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Imphal, August 31 2013 : Speaker of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, Th Lokeshwar Singh has left New Delhi today for Johannesburg, South Africa to attend the 59th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference.
According to his PA, the Speaker would return to the State in the last part of September after touring different cities across the UK and USA as post conference tours.
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Imphal, August 30 2013 : In view of the ensuing conduct of counselling for Manipur MBBS/BDS Courses, 2013 slated for Sept 7 (Saturday), the Director of Health Services, Manipur has appealed all concerned not to resort to any form of bandh/general strike on the day so as to enable the smooth and peaceful conduct of the counselling.
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Imphal, August 30 2013 : Local Meira Paibis today staged protest demonstrations at Tera Ingudam Leirak and Tera Keithel against the killing of diesel auto driver Ayekpam Nabin of Tera Loukrakpam Leikai.
The twin protest demonstrations used placards which read as “Nabin’s corpse would not be claimed until the killers are apprehended” .
Meanwhile, condemning in the strongest term the brutal murder of fellow driver A Nabin, diesel auto drivers have launched a poster campaign against such criminal activities.
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Imphal, August 30 2013 : On being informed by one Ningthoujam Deben of Kongpal Khaidem Leikai at about 5 pm yesterday that a big snake was found entrapped in a fishing net set at his pond, People For Animal (PFA) Thoubal rushed there and found a 5 ft long cobra being ensnared.
According to a press release of PFA Thoubal, the snake was pulled out from the water along with the net.
The snake was then released at the bank of a river.
It slithered along the grass and crawled away in the river.
Meanwhile, a female slow loris was handed over to PFA by one Thangjam Banan of Ukhongsang Mamang Leikai today.
The loris was surprisingly found among the timbers brought inside a truck all the way from Kasom Khullen of Ukhrul dist, the release stated.
It added, Banan found the loris while unloading the timbers at a saw mill at Ukhongsang.
He brought the animal to his house and informed PFA.
It will be released at a suitable site with the advice of CWW, Manipur.
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Imphal, August 30 2013 : The 18th foundation day of Indo-Myanmar Border Traders’ Union (IMBTU) was celebrated at Manipur Press Club today.
Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam, who attended the function as chief guest, said that the State Government would be able to set up a food testing laboratory by next financial year.
Tender process for the said matter is nearing completion, the Minister added.
Govindas opined that the role of Manipur in India’s Look East Policy must be chalked out in advance.
All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union President Wangkhemcha Shyamjai, IMBTU President W Nabachandra, Prof Priyoranjan and Prof Mohendro of Manipur University and Commerce and Industries Director B John Tilangtingkhuma also attended the function.
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Imphal, August 30 2013 : Under the sponsorship of Tulsi Motors, Indo-Asian Friendship Organisation conducted a scooter rally under the theme, ‘Save environment, Drive Vespa’ from Imphal to Moreh today.
The rally, which was taken part by 60 persons, was flagged off by Thangmeiband AC MLA Khumukcham Joykishan from Tulsi Motors, Khoyathong.
The rally was organised with an aim to maintain clean environment.
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Imphal, August 30 2013 : Taking further steps to protect the editorial rights of the media establishments in the State and to oppose all sorts of threats and diktats, the Editors’ Commiteee which met today has decided to form a five member sub-committee to assist the Convenor and the Co-Convenors, who have already been named earlier.
The Sub-Committee has been entrusted with the task of formulating a guideline to protect the editorial rights of the media and to submit the same to the Committee within five days time.
The Editors’ Committee has also appealed to all concerned to withdraw all the threats or diktats imposed on the media in the interregnum of the time given to frame and finalise the guidelines.
Meanwhile, an emergency special general body meeting of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union held yesterday has vehemently condemned the threats issued to journalists while appealing the concerned group not to harass the journalists directly or indirectly.
A statement issued by the AMWJU has also conveyed the Union’s firm stand for the journalists’ community.
At the same time, viewing the threat and intimidation to the newspaper hawkers as uncalled for, the AMWJU has also appealed all concerned to withdraw the same threats to newspaper hawkers and ensure their normal service.
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Imphal, August 30 2013 : Under the sponsorship of Tulsi Motors, Indo-Asian Friendship Organisation conducted a scooter rally under the theme, ‘Save environment, Drive Vespa’ from Imphal to Moreh today.
The rally, which was taken part by 60 persons, was flagged off by Thangmeiband AC MLA Khumukcham Joykishan from Tulsi Motors, Khoyathong.
The rally was organised with an aim to maintain clean environment.
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Imphal, August 30 2013 : Strange it may sound but it has turned out that one teacher of Sagolmang Primary School appended her signature on the attendance register against the date of February 29 this year although the current year 2013 is not a leap year.
Many other teachers were also found appending their signatures on the attendance register while they were physically absent from the school.
These irregularities and unscrupulous conduct of teachers were discovered by DESAM during an inspection drive on August 21 .
Speaking to media persons at their Keishampat office today, DESAM secretary general Arambam Thoithoi said that they went to Sagolmang Primary School on an inspection drive as a part of their movement aimed at bringing quality education in the State.
One L Pushparani appointed under SSA and posted at the school appended her signature on the attendance register against this year’s non-existent date February 29 .
Moreover, Headmaster in-charge Y Jadumani, Th Noren, N Shyamchand, G Bhavandev, P Sanatomba and Daya Irom were also found appending their signatures on the attendance register even though they did not attend the school on some particular dates.
The school has classes I to V and 234 students against the teachers’ strength of seven.
Recalling that DESAM has repeatedly appealed to the teachers’ fraternity to attend and leave schools on time, Thoithoi asked all those teachers who are not interested in teaching children but have their eyes only on monthly salaries to give up their profession.
Thoithoi also appealed to all the relevant authorities to monitor attendance of teachers from time to time.
Headmaster in-charge Jadumani said that the school hour is from 9.30 am to 1.30 pm.
The school has seven teachers and they take leave once a week on rotation.
However, the teachers appended their signatures on the attendance including the days on which they took leave.
Even though the practice is against Government rules, it did not affect normal class.
At the same time, majority of the teachers belong to far-off places.
In view of the difficulties faced by teachers when some of their colleagues were absent, the arrangement to take leave once a week on rotation was made under a mutual understanding, Jadumani said.
Nonetheless, he pledged that the teachers would not follow the arrangement any more.
Source: / Ninglun Hanghal / NNN
Delhi/Dimapur, August 30 2013 : The tripartite talks on ‘Alternative Arrangement’ involving the United Naga Council (UNC), the Government of India and Manipur Government is likely to be upgraded to a political level talk in the next round of talks.
The 6th round of talks on the issue was held today ending on a ‘positive note’, according to the UNC.
Today’s talk was held at Ashoka Hotel in New Delhi from 6.30 pm and dragged on for a little more than an hour, sources from UNC said where eight members represented the Naga team.
The Government of India was represented by Special Secretary of Internal Security (Ministry of Home Affairs), S Jayaraman, Joint Secretary in-charge of North East Sambhu Singh and others while the Government of Manipur was represented by Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga, Principal Secretary (Home) Dr J Suresh Babu and others.
Talking to Newmai News Network over phone, UNC president L Adani said that the Naga delegation was not disappointed regarding today’s talks as they managed to convince the Government of India representatives to upgrade the ongoing tripartite talks to the political level.
However, Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga informed the Delhi correspondent of , “We have not come to any conclusion or agreement.
We will discuss and deliberate again ” he said adding that the date and place is yet to be worked out.
Talking to this correspondent Adani said, “It is a political issue and the State Government representatives should participate” after today’s meeting.
Bureaucrats both from the Government of India and from the Manipur Government have been representing the tripartite taks on the have been representing the tripartite taks on the Alternative Arrangement right from the start.
When asked whether the Manipur Government representatives agreed to upgrade the talks to political level, L Adani said the former did not give their commitment in this regard in today’s talks.
“However, the officials of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) have told us that they will persuade the Manipur Government to upgrade the tripartite talks to the political level,” Adani conveyed.
The UNC president said the Government of Manipur has been opposing the proposal to upgrade the tripartite talks on Alternative Arrangement to a political level right from the first round of talks a couple of years ago.
Further elaborating about the UNC’s stand on an Alternative Arrangement, Adani noted said that since there is no development and power of the people under the present system, the UNC is demanding empowerment, which is an “institutional arrangement” for empowerment of the people inhabiting the Naga areas.
The next round of tripartite talk/ dialogue is proposed to be held in Naga areas along with representatives from the State Government said the UNC leader while talking to .
Insisting on a ‘separate arrangement’ for the Naga areas or the hill areas at large, the UNC leader claimed that the present system under the ADC Act does not have any power nor any autonomy as an entity.
Meanwhile the UPF, the KNO and the other Kuki groups have further extended the Suspension of Operations for 1 year till August next year.
Source: / Press Trust of India
New Delhi, August 30 2013 : Concern was raised in the Rajya Sabha over reported intrusion by Myanmar troops with a Communist Party of India (CPI) member warning that India could lose considerable territory if strong steps are not taken to check such attempts.
Raising the issue during Zero Hour, D Raja (CPI) said Myanmar troops have attempted to construct base camps in Indian side and fencing along the border in Manipur where there is no demarcation of boundary between the two countries which was a serious ‘national security’ issue.
“The entire state (Manipur) is in tension as base camps have been set up (by Myanmar troops) about 100 metres inwards from the national boundary which means a big territory loss to India,” Raja said.
Urging the government to initiate tough measures to check such attempts, Raja said, “At least 15 villages will be forced to be left out of India” .
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He said the idea of fencing was to check smuggling of drugs and prevent cross-border terrorism but the Myanmar army is constructing base camps.
Raising another issue, Najma Heptulla (BJP) drew the attention of the government including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who was in the House, towards shortage of milk impacting the health of the children in the country especially in the wake killing of bovine animals for export of meat.
“India has left behind nations like Australia and New Zealand in beef export, which is mostly made from UP causing a problems in children as they are not getting milk as even milch animals are slaughtered,” Heptulla said.
This was strongly objected by Commerce and Industry Minister Anand Sharma and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Rajeev Shukla who said India did not export “beef”, on which Heptulla corrected it saying it was buffalo meat.
Raising the issue of change in menu of Indian railways and inclusion of fast food, Prasanta Chatterjee (CPI-M) demanded that a recent notification to the effect should be recalled.
“25 million people, majority of them poor, travel daily by trains but the traditional food like ‘poori-sabzi’ is being replaced with ‘pizza and burger’ by IRCTC officials in nexus with others,” he said.
Chatterjee demanded that previous system be restored where supply of rice etc was done by railways.
T N Seema (CPI-M) drew the attention of the House towards death of tribal kids in villages of Kerala due to a number of factors including malnutrition.
She said a particular tribe was on the verge of extinction and demanded that government should ensure that benefits of MNREGA reached there.
Mohammed Adeeb (Ind) demanded that Persian and Arabi be again included in UPSC list.
He said both the languages were taught in as many as 22 universities and had contributed significantly to the cultural heritage of India.
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Imphal, August 29 2013: The Senapati District Drivers’ Welfare Union and Surface Transport Hill Area Drivers’ Welfare Union and Drivers’ Union, Manipur have expressed profound gratitude to Assistant Commandant of 5 AR Tadubi Post for providing assistance to two drivers who sustained injuries when their vehicles collided at Vanni, Mao on August 28 around 5am.Not only providing first aid to the injured drivers, the Asst Commandant also rushed them to Dimapur for further treatment, a statement issued by the drivers’ bodies said.
The unions are also thankful to the AR for swiftly clearing the roadblock resulting from the collision by deploying their recovery crane.
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Imphal, August 29 2013: The Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee of Manipur (STDCM) led by its chairman Prof (Dr) N Mohendra Singh met Ninong Ering, Union Minister of State for Minorities, India.
The other New Delhi based members of the committee included Laishram Subhash, Convenor and Bupenda Meitei, member.
According to a statement, the minister told the delegation that he had already expressed his support to Dr T Meinya, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Manipur.
Further, the delegation also met Wajahat Habibullah, Chairperson, National Commission on Minorities who expressed his solidarity with the cause of the Committee.
The Maharaja of Tripura Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barman had already conveyed his open support to the cause of Meitei for ST (Scheduled Tribe) status, the statement said.
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Imphal, August 29 2013: Even as all kinds of vehicles stayed away from NH 37 at the request of BRTF for repairing the most sloughy and dilapidated section of the highway, not much headway has been made in the repairing work, on account of which a large number of trucks have got stuck and are stranded along the particular section.
BRTF sought three days time for repairing the worst section from Barak to Kambiron.
Accordingly, police prohibited movement of vehicles along the highway from August 21 to August 23 .
But when around 900 trucks left Jiribam for Imphal yesterday, the highway section was found in the same condition as was seen before August 21.Of the large number of trucks heading for Imphal, 103 were loaded with fertilizers, 284 were loaded with rice while the remaining trucks were loaded with cement and other assorted goods.
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Although around 100 trucks could somehow cross the Barak-Kambiron section with much struggle, some of the trucks travelling behind got stuck in the sloughy section.
Consequently, around 800 trucks have been stranded at Barak, Sibilong and Nung Dolan.
The trucks got stuck because BRTF only put earth without stones on the already sloughy and worst dilapidated section.
Drivers and transporters of some of the stranded trucks have questioned why vehicles were kept away from the highway for three days if the BRTF could not repair the particular section.
Transporters’ and Drivers’ Council (TDC) president H Ranjit alleged that the BRTF did not repair the particular section even though vehicles were kept away from the highway for three full days in the name of repairing the section.
Putting earth without stones on the wheel track only made the highway section more slippery and sloughy and it further multiplied the woes of the drivers.
It’s time for the Government to give special attention and monitor the BRTF’s style of working, Ranjit asserted.
It is illegal for BRTF to close the highway in the name of repairing it.
In case BRTF tries to commit such faux pas in future, TDC would fight it in a befitting manner with the help of law.
Notably, TDC had recently repaired the Barak-Sibilong section and Kambiron area of the highway using more than 100 truck loads of stones.
After that BRTF has not repaired or put stones on the highway section.
Some drivers said that BRTF charged Rs 500 to Rs 1000 for pulling up a vehicle in case it gets stuck in the slippery sections.
Source:
Imphal, August 29 2013: Even as all kinds of vehicles stayed away from NH 37 at the request of BRTF for repairing the most sloughy and dilapidated section of the highway, not much headway has been made in the repairing work, on account of which a large number of trucks have got stuck and are stranded along the particular section.
BRTF sought three days time for repairing the worst section from Barak to Kambiron.
Accordingly, police prohibited movement of vehicles along the highway from August 21 to August 23 .
But when around 900 trucks left Jiribam for Imphal yesterday, the highway section was found in the same condition as was seen before August 21.Of the large number of trucks heading for Imphal, 103 were loaded with fertilizers, 284 were loaded with rice while the remaining trucks were loaded with cement and other assorted goods.
|
Although around 100 trucks could somehow cross the Barak-Kambiron section with much struggle, some of the trucks travelling behind got stuck in the sloughy section.
Consequently, around 800 trucks have been stranded at Barak, Sibilong and Nung Dolan.
The trucks got stuck because BRTF only put earth without stones on the already sloughy and worst dilapidated section.
Drivers and transporters of some of the stranded trucks have questioned why vehicles were kept away from the highway for three days if the BRTF could not repair the particular section.
Transporters’ and Drivers’ Council (TDC) president H Ranjit alleged that the BRTF did not repair the particular section even though vehicles were kept away from the highway for three full days in the name of repairing the section.
Putting earth without stones on the wheel track only made the highway section more slippery and sloughy and it further multiplied the woes of the drivers.
It’s time for the Government to give special attention and monitor the BRTF’s style of working, Ranjit asserted.
It is illegal for BRTF to close the highway in the name of repairing it.
In case BRTF tries to commit such faux pas in future, TDC would fight it in a befitting manner with the help of law.
Notably, TDC had recently repaired the Barak-Sibilong section and Kambiron area of the highway using more than 100 truck loads of stones.
After that BRTF has not repaired or put stones on the highway section.
Some drivers said that BRTF charged Rs 500 to Rs 1000 for pulling up a vehicle in case it gets stuck in the slippery sections.
Source:
Imphal, August 29 2013: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Andro, CAU conducted three orientation programmes for farmers’ club members promoted by the KVK under NABARD today.
According to a statement of KVK Andro, the programme was attended by 11 newly formed farmers’ club at Nungoi, Pungdongbam and Lamlai.
Dr T Medhabati Devi, Programme Coordinator, KVK Imphal East encouraged the farmers’ clubs and their members to bring agri-preneurship among the farming community while S Molibala Devi, SMS, Home Science briefed the club members on the activities and norms for the functioning of the clubs.
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Imphal, August 29 2013: The Song and Drama Division, Ministry of I&B, Imphal has organised five publicity programmes at different places of Churachandpur district from Aug 22 to Aug 26 as a part of the week-long observance of Sadbhavana Diwas.
According to a statement, the programmes were held with the objective of bringing peace, national integration and harmony among the different ethnic groups of the district.
It also acknowledged the cooperation extended towards the success of the programme by the Field Publicity Officer, Churachandpur.
Source:
Imphal, August 29 2013: Even as all kinds of vehicles stayed away from NH 37 at the request of BRTF for repairing the most sloughy and dilapidated section of the highway, not much headway has been made in the repairing work, on account of which a large number of trucks have got stuck and are stranded along the particular section.
BRTF sought three days time for repairing the worst section from Barak to Kambiron.
Accordingly, police prohibited movement of vehicles along the highway from August 21 to August 23 .
But when around 900 trucks left Jiribam for Imphal yesterday, the highway section was found in the same condition as was seen before August 21.Of the large number of trucks heading for Imphal, 103 were loaded with fertilizers, 284 were loaded with rice while the remaining trucks were loaded with cement and other assorted goods.
|
Although around 100 trucks could somehow cross the Barak-Kambiron section with much struggle, some of the trucks travelling behind got stuck in the sloughy section.
Consequently, around 800 trucks have been stranded at Barak, Sibilong and Nung Dolan.
The trucks got stuck because BRTF only put earth without stones on the already sloughy and worst dilapidated section.
Drivers and transporters of some of the stranded trucks have questioned why vehicles were kept away from the highway for three days if the BRTF could not repair the particular section.
Transporters’ and Drivers’ Council (TDC) president H Ranjit alleged that the BRTF did not repair the particular section even though vehicles were kept away from the highway for three full days in the name of repairing the section.
Putting earth without stones on the wheel track only made the highway section more slippery and sloughy and it further multiplied the woes of the drivers.
It’s time for the Government to give special attention and monitor the BRTF’s style of working, Ranjit asserted.
It is illegal for BRTF to close the highway in the name of repairing it.
In case BRTF tries to commit such faux pas in future, TDC would fight it in a befitting manner with the help of law.
Notably, TDC had recently repaired the Barak-Sibilong section and Kambiron area of the highway using more than 100 truck loads of stones.
After that BRTF has not repaired or put stones on the highway section.
Some drivers said that BRTF charged Rs 500 to Rs 1000 for pulling up a vehicle in case it gets stuck in the slippery sections.
Source:
Imphal, August 29 2013: Acting on the reports about hoarding stamps and selling them at inflated rates, district level Treasury offices have been licensed to sell stamps.
An official source informed that the Government has recognised district level Treasury offices as ex-officio stamp vendors apart from the already existing stamp vendors approved by the Revenue Department.
Treasury offices have been licensed to sell non-judicial stamps and the Government has initiated due process to allow Treasury offices deal in judicial stamps too.
Source:
Imphal, August 29 2013: Acting on the reports about hoarding stamps and selling them at inflated rates, district level Treasury offices have been licensed to sell stamps.
An official source informed that the Government has recognised district level Treasury offices as ex-officio stamp vendors apart from the already existing stamp vendors approved by the Revenue Department.
Treasury offices have been licensed to sell non-judicial stamps and the Government has initiated due process to allow Treasury offices deal in judicial stamps too.
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Imphal, August 28 2013: Refuting the statement of FGN regarding the authority of finance in-charge of FGN Zeliangrong region that was published on Aug 20, Poukhin, Ministry of information and publicity of the NNC/FGN Zeliangrong region has clarified that Adin Panmei was elected as Midan Peyu of FGN Zeliangrong region on Apr 11, 2013 at the 12th Leacy Hoho session.
It further reiterated that the meeting of Leacy Executive Core Committee (LECC) on April 12 has appointed Henry Gonmei as finance in-charge, Joyson as finance secretary and Abui as finance assistant to deal with financial matter.
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Imphal, August 28 2013: Insisting that Urea be made available to the farmers at the Government-fixed price of Rs 286.60 per bag, United Committee Manipur (UCM) has accused Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh of promoting urea/fertilizer politics.
Speaking to newspersons at its Lamphel office today, UCM’s Development Committee chairman Chandramani Khumancha contended that the CM recently issued an order under which officials of departments concerned were asked to allot 3000 bags of Urea to each of the MLAs/Ministers from Assembly Constituencies in the valley districts and 1000 bags each to the people’s representatives from the hill districts.
Noting that such a policy cannot guarantee equal and fair distribution of Urea to the farmers for elected members (MLAs) .
The issues to be brought up by us will be based on historical facts, ground realities are certain to favour their active workers/supports thus depriving the essential agricultural material to the genuine peasant community, Chandramani suggested that the CM instead focus on ensuring that the farmers get urea/fertilizer at subsidised rate.
With regard to the current issue of farmers either suffering from urea stock inadequacy or compulsion to purchase the same in the range of Rs 600 to Rs 700 urea due to requirement in the peak cultivation season, the committee chairman demanded that thorough investigation be launched on the shortage of urea in Manipur and the errant transporter or agent(s) blacklisted for non compliance to the assigned task.
Contrary to the annual requirement of about 15,000 metric tonnes (3 lakh bags approx.) the State had excess shipment of 50,000 MT urea last season as record suggest that over 1.37 lakh MT had been transported into Manipur, Chandramani claimed.
When such huge quantity of urea could be shipped in last year there should be no valid reason or excuse for the Government’s failure to stock urea/fertilizer sufficiently this season, opined the chairman who also cited procedural delay in identifying transporter and issuance of order for the current problem besetting the state farmers.
Normally urea/fertilizer used to be brought into Manipur in April and May months but this year order for transportation of urea consignment was issued on June 3, he noted and insisted that the farmers deserved to be clarified on the belated move of the Government.
Alleging that despite acute shortage of urea at the Government’s disposal some MLAs/Ministers had been exerting pressure on Agriculture Department officials for allotment of the essential agricultural item, chandramani voiced strong resentment against such a move by pointing out that under the Rashtriya Krishi Vigyan Yojna (RKVY) substantial quantity of urea are collectively allotted (free) to MLAs representing rural assembly segments in the valley districts while their counterparts from ACs covered by Imphal Municipal Council and hill districts also get their share from the said scheme.
Urging the dealers to sell urea at the Government-fixed price of Rs 286.60 per bag and calling upon the State authorities to extend subsidy benefit to the urea dealers/agents so that the peasant community do not suffer, financially, the Development Committee chairman said at the factory rate a bag of urea cost only Rs 132.82 .
Suggesting that the Government and the Government-appointed dealers or agents need to have collective commitment in facilitating the farmers ensure food crop sufficiency, he said taking legal recourse to pull up errant officials and selfish dealers is an option the Committee intents to utilise to expose chronic malpractices associated with the urea policy.
Source:
Imphal, August 28 2013: A two-day interaction on ‘contemporary painting’ organised by Neogene Contemporary Artists, Manipur will be held on August 30 and 31 at Chingmeirong Khongnang Ani Karak for which the event hosts urged young artists as well as art enthusiasts to join the interaction session.
It is said that renowned artists Gunindro and Premananda Roy would be the key speakers of the programme.
