IMPHAL, April 21: Lok Sabha Member of Parliament from Inner Manipur DR THOKCHOM MEINYA has supported the Union Budget (general) 2012-13 on April 16.
In his participation during the consideration of the Union Budget, the MP from the state had maintained that the country of this size and population needs enormous size and added that the UPA II is just doing fine.
Addressing the parliament during the consideration of the Union Budget, the MP declared that the budget is on the whole a good budget, despite the various difficulties on hand, the Finance Minister could come out with flying colours in this year’s budget exercise.
After a brief discussion of the Union Budget, the MP further stated in the House that Manipur had a very serious problem last year because of nearly four month long economic blockade on the two National Highways- the only life lines of the state of Manipur.
“Of course there is still a huge law and order situation and the insurgency problem. All these work together to decelerate all development activities in the state which are otherwise the crying need of the state” he continued.
“One very important point, there is a huge potential of tourism industry in the state. There are the possibilities of people being able to travel by bus on the Imphal – Mandale – Yangon -Bangkok Route. Recently some young Manipur enthusiasts organized a car rally from Imphal to Yangon. If such travels on these routes are made regular feature there is much to be gained economically and otherwise”.
“There is report that Myanmar had opened 700 shops at Namphalong for cross broader trade with India but no such facilities existed in India. Trade through Manipur’s border town of Moreh, legalized in 1995, is yet to pick up because of frequent blockades of the National Highways and security along the route”, he added.
“Manipur administration is doing everything possible to see that the railway line on the Jiribam – Tupul – Imphal route is completed at the earliest. In my state, one hears of many projects being launched but very seldom about their completion”, continued before the House.
He further urged upon the Union Government to intervene and help the government of Manipur in whatever way possible for the overall development of the state of Manipur.
Further highlighting major issues of the state, the MP stated in the house that “There are some important pending issues for my state, Manipur”.
The issues include, “Providing Constitutional Safeguard to the territorial integrity of Manipur, Political solution to the vexed insurgency problem in the state, Repeal of Armed Forces (Special) Power Act, 1958, Establishment of National Highway (NH) Protection Forces for the NHs in Manipur to overcome economic blockades etc, To make tourism Industry a thrust area for the overall development of the State”.
“In order to fulfill them, the Union Government should come forward to increase the Plan size of the state and also to strengthen the existing non-plan outlay for the state” he added.
“The state is facing a huge financial deficit after the implementation of the 6th Pay Commission recommendations”, he stated.