IMPHAL, March 21: A supplementary grant for 43 government departments totaling Rs 1825.45 crore for the financial year 2011-2012 was unanimously passed in the Manipur Assembly today.
The supplementary demand for grants was moved by the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh yesterday in the House.
The motion was deliberated by members from the opposition bench including Th Syamkumar and Dr I Ibohalbi of Trinamool Congress, and L Ibomcha of the NCP.
L Ibomcha said that the buses brought under the JNNURM scheme is being laid to waste except for few which are being used in the Imphal city. He also urged the government to develop infrastructure in the hill areas.
Ibohanbi pointed out that the amount has to be utilized within a short span of time and suggested that the government needs to show the reflection of the grants in various departments.
He mentioned that infrastructure development in the hills regarding health, education and PDS needs to be monitored and improved.
MLA Shyamkumar charged that the police personnel have become an undisciplined force. He also mentioned that VDF personnel have been issued with AK 47 rifles and doing the duty of police commandos.
He brought to the attention of the house, problems faced by the public in regard to power, health and transport.
MLA Shyam Kumar charged that a number of vehicles have been smuggled into the state clandestinely and the majority has been given authentication papers by the Transport office of Thoubal.
The Chief Minister replying to the discussion said, offices in the hill districts will be developed for effective administration within a timeframe.
Detailing the lapses in providing power to the public CM Ibobi said, the Power department incurs about Rs 10 crores in purchasing power whereas the tariff collection hardly amounts to 1 crore. He said that at least 25 crore is needed to provide sixteen hours of electricity.
He mentioned that the government is studying other models implemented in various metropolitan cities and considering privatization or introducing pre paid meter system in the state.
Aside from the 43 demands, the Chief Minister introduced the Manipur Appropriation Bill 2012, No.1 and No.2.