IMPHAL, September 23: In the wake of the unrest and violent incidents in the hill districts mainly in Churachandpur following the passage of the three bills by the Manipur Legislative Assembly to safeguard the indigenous people, the State Cabinet convened a meeting today during which the prevailing situation was reviewed.
Chaired by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, the meeting began at 4 pm at the CM`™s Secretariat.
According to Education and CAF & PD Minister Moirangthem Okendro who is the spokesperson of the government, the Cabinet meeting had a threadbare discussion on bringing in peace and normalcy in the State at the earliest.
He said that the meeting resolved to urge the Central government to appoint an Interlocutor so as to initiate political dialogue with Kuki underground outfits under Kuki National Organization (KNO) and United People`™s Front (UPF) which have inked Suspension of Operation (SoO) with Government of India and Government of Manipur.
Elaborating on the meeting, Okendro said that the meeting decided to take up necessary measures to bring back normalcy in the hill districts including Churachandpur at the earliest.
The Central government will be urged to appoint an Interlocutor to start meaningful political dialogue with the Kuki outfits and find a permanent solution for the sake of peace and tranquility in the State, the Minister asserted.
Informing that the Cabinet meeting also gave approval to extend the maternity leave to 180 days from 135 as availed to female employees under Central government, Okendro explained that this is in compliance with the recommendation of 6th Central Pay Commission.
Discussion was also held to conduct Combined Civil Services Examination every year by Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC), he said, adding that a calendar will be prepared in which schedule of preliminary, mains and viva-voice of the examination will be included.
The Minister went on to inform that the meeting also gave nod to direct recruitment of 13 posts of MCS, 16 MPS, 41 SDC, 4 MSS and 1 Election Officer for this year.
He disclosed that 108.55 acres of land situated in between the two Revenue Villages namely 4-Chingkhu and 11-Khundrakpam will be acquired as direct purchase for setting up of a Film Institute/Film City in the State.
The Cabinet meeting also decided to present one tine incentive cash award to those players who bagged medals in the 34th and 35th National Games, the Minister further informed, adding that coaches who participated in the games and those players who failed to clinch medals will also be presented with the award.
Apart from deciding to set up a Food Commission as part of the measures to implement National Food Security Act, 2013 in the State, the meeting also gave approval to Draft Manipur State Water Policy, 2015 and Draft Manipur Cultural Policy in principle.
The Cabinet meeting further gave consent to establishment of Manipur Tourism Corporation Limited, recruitment of required 192 contractual staff under ICDS Mission being taken up by Social Welfare Department and outsourcing of 10 Data Entry Operators, Minister Okendro concluded.