Line (BPL) households is to be provided by 2012. My Government has achieved 83.7% village electrification by electrifying 1942 villages (based on 2001 census). Electrification of villages are being taken up under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) on turn-key basis so that all the villages of the State are electrified by 2009.
7. The present drinking water demand for Imphal city and its suburbs has been assessed at 109 MLD (million litres per day) against the present installed capacity of 83.30 MLD with the actual production of about 70 MLD. In order to bridge the gap between the demand and the production, my Government has taken up new sub-projects at Irilbung, Canchipur and Potsangbam with the capacity to provide 6.81 MLD each. The works are in good progress and would be commissioned within a short time. Improvement works of the existing Ningthempukhri Water Supply scheme and Chinga Water Supply Scheme have also been taken up. For improvement of the existing distribution system, laying of additional pipelines from Maharani bridge to Singjamei, construction of Zonal Reservoir at Keisampat and Overhead Tank near Assembly have been completed and commissioned. The Overhead Tank at Keisampat is also nearing completion.
7.1 There are 29 towns in the State of Manipur having a total population of 3.79 lakhs. Out of the 29 towns, sanctions for 26 towns have been accorded for extending water supply up to the urban standard of 70 litre per capita per day (LPCD). So far, water supply systems in 13 towns have been upgraded and five more towns are being covered during 2006-07.
7.2 In order to provide safe drinking water supply and sanitation to the rural areas of the state, various rural schemes have been taken up under the State and the Central Plan Funds. Out of the 2873 habitations, 1068 habitations have been fully covered, 1085 habitations are partially covered and 720 habitations are yet to be covered. During the year 2006-07, 40 habitations under State Plan and 108 habitations under Central Plan have been covered. In order to improve the sanitary condition of lmphal City, Sewerage Project with French Assistance with an estimated cost of Rs.134. 75 crores has also been started.
7.3. Further, under the NLCPR, seven water supply schemes in five hill Districts Head Quarters and nine schemes in other important centers in the hills and one major scheme at Waithoupat in valley area have been taken up. Out of these 17 schemes, four Water Supply Schemes in Ukhrul, Churchandpur Zone-II, Tamenglong and Chandel Districts have been commissioned.
8. Due to efforts of my Government the cropping intensity has been increased to 132.7% during 2006-07 from 118% in previous year. The food grain production during the year 2006-07 was 5.54 lakhs tonnes. To increase the production of Rice, two high yielding varieties namely GINPHOU and PARIPHOU were released to the farmers. One Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) and one Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) were also established during the year for dissemination of Agricultural Technology to the farmers. As a part of farm mechanization under Macro Management Mode of Agriculture, 5,416 improved agricultural implements and machinery were distributed at subsidized rates.
8.1. To tap the large potential areas available for development of Horticulture in the State, Department of Horticulture & Soil Conservation continues to take up schemes for horticulture and soil and water conservation programmes under the State Plan, NEC and Centrally Sponsored Schemes. During 2006-07 under the State Plan, 300 tonnes certified seed potatoes were produced from the Regional Potato Farm, Mao. Within the same farm various infrastructure like Tissue Culture Laboratory, Green House and Virus Culture Laboratory were constructed with NEC funds. Under the horticulture development programmes, 4337 hectares were covered with plantation of fruits, vegetables, spices and flowers.
8.2 A total of 6,000 hectares has been treated under the scheme of Watershed Development Project for shifting Cultivation Area and another 11,628 hectares have also been treated under the scheme of National Watershed Development Project for Rain-fed Areas. For farm mechanization 38 power tillers, 50 diesel water pump sets and 84 manually operated sprayers were made available to the farmers at subsidized rates during Kharif 2006.
9. The State has achieved annual production of 80,000 tonnes milk, 24,000 tonnes meat and 8.60 crores eggs during 2006-07. The Government is targeting to increase the annual production to the level of 85,000 tonnes milk, 26,000 tonnes meat and 9.00 crores eggs during the year 2007 -08. My Government will also strengthen Animal Health Coverage Programme to immunize the entire 5.15 lakhs bovine population and 4.14 lakhs swine population of the State.
10. The State produced 18,500 tonnes of table fish and 120 million fish seeds during the year 2006-07. The targets for 2007-08 are 19,200 tonnes of table fish and 125 million fish seeds. For improvement of infrastructure for fishermen, three jetties are being constructed on the banks of the Loktak Lake with loan from NABARD and the work is nearing completion. A Giant Fresh Water Prawn Hatchery is being established at Imphal with Central assistance. 1.30 lakh seeds of giant fresh water prawn have also been distributed in the State. In order to introduce better technology and more eco-friendly fishing equipment, 38 Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) boats were distributed to fishermen at subsidized costs. More FRP boats will be fabricated and more persons trained in the technique during 2007-08. Welfare of fishermen is also continued to be taken care of by providing them low cost houses, community halls and tanks under the National Fund for Welfare of Fishermen Scheme. Efforts are also being made to increase the production of indigenous varieties of fish like "pengba" and "ngaton" through hypophysation program.
11. My Government has taken up Poverty Alleviation, and Rural Development Programmes in the rural areas of the State. 336 numbers of Self-Help Groups have been formed and are implementing selfemployment programmes under Swarnajayenti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY). Four Special Projects under SGSY have also been taken up in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Tamenglong Districts. 8.79 lakhs mandays have been generated under SGRY. Under National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, 45,172 persons have been given wage employment in Tamenglong District where the scheme is being implemented at present.
11.1 Under the scheme of Rural Housing, (Indira Awas Yojana) 1444 numbers of houses have been constructed for the BPL households and 745 numbers of houses have been upgraded. Under PMGSY Phase-V, construction of 48 new Rural Roads (455 Km) and up-gradation of 11 existing roads (100 Km) have been taken up with a total financial involvement of Rs. 152.33 crores for providing road connectivity to 93 habitations.
11.2 Under Bharat Nirman, proposal for construction of new roads (953 Km) and for up-gradation of existing roads (219 Km) to provide connectivity to 138 habitations at a cost of Rs. 350.00 crores has been submitted to the Government of India.
11.3 Steps have been taken to effectively devolve the powers and functions to the Zilla Parishads and Gram Panchayats in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the State Govt. and Union Government on 5th October, 2006. The State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) has given training in various courses to 2,698 representatives and officials from Panchayati Raj Institutions.
12. In order to protect and preserve the rich natural resources, my Government has taken up a number of conservation measures. Habitats at Keibul Lamjao National Park and Yangoupokpi Lokchao Wildlife Sanctuary have been maintained, protected and improved with resources from the state as well as grants from the Central Government. Buning Wildlife Sanctuary, Zeilad Wildlife Sanctuary, Kaihlam Wildlife Sanctuary, Jiri-Makru Wildlife Sanctuary, Dzuko Wildlife Sanctuary and Shiroy National Park have been notified for creating more natural habitats and better management of wildlife and its habitat in the state.
12.1. To bring more areas under forest cover, my Government has taken up massive plantations with active participation of the local people under Joint Forest Management Committees (JFMCs) of Forest Development Agencies. Under this CSS an area of 70,574 hectares has been covered with plantation through 283 Joint Forest Management Committees. Further, to ward off adverse impact of gregarious bamboo flowering in few districts, preventive measures have been taken up under Special Plan Assistance of the state and grants from Government of India. My Government has also taken up plantation over 1,105 hectares under Social Forestry and Economic Plantation schemes. 6.30 lakh seedlings have also been distributed free of cost. To check further degradation of Loktak Lake and to restore it to its pristine glory, my Government has implemented a number of schemes through the Loktak Development Agency.
12.2. In order to prevent pollution of air, water and soil, my Government has taken
up a number of measures through the Manipur Pollution Control Board. My Government has also taken up various Eco-development programmes through the Ecology & Environment Wing. Improvement and beautification of Kangla, Luwangsangbam Biodiversity Park, and Road Median Plantation in Imphal City have been completed.
13. The Irrigation and Flood Control Department is committed to the development of assured irrigation in the state by constructing Major and Medium Irrigation and Multipurpose projects. There are three ongoing Major and Medium Irrigation Projects, namely Khuga Multipurpose Project, Thoubal Multipurpose Project and Dolaithabi Barrage Project. Khuga Project is scheduled to be completed in 2007. Thoubal Project and Dolaithabi Barrage Projects are targeted to be completed during 2008-09. Adequate funds are being provided through State Plan and AIBP for these projects.
13.1 Apart from the normal or emergency flood control activities, the IFC Department has taken up 11 flood control schemes, including four Major Schemes namely, Nambul River Flood Control Project Phase-IV, Govinda Sena Flood Control Project, Flood Control Scheme of Thoubal River and Flood Control Scheme of Nambol River.
13.2 The role of Minor Irrigation is to provide assured irrigation facility during pre-Kharif season and also to provide supplemental irrigation in Kharif season. Till now, the department had created 56,686 hectares of irrigation potential. A project consisting of 211-M.I. Surface Schemes at a cost of Rs.28.00 crores had been sanctioned by the Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India in the year 2005-06 to create an ultimate irrigation potential of 9389 hectares. A sum of Rs. 24.00 crores has been incurred on this project and the project shall be completed in 2007.
13.3. Construction of field channels in 3,600 hectares in the Command areas of (i) Singda Dam Project in Imphal West District, (ii) Cluster of eight M.I. Projects covering some parts of Ukhrul, Senapati, Thoubal, Chandel, Churachandpur and Bishnupur districts and (iii) Cluster of eighty six M.I. Projects was achieved by my Government during 2006-07 with an expenditure of Rs. 5.58 crores under the Command Area Development Programme. A target of 7,720 hectares has been set for the year 2007-08 under the Command Area Development and Water Management Programme and 2,500 hectares under Bharat Nirman for construction of field channels.
14. Several new initiative have been taken by the Food & Civil Supplies Department to ensure adequate food supply and to maximize stability of the supply of essential commodities especially in remote areas and to secure access to these supplies by the needy people.
14.1. Under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS), the FCS Department procured 59,924 tonnes of rice, 5,803 tonnes of levy sugar and 6,291 tonnes of wheat from the central pool and distributed to the identified beneficiaries of Above Poverty Line (APL), Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) categories. Further, under the Annapurna Scheme, 1,030 tonnes of rice were distributed free of cost to 8,590 beneficiaries entitled to National Old Age Pension Scheme but not covered by the Scheme during 2006-2007.
14.2. In order to protect the right of the consumers in the State, the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission and three District Consumer Fora have been re-activated w.e.f. 27th Sept. 2006 and these are regularly taking up cases for redressal of consumer grievances. Four more District Fora Courts at Chandel, Churachandpur, Tamenglong and Senapati will be constituted during the year 2007-08.
14.3. As an e-Governance initiative, the CONFONET programme shall be implemented during the year 2007-08 to redress consumer grievances and monitor delivery of TPDS items to the public. For proper stocking of foodgrains and other commodities at District Headquarters, the State Government has sought central support to construct godown of 2,500 tonnes capacity each at four hill District Headquarters during the year 2007-08.
15. Human Resource is the most precious resource of all and education is the gateway to it. As such my Government is committed to get all the children of this state obtain education under the zero rejection policy in conformity with the constitutional obligation. Under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), free textbooks worth Rs. 3.9 crores have been provided to 2.82lakhs SC/ST and girl students. Aids and Appliances are also being distributed to the 7411 children with special needs. My government is recruiting special teachers in addition to the regular teachers to teach physically challenged children.
Special recruitment of 663 Graduate Teachers including Science Graduate Teachers with Mathematics, Biology and General Science has been made to cope up with the requirement of Science Teachers in the hill areas of the State. Under the Adult Education Programme, Total Literacy Campaign has been implemented in eight districts benefiting 1,55,030 adult learners.
15.1 My government is implementing the Mid-Day-Meal Scheme upto the level of primary stage.
15.2 With the provision of Rs.21.00 crores under the Special Plan Assistance (SPA), construction of 50 Junior High Schools, High Schools, and Higher Secondary Schools in the hills and rural areas, 80 residential type-III quarters for Science and Mathematics teachers, one girls' hostel, Science Laboratories and upgradation of Ukhrul Higher Secondary School and Higher Secondary School at Senapati HQ have been taken up. In addition, construction of additional classrooms of 19 High and Higher Secondary Schools has also been taken up at the cost of Rs.4.25 crores under the State Plan.
15.3. The Manipur Institute of Technology (MIT), a constituent college of Manipur University, with an intake capacity of 115 offers four years Bachelor Degree in Engineering Courses. The Government of India has agreed to upgrade the Manipur Institute of Technology into National Institute of Technology which will give a big boost to technical education in the State.
16. To ensure that the benefits of e-Governance reach the citizen in every corner of Manipur, the State Government has prepared a Project proposal for setting up the Manipur State Wide Area Network (SWAN) under the National e-Governance Plan (NEGP) which will establish leased line connectivity between the State capital and the District and Sub-Divisional/Block HQs, covering 49 locations in the State. The SWAN project, at an estimated cost of Rs. 63.14 crores, prepared in association with National Informatics Centre have been submitted to Govt. of India for approval and sanction.
16.1. The Manipur Science & Technology Council (MASTEC) has been taking up research projects and technology demonstration projects for local applications. The Manipur Remote Sensing Applications Centre (MARSAC) has contributed immensely to the use of accurate spatial data in the form of maps and Geographic Information Systems. The satellite imageries are also used for preparation of Town Planning projects in Imphal city. An updated Wasteland map has also been completed during the year.
16.2. The Manipur Renewable Energy Development Agency (MANIREDA) is making all out effort to provide electricity to 39 unelectrified villages of Manipur by Solar Photovoltaic (SPV) systems, along with 5,000 Solar lanterns and 2,300 SPV home lighting systems. Three Wind-cum-Solar Hybrid Demonstration projects are in progress. The Manipur State Policy on Renewable Energy has been adopted on 18th September 2006.
17. My Government has been taking up different schemes and programmes for the promotion and preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the State. A new State Central Library building is under construction. The first phase being taken up during 2006-07 will cost Rs. 60.00 lakhs. District Libraries have also been constructed in Senapati, Churachandpur, Imphal East and Imphal West Districts. The Manipur State Art Gallery has already been constructed at a cost of Rs. 38.00 lakhs and was inaugurated during 2006-07. The 5th and 6th Manipur Film Festivals were organized during the current year in a befitting manner. My Government has made special efforts to develop and beautify Kangla.
18. My Government has been implementing a number of schemes relating to sports and youth activities in the State such as organizing tournaments, coaching in various sport disciplines including physical fitness programmes, youth activities, award of cash incentives to the outstanding sports persons, financial assistance to sports associations and development of sports infrastructure including development of playgrounds in the rural areas. In the National level Tournaments, the State School Team won Champion's Trophy in Football under 19 years Girls, Handball under 17 years Boys and Girls in the National School Games which were held at Imphal in January this year. In Swimming, Diving and in Water Polo Competitions which were held in Goa in February, 2007, the State Team secured 3 Gold, 1 Silver medals and 4th Position respectively.
18.1. The State Team was declared Overall Champion by securing 24 Gold, 32 Silver and 24 Bronze medals in the North East Sports Festival held in Sikkim from 24th to 27th February, 2007.
18.2. In the 33rd National Games which were held at Guwahati, Assam from 9th to 18th February, 2007, the State Team was declared as "Runners-up" with title of the "Best Team" amongst the States of the country securing 51 Gold, 32 Silver and 40 Bronze medals. My Government is proud of the achievements of the State Athletes and Players in the 33rd National Games and in appreciation of their achievements, hundred percent enhancement of the cash incentives has been made.
18.3. In individual events, the State Women pugilists, Mrs. M.C.Mary Kom and Miss L.Sarita Devi were declared World Champions in their respective weight categories in the 4th World Championship held in New Delhi. In recognition of their outstanding achievements, both of them have been given out of turn promotion to the rank of Inspectors of Police.
18.4. In the National Youth Festival held at Pune from 12th to 14th January, 2007, the State Contingent bagged two 2nd positions in Classical Manipuri Dance and Classical Vocal (Solo) items. Mrs. N. Neelima Devi of Chandel District and Mrs. Salam Bijeta of Bishnupur have been conferred the National Youth Award 2005-06 in a function held in New Delhi in January, 2007.
18.5. Considering the over all achievements of the State Players, my Government has decided to improve the quality of sports equipment and infrastructure as well as training facilities so that they may perform better in the next National Games to be held at Jharkhand. Initially, a sum of Rs. 5.00 crores is being provided for the procurement of latest equipment in 2007-08.
19. To strengthen Revenue Administration, my Government has taken measures to set up Computerized Land Record Centres at the Directorate of Settlement & land Records and in the offices of Deputy Commissioner (Bishnupur) and Deputy Commissioner (Thoubal). Steps are also taken up for Computerization of Property Registration at Imphal West and Bishnupur with an investment of Rs.18.76 Iakhs and for Digitization of Land Records of 372 villages at a total cost of Rs.76.00 lakhs. The Computerization of Offices of Sub-Deputy Collectors of Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishnupur Circles in collaboration with National Informatics Centre, Manipur State Unit, at a total cost of Rs.35.00 lakhs has also been taken up. My Government has established offices of Additional Deputy Commissioner at Pherzawl in Churachandpur District and Sub-Divisional Office at Tengnoupal in order to bring administration closer to the people living in remote areas.
20. Special emphasis has been accorded by the State Health Department to strengthen both Urban & Rural Health Infrastructures by sourcing additional funds from DoNER and NEC. During 2006-07, DoNER has approved Rs. 71.40 Crores and released Rs. 22.49 Crores for construction of Five 50-Bedded District Hospitals at Tamenglong, Senapati, Ukhrul, Chandel and Jiribam. In addition, DoNER has released a sum of Rs. 2.99 Crores for equipping the District Hospitals in the State. NEC has approved schemes totaling Rs. 13.40 Crores specifically for improvement of J.N.Hospital and District Hospital, Churachandpur as well as for Construction of a Nursing School with Hostel at Imphal. For providing accommodations for Doctors and Paramedical staff int he Hill Districts, a sum fo Rs. 18.01 Crores has been provided under SPA in the Annual Plan 2006-07.
20.1 For propoer staffing of the Hospitals and health institutions in the State, the State Govt. created 877 posts against which 607 paramedical and other staff have been appointed during the current year.
20.2 My Government is deeply concerned with the prevailing incidence of HIV/AIDS, a major health concern in the State today. Accordingly, the Manipur State AIDS Control Society has been implementing various programmes for prevention of the spread of HIV/AIDS. Harm reduction is integrated with care component under “Rapid Intervention and Care” (RIAC) Project. Adequate focus is given to the IEC campaigns and social advocacy programmes. Anti retroviral drugs are given to the needy patients at the four ART Centres at J.N.Hospital, Imphal, RIMS, Imphal, District Hospital Churachandpur and District Hospital, Ukhrul. A fifth ART Centre is being opened at District Hospital, Thoubal by the end of March 2007 for which National AIDS Control Organisation has already conveyed approval.
20.3.The packages of services under the Family Welfare Programme are provided at Primary Health Sub-Centres, Primary Health Centres and Rural Family Welfare Centres, CHCs, and District Hospitals. The Government has successfully implemented two rounds of Intensified Pulse Polio Immunisation (IPPI) throughout the State in Jan-Feb 2007 as part of the national campaign for eradication of Polio.
20.4. Implementation of NRHM has already started in full swing in the State under the control, monitoring and guidance of a fully functional State Health Mission Society. Staff for the State Program Management Unit & District Program Management Units for all nine Districts have been already recruited on contractual basis and have started functioning.
21. Under the National Old Age Pension Scheme, the Department of Social Welfare provided benefits to 43,619 existing Old age pensioners of the State during 2006-07. In addition, 26,907 old age pensioners will also be assisted during 2006-07 under Manipur Old Age Pension Scheme. The Government of India had already released Rs. 10.47 Crores for payment of Rs.200 per pensioner per month during 2006-07 under the National Old Age Pension Scheme. Under the National Family Benefit Scheme an amount of Rs.1.94 Crores will be released during 2006-07 to benefit 2700 beneficiaries.
21.1. The Manipur State Commission for Women has started functioning from October 2006. The Department also opened a Manipur State Guest House at Vellore for providing safe accommodation to the patients and attendants visiting Christian Medical College Hospital at Vellore for medical treatment.
21.2. Four new ICDS Projects in hill areas and an additional 3138 Anganwadi Centres were opened during 2006-07 in addition to the existing 34 ICDS Projects and 4501 Anganwadi Centres.
22. Handlooms continue to occupy the most extensive space in the State's industrial economy. 1,590 weavers and 495 Co-operative Societies were assisted under various Central Sponsored Schemes implemented by the State Government. A Food Park with a project cost of Rs. 13.60 crores is coming up at Nilakuthi with Central Government's assistance and NABARD's loan under RIDF. The State Government has so far contributed Rs. 2.72 crores for the project.
22.1. With a share of 14 % of the total growing stock of the country, Manipur stands to greatly benefit from the National Programme for Bamboo development. The Department of Commerce & Industries has made preparations for setting up of a Bamboo Technology Park at Jiribam. The National Mission on Bamboo Applications has agreed in principle to support the project.
22.2. For self-employment and skill development of manpower the State Government has sponsored 1,521 candidates under the Prime Minister’s Rozgar Yojana, Further, 1,023 artisans and prospective entrepreneurs have been trained in various trades within and outside the State.
22.3. Due to special efforts of my Government, the Manipur Sericulture Project is making good progress and benefiting 37,608 individuals with an expanded coverage of 27,879 hectares of land. 789.33 tonnes of cocoons of Mulberry and Eri were produced and sold in four Melas. 277.69 tonnes of silk yarn were also produced which has made a strong economic impact in the rural areas of the State. Six Cocoon Storage and Drying Facilities in the six districts and fifteen Technical Service Centres in cluster villages have also been constructed.
23. Transport Department is an important revenue earning Department and till December, 2006 the Department collected a sum of Rs.2.93 crores in the current financial year. The Department implements Motor Vehicle Act and Rules, Road Safety measures, regulation of traffic in consultation with Traffic Police. Steps are also being taken for the introduction of High Security Registration Plates.
24. The Municipal Administration Housing & Urban Development Department (MAHUD) is making serious effort to develop urban infrastructure in the State. My Government has undertaken major urban infrastructure projects with 100% Central assistance from the Ministry of Urban Development, Government of India. The ‘B.T. Road Flyover’ has been completed and construction of 100-Bedded Hospital, Thoubal is making good progress. The construction of Thoubal Markets - A & B and Retaining Wall at Thoubal Market - A are being taken up.
24.1. Construction of Ima Market, New Market, Lakshmi Market, Jiribam Market and Market-cum-Multi-Utility Centre at Wangjing with 100% Central assistance from the Ministry of Urban Employment & Poverty Alleviation has been taken up. Slum Up-gradation projects at Iroishemba & Lamboikhongnangkhong, Ningthoukhong, Thoubal Athokpam Phase-I, Langthabal Kunja Awang Leikai, Lamdeng, Thoubal Athokpam Phase-II and Sugnu have also been taken up with the funds from Ministry of Urban Employment & Poverty Alleviation, Government of India, out of which four works have already been completed.
24.2. Augmentation of the Street Lighting in the District Head Quarters and ADC Head Quarters in the State with Rs. 6.00 crores have been taken up under Additional Central Assistance (ACA) during the current year.
24.3. Imphal City has been included in the list of cities which are to be provided assistance from Government of India under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). The City Development Plan (CDP) for Imphal City with a total estimated cost of Rs. 1872.00 crores has been prepared and approved by the Ministry of Urban Development Government of India for which Detailed Project Report (DPR) is under preparation for submission to the Government of India so as to enable it to get funds under JNNURM.
25. The Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Manipur has been acting as a Nodal Agency for all Statistical activities in Manipur. The main Surveys conducted by the Directorate during 2006-07 are (i) Survey of Employment and Un-Employment, (ii) Survey of Manufacturing Enterprises, (iii) Consumer Expenditure Survey, (iv) Crop Estimation Survey. The Directorate prepared twenty six Statistical Reports during 2006-07 and eleven of such reports have been released.
26. Cooperative Department with 5592 registered Cooperative Societies are taking the leading roles for the upliftment of economic conditions of the people especially of the rural areas in the State. Extension of credit facilities to the farmers through primary agricultural credit cooperatives is the major scheme taken up by the department at present.
26.1. My Government, through the Manipur State Cooperative Bank, is implementing one of the most important schemes in the State, namely, Special Employment Generation Programme. This scheme will enable the educated unemployed youths to establish their own income generating projects.
27. Elections to 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly were held in three phases. Polls were distinguished by a massive turnout of voters. Average voter turnout was recorded at 85.14% despite inclement weather in the first two phases of the poll, with difficult terrain and movement in hill villages. Arrangements for conduct of poll at the polling stations particularly those located in the hill areas had to be made in extremely difficult circumstances. For the first time, Central Para Military Forces (CPMF) as exclusively deployed to provide security at the Polling Stations during these elections. Elections were also distinguished by the fact that EVMs having the facility of recording the date and start and closure time of the poll were used for the first time in the country.
28. The development programmes for SC & ST are being taken up under (i) State Plan (including Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Plan and Article 275(i) of the Constitution), (ii) Central Sponsored Schemes and (iii) Central Plan Schemes. During the current financial year, the department is assisting 2,082 ST families under the various family oriented programmes. Post Matric Scholarship has been given to 20,806 ST and 240 SC students. The Department is also taking up construction of Inter-Village roads, Community halls, bridges, School buildings and Marketing sheds. The Department is taking up necessary action for protection of SC/ST people through provision of Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
28.1. My Government has appointed adequate number of teachers for Primary Schools under the District Councils. The State Government has extended pensionary benefits to the employees under the District Councils. Further, under the Special Plan Assistance, Rs. 3.00 crores has been provided to improve the school buildings.
29. The Department of Minorities and Other Backward Classes has taken up various income generating schemes for economic development. During the current year, 2006-07, a sum of Rs. 3.90 crores has been sanctioned to take up various schemes under Economic Development Programme (EDP) and 3943 families have been benefited. For improving and upgrading the skills for self-employment, various training courses are undertaken under Skill Development Programme to benefit 340 trainees at a cost of Rs. 55.40 lakhs.
29.1. In order to improve the standard of education of OBC students, Post and Pre-Matric Scholarships are awarded to poor OBC students. Under Remedial Coaching Scheme, 550 minority students from Class VI-XII were given free coaching in English, Science and Mathematics for which a sum of Rs. 11.40 lakhs has been spent.
29.2. To enhance the representation of OBCs in the Government jobs and in the admission in professional institutes, the State Government, on the recommendations of the Manipur State Commission for Other Backward Classes, has made reservation policy for OBCs and has reserved 17% of the government jobs and seats for admission in professional courses for the OBCs.
30. The State Govt. takes care of the labourers in the state by enforcing the labour laws to protect the interests of workers. In view of the increasing price index, my Government has revised the minimum wages for all categories of workers.
30.1. In order to provide technical skills to the youth under the Prime Minister's Special Package for the North East States, five new ITls have been set up at Chandel, Tamenglong, Ningthoukhong, Kakching and Imphal East while four existing ITls namely, ITI, Imphal (Takyel), Women ITI, Imphal, ITI Saikot and ITI Senapati are being strengthened. One new ITI costing Rs. 4.30 crores is being set up at Ukhrul during 2006-07 and the construction work is in progress. The total intake capacity for all ITls in the State is 1340 seats.
31. The State Academy of Training conducted 17 Training Courses on Computer Appreciation for the Government officials. During the fiscal year, fifteen Courses on Disaster Management and one Course on RTI Act were conducted.
32. During the period from 1st January, 2006 to 28th February, 2007, the State Vigilance Commission has registered 22 inquiry cases and 126 preliminary/verification cases. Based on the findings of the preliminary enquiry, 26 FIR cases were registered out of which the accused officials in 5 cases were charge-sheeted. Further, major penalty proceedings were recommended in respect of 15 cases and minor penalty in respect of 7 cases. 82 cases were closed as the charges could not be substantiated during the course of inquiry.
33. To create awareness about the policies and development programmes and achievements of the Government, the Department of Information and Public Relations has been organizing Multi-Media Publicity Campaign in all Districts of Manipur. Recently, the Department has opened a North Eastern Council Information Cell to disseminate the various developmental activities taken up by the Council. The Department has been bringing out various publications highlighting the achievements and activities undertaken by the Government. Its publications such as Government Calendar and Diary, Manipur Today and other special issues have been published regularly.
34. My Government shall continue to place emphasis on the development of Tourism. Special thrust has been given to new initiatives on Eco-Tourism and Adventure-Tourism. An Eco-Tourism Park at a cost of Rs. 3.56 crores is being set up at the foothills of the Nongmaiching.
Hon’ble Speaker and Members of the august House, while addressing the First Session of the new year, I have presented before you, in brief, the highlights of some of the activities undertaken by my Government during the last one year and outlined policy, perspective and programmes that my Government proposes to implement during the coming years. While concluding, I would like to reiterate that my Government is committed not only to the maintenance of peace, social harmony, better fiscal discipline but also to protect the territorial integrity of Manipur and work for the well being of the people of the State.
JAI HIND
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