House passes seven demands for grants amounting to Rs. 32,699,604,000

Imphal: On the fourth day of the 6th Session (Evening) of the ongoing 12th Manipur State Legislative Assembly, the House today unanimously passed seven Demands for Grants amounting to Rs. 32,699,604,000. The Demands are i) Demand No. 8: Public Work Department: a sum of Rs. 1974,72,48,000, ii) Demand No. 9 – Information and Publicity: a sum of Rs. 19,50,21,000 iii) Demand No. 16 – Co-operation: a sum of Rs. 44,74,97,000, iv) Demand No.35 – Printing: a sum of Rs. 7,05,50,000, v) Demand No. 37 – Fisheries: a sum of Rs. 89,95,38,000 vi) Demand No. 44 – Social Welfare Department: a sum of Rs. 1109,29,57,000, vii) Demand No. 6 – Transport: a sum of Rs. 24,67,93,000.

During the discussion on Demands for Grants, Transport Minister Shri Khashim Vashum elucidated the Law and Order, and Road Safety measures of the state. He mentioned that the road accident rate has reduced to a certain extent. With the support of the Central Forces, CSOs, PWD etc., the movement along the National Highways is protected. He added that highway Patrol Police is discharging their duties regularly. As far as the renaming of airport is concerned, he informed that no such proposal has been initiated.

Leader of the House and Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh, put out the allocation of road distances allocated to NHIDCL, BRO and PWD in which NHIDCL holds a total distance of 147.95 km, BRO holds 5 km and PWD is responsible for construction of 310.64 km. He highlighted that, four bridges along Imphal-Jiri road have been constructed. To attract tourists in the state, the Chief Minister said that several highways connecting major tourists spot are on the verge of completion.

He further mentioned that while constructing major roads, land compensation disputes have been the major barrier that hampers the smooth completion of the project. He assures that construction of highway connecting Wabagai Lamkhai to Sugnu will be initiated within the current financial year. The construction of Tamenglong-Mohul Road stretching 96 km is about to be completed. A sum of Rs. 1300 crore has been sanctioned for the construction of highway connecting Tupul, Kasom Khullen and Mao. To facilitate tourist movement, a national highway connecting Imphal-Moreh is about to be completed. Construction of Pallel-Chandel Road stretching 18 km has been completed, he added.

Referring to the cut-motion raised by Shri K. Meghachandra, MLA Wangkhem A/C, IPR Minister Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh informed that the Government has initiated several welfare schemes for the working journalists of the state. He mentioned that Press Identity Cards, Curfew passes on sensitive times etc. have been issued by DIPR for safe access and free mobility of the media persons.

Later, Leader of the House and Chief Minister (in-charge of Finance) Shri N Biren Singh, moved “The Manipur Contingency Fund Bill, 2024 (Bill no. 9 of 2024)” and “The Manipur Scheduled cate and Other Backward Classes (Regulation of Issuance and Verification of caste Certificates) Bill, 2024 (Bill No. 15 of 2024)” in the House. Both the Bills were unanimously passed by the House.

“The Dhanamanjuri University (Second Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Bill No. 13 of 2024)” and “The Manipur Private School (Registration and Regulation) (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (Bill No. 14 of 2024)” introduced by Shri Th Basanta Kumar Singh, Minister (in-charge of Education) were also unanimously passed by the House. (DIPR)