IMPHAL, Jan 22 : Decades of insurgency has been adversely affecting the socio-economic fabric of Manipur and has been bearing heavily upon the State’s finances, stated Chief Minister O Ibobi during a meeting with the visiting 13th Finance Commission team at Raj Bhavan here today. The Chief Minister also pointed out that Manipur has been suffering from serious infrastructural bottlenecks and locational disadvantages which are preventing the State from harnessing its full potential.
The 13th Finance Commission team who attended the meeting included Chairman Dr Vijay L Kelkar, BK Chaturvedi, Prof Atul Sarma, Dr Sanjiv Misra and Sumit Bose and other members.
The State Government was represented by Chief Minister O Ibobi, Minister for Revenue and Forest Th Debendra, Power and Horticulture Minister Phungza- thang, Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ph Parijat, other Cabinet Ministers and the DGP.
While pointing out the infrastructural bottlenecks, Ibobi noted the historical route between Manipur and South East Asia which provided comparative advantage for further growth and development.
He also spoke about the rich cultural heritage, outstanding sporting talent of Manipuri people and high entrepreneurial drive among Manipuri women.
The Chief Minister urged the Finance Commission team to set aside at least 50 percent of the net proceeds of the Central taxes out of which 30 percent may be earmarked for the Special Category States in view of the serious cost disabilities existing in this category of States.
Huge security expenditure borne by the State and full impact of the pay commission may be taken into account while assessing the State’s NPRE during the forecast period.
He also sought adequate funds for maintenance of capital assets and filling of essential posts through fresh recruitment.
The scope of DCRF may be expanded by including exempt categories of loans such as non-plan loans, loa-ns for central plan schemes, loans for CSS and loans for NEC and NSSF which are presently outside the purview of the scheme.
The Chief Minister also asked the Finance Commission for special grant for upgradation of the sports complex. Ibobi also talked about the improvement in the financial position of the State during the 12th Finance Commission period due to higher central devolution, improvement in the State’s Own Revenue Receipts following introduc- tion of VAT and reduced interest payments.
Talking about the State’s achievements in the field of human development, the Chief Minister asserted that Infant Mortality Rate in the State is one of the lowest in the country. Rise in female literacy and enrolment ratio at the primary level are also one of the highest in the country, Ibobi stated.
In response to the Chief Minister, 13th Finance Commission Chairman Vijay Kelkar referred to the present economic crisis across the world and emphasised on the need for a collective response to enable the country rise above these challenges.
Pointing out that the per capita GSDP of Manipur is much lower than the national average, the Chair- man stressed on the importance of accelerating gro- wth for the State to overcome its many challenges, including that of insurgency. Nevertheless, Vijay Kelkar appreciated the achievements of the State in areas of literacy, infant mortality rate, positive sex ratio and low percentage of the people living below poverty line. He also noted the spectacular performances of the sports persons of Manipur in national and international arena.
While congratulating the State Government on enacting FRBM legislating and meeting its fiscal targets, the Chairman urged the State Government to assist in building a national consensus for prompt implementation of GST.
He also appealed to the State Government to put in place efficient appraisal and monitoring so as to gain maximum returns from the projects funded under capital expenditure. He also appealed to the State Govt to expedite development of hydro power potential of the State involving private sector wherever possible. The Commission will finalise its recommendations by October this year. In the afternoon session of the meeting, the Finance Commission team interacted with leaders of different political parties, local bodies and officials of Trade, Commerce and Industry. The team will visit Singda Dam and the State Museum before leaving for Kolkata in the afternoon tomorrow.
----------------------------------------------------
Killing of 6 AR men Army Court of Inquiry ordered
IMPHAL, Jan 22 : The Assam Rifles authority has ordered a Court of Inquiry to probe the killing of six AR personnel by one of their colleagues at Awang Kasom in Chingai sub-division of Ukhrul district on January 21 evening.
Contrary to our earlier report, the jawan who opened fire and killed the six personnel including a JCO is Rifleman Sheneyi Medio of Nagaland and not TS Tangkhul.
After gunning down his colleagues, Medio fled along with his service AK-47 rifle along with a magazine and ammunition, last evening.
When contacted, PRO of Assam Rifles said that a massive manhunt has been launched in the jungles of the sub-division and beyond and added that a Court of Inquiry has been ordered to establish the circumstances leading to the incident. All necessary arrangements have been made towards this, added the PRO. The picture will become clear after the inquiry is conducted.
The inquiry will be headed by a senior officer of the Assam Rifles and it would be conducted at the headquarters of the 17 Assam Rifles, to which the rogue jawan as well as the six slain personnel were attached to.
The six slain personnel have been identified as Naib Subedar Baldev Singh, Havildar Samsujama and Riflemen W Islam, Biswas Singh, Vikas Kumar and Nitish Kumar. All six died at the spot.
SP of Ukhrul police, Lhari Dorjee, Lhatoo said that the police have registered an FIR in connection with the incident and investigation is one. The bodies have been brought to the Ukhrul district hospital where post mortem will be conducted, said the SP and added that a high alert has been sounded to track down the rogue jawan. Sources said that the embalming of the bodies will be done at RIMS.
---------------------------------------------
AR extends aid to blast victim
IMPHAL, Jan 22: One IED blast victim has been sent to Artificial Limb Centre, Pune by Hqs 27 Sector AR located at Churachandpur.
A press release issued by the PRO of Hqs IG AR (S) conveyed that the victim identified as Thangkhanlun of Sinjol village of Thanlon sub-division left for Dimapur today. They will be moving to Pune by train from Dimapur.
Thangkhanlun lost his left leg in an IED blast planted by UG in 2005 in Churachandpur district during operation conducted by security forces against UG outfits.
He will remain in Pune for two months for complete treatment and fitting of the limb, the whole expenditure for which will be borne by Assam Rifles.
Earlier 27 Sector sent another IED victim, Lungthalun Haokip to Pune where he got his leg fitted.
He is being trained in operating computers at the Sector Hqs and is hopeful that he will be self-reliant soon, added the release.
----------------------------------------------------
KSO condemns, appeals
IMPHAL, Jan 22: The KSO Sadar Hills has condemned the attempt to hijack a reserved bus on NH 39 between Maram and Tadubi at about 7 pm yesterday by some unidentified persons who came in a Tata Sumo (NL-01C 3328).
The bus hired by a Kuki Gospel concert team also carried a Gospel Concert banner. The bus was taking Kuki Gospel singers to Saijang village, Karbi Anglong district of Assam where they would perform in aid of Saijang Christian School, informed a press release issued by the student body.
As the miscreants attempted to take the bus to an unknown place paying no heed to the passengers’ plea for mercy, a security team of 2nd MR escorting oil tankers reached the spot.
However, the escort party reportedly left the spot immediately leaving the passengers at the mercy of the miscreants saying their assignment is only to escort the oil tankers. Luckily, the passengers were given safe release with the help of some people of the nearby village.
The KSO Sadar Hills also appealed to the concerned district administration and the Government to initiate necessary action against the security team and to enhance security measures along NH 39.
Source: The Sangai Express
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The 13th Finance Commission team who attended the meeting included Chairman Dr Vijay L Kelkar, BK Chaturvedi, Prof Atul Sarma, Dr Sanjiv Misra and Sumit Bose and other members.
The State Government was represented by Chief Minister O Ibobi, Minister for Revenue and Forest Th Debendra, Power and Horticulture Minister Phungza- thang, Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ph Parijat, other Cabinet Ministers and the DGP.
While pointing out the infrastructural bottlenecks, Ibobi noted the historical route between Manipur and South East Asia which provided comparative advantage for further growth and development.
He also spoke about the rich cultural heritage, outstanding sporting talent of Manipuri people and high entrepreneurial drive among Manipuri women.
The Chief Minister urged the Finance Commission team to set aside at least 50 percent of the net proceeds of the Central taxes out of which 30 percent may be earmarked for the Special Category States in view of the serious cost disabilities existing in this category of States.
Huge security expenditure borne by the State and full impact of the pay commission may be taken into account while assessing the State’s NPRE during the forecast period.
He also sought adequate funds for maintenance of capital assets and filling of essential posts through fresh recruitment.
The scope of DCRF may be expanded by including exempt categories of loans such as non-plan loans, loa-ns for central plan schemes, loans for CSS and loans for NEC and NSSF which are presently outside the purview of the scheme.
The Chief Minister also asked the Finance Commission for special grant for upgradation of the sports complex. Ibobi also talked about the improvement in the financial position of the State during the 12th Finance Commission period due to higher central devolution, improvement in the State’s Own Revenue Receipts following introduc- tion of VAT and reduced interest payments.
Talking about the State’s achievements in the field of human development, the Chief Minister asserted that Infant Mortality Rate in the State is one of the lowest in the country. Rise in female literacy and enrolment ratio at the primary level are also one of the highest in the country, Ibobi stated.
In response to the Chief Minister, 13th Finance Commission Chairman Vijay Kelkar referred to the present economic crisis across the world and emphasised on the need for a collective response to enable the country rise above these challenges.
Pointing out that the per capita GSDP of Manipur is much lower than the national average, the Chair- man stressed on the importance of accelerating gro- wth for the State to overcome its many challenges, including that of insurgency. Nevertheless, Vijay Kelkar appreciated the achievements of the State in areas of literacy, infant mortality rate, positive sex ratio and low percentage of the people living below poverty line. He also noted the spectacular performances of the sports persons of Manipur in national and international arena.
While congratulating the State Government on enacting FRBM legislating and meeting its fiscal targets, the Chairman urged the State Government to assist in building a national consensus for prompt implementation of GST.
He also appealed to the State Government to put in place efficient appraisal and monitoring so as to gain maximum returns from the projects funded under capital expenditure. He also appealed to the State Govt to expedite development of hydro power potential of the State involving private sector wherever possible. The Commission will finalise its recommendations by October this year. In the afternoon session of the meeting, the Finance Commission team interacted with leaders of different political parties, local bodies and officials of Trade, Commerce and Industry. The team will visit Singda Dam and the State Museum before leaving for Kolkata in the afternoon tomorrow.
----------------------------------------------------
Killing of 6 AR men Army Court of Inquiry ordered
IMPHAL, Jan 22 : The Assam Rifles authority has ordered a Court of Inquiry to probe the killing of six AR personnel by one of their colleagues at Awang Kasom in Chingai sub-division of Ukhrul district on January 21 evening.
Contrary to our earlier report, the jawan who opened fire and killed the six personnel including a JCO is Rifleman Sheneyi Medio of Nagaland and not TS Tangkhul.
After gunning down his colleagues, Medio fled along with his service AK-47 rifle along with a magazine and ammunition, last evening.
When contacted, PRO of Assam Rifles said that a massive manhunt has been launched in the jungles of the sub-division and beyond and added that a Court of Inquiry has been ordered to establish the circumstances leading to the incident. All necessary arrangements have been made towards this, added the PRO. The picture will become clear after the inquiry is conducted.
The inquiry will be headed by a senior officer of the Assam Rifles and it would be conducted at the headquarters of the 17 Assam Rifles, to which the rogue jawan as well as the six slain personnel were attached to.
The six slain personnel have been identified as Naib Subedar Baldev Singh, Havildar Samsujama and Riflemen W Islam, Biswas Singh, Vikas Kumar and Nitish Kumar. All six died at the spot.
SP of Ukhrul police, Lhari Dorjee, Lhatoo said that the police have registered an FIR in connection with the incident and investigation is one. The bodies have been brought to the Ukhrul district hospital where post mortem will be conducted, said the SP and added that a high alert has been sounded to track down the rogue jawan. Sources said that the embalming of the bodies will be done at RIMS.
---------------------------------------------
AR extends aid to blast victim
IMPHAL, Jan 22: One IED blast victim has been sent to Artificial Limb Centre, Pune by Hqs 27 Sector AR located at Churachandpur.
A press release issued by the PRO of Hqs IG AR (S) conveyed that the victim identified as Thangkhanlun of Sinjol village of Thanlon sub-division left for Dimapur today. They will be moving to Pune by train from Dimapur.
Thangkhanlun lost his left leg in an IED blast planted by UG in 2005 in Churachandpur district during operation conducted by security forces against UG outfits.
He will remain in Pune for two months for complete treatment and fitting of the limb, the whole expenditure for which will be borne by Assam Rifles.
Earlier 27 Sector sent another IED victim, Lungthalun Haokip to Pune where he got his leg fitted.
He is being trained in operating computers at the Sector Hqs and is hopeful that he will be self-reliant soon, added the release.
----------------------------------------------------
KSO condemns, appeals
IMPHAL, Jan 22: The KSO Sadar Hills has condemned the attempt to hijack a reserved bus on NH 39 between Maram and Tadubi at about 7 pm yesterday by some unidentified persons who came in a Tata Sumo (NL-01C 3328).
The bus hired by a Kuki Gospel concert team also carried a Gospel Concert banner. The bus was taking Kuki Gospel singers to Saijang village, Karbi Anglong district of Assam where they would perform in aid of Saijang Christian School, informed a press release issued by the student body.
As the miscreants attempted to take the bus to an unknown place paying no heed to the passengers’ plea for mercy, a security team of 2nd MR escorting oil tankers reached the spot.
However, the escort party reportedly left the spot immediately leaving the passengers at the mercy of the miscreants saying their assignment is only to escort the oil tankers. Luckily, the passengers were given safe release with the help of some people of the nearby village.
The KSO Sadar Hills also appealed to the concerned district administration and the Government to initiate necessary action against the security team and to enhance security measures along NH 39.
Source: The Sangai Express
.::. All my articles can be view here: MELTED HEARTS .::.
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