CM moots meet on dry state status

Source:

Imphal, June 14 2013 : Noting that inspite of Manipur being a ‘dry State’ sale and consumption of alcohol continues to be very high, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh opined that merit and demerit of Manipur remaining as a dry state needs to be deliberated by both the Government and NGOs concerned.

The CM commented on the issue during a discussion on demand on the fifth day of the ongoing Assembly session, which also passed seven demands.

The approved demands included Finance (Rs 911,21,44,000); Information and Publicity (Rs 7,19,19,000); State Excise (Rs 16,13,67,000); Sales Tax, other taxes, duties on commodities and services (Rs 3,34,05,000); Minor Irrigation (Rs 91,91,79,000); State Academy of Training (Rs 5,17,61,000); and Science & Technology (Rs 9,97,53,000) .

Citing medical report about excessive use of harmful substances, including liquor and smoking, while responding to queries from Opposition members during discussion on demand in today’s session of the Assembly, he observed that since enforcing the ban on sale of liquor the demand seems to be increasing as is evident from drinking joints cropping up in almost every locality.

Reminding the members that physical progress report forms an essential criteria before the Finance Department sanctions fund, he said in case financial irregularities could be detected responsibility will be fixed against the department concerned for initiation of punitive action.

File pic of IMFL bottles seized by Government agencies concerned

Maintaining that Government is focused on reducing non-plan gap along with setting annual target for revenue collection, the CM, also holding the finance portfolio, conveyed that in some sectors achieving the annual target has become a reality.

He also informed that under Revised ROP 2010 salary for Minor Irrigation Department employees would be released even though clearance of arrears would be delayed till financial condition of the Government improves.

Alleging excessive appointment of MI employees by the previous Governments, Ibobi said a Cabinet decision to utilise excess man-power of Excise Department as Relief and Disaster Management personnel failed to materialise following defiance by the Excise Department staff.

Regarding pension entitlements for ex-Ministers/MLAs, he said along with former legislators no longer required to be personally present for withdrawing the monthly pension, Treasury officials updates documents/photos of these legislators.

For family pension of departed State assembly members presence of the recipient(s) is mandatory, added the CM.

Informing that process is on for either appointment of MCS/MFS officers in the Assembly Secretariat on deputation basis or create Assembly cadre post, he exuded confidence that such a measure would be helpful in the financial budget preparation.

Even though relevant process is underway to run Government hospitals on public-private partnership model like in the other States such a move do not necessary mean that medical centres would be privatised, clarified the Chief Minister and affirmed that PPP model is based on the concept that patients could avail treatment and other facilities as Government-fixed rates along with facilitating proper maintenance of the hospitals.

Informing that there would be no haste in implementing PPP model in hospitals, Ibobi said a committee comprising of MLAs Dr Ng Bijoy, Dr I Ibohalbi and Chaltonlien Amo would study similar models practised in other States.

via NorthEast Calling - NorthEast India | India's No1 online News Magazine http://necalling.com/cm-moots-meet-on-dry-state-status/