Imphal, March 17: Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today informed the House that altogether 12 companies of security force would be required for ensuring complete security and protection along the two National Highways of the State.

The Chief Minister who also holds the Home portfolio was replying to a question raised by MLA S Ibohal on Highway Protection Force.

Ibobi said that around Rs 80 lakhs would be required in raising one company of security force and so for raising 12 companies, a total of Rs 9.60 crores would be required.

Replying to another question put up by MLA Dr Nimaichand Luwang on the schemes being taken up by the State Government for the welfare of the surrendered militants, Chief Minister informed that so far 23 surrenderees have been appointed as constables and riflemen.

Water shortage at Ukhrul: To solve the problem of water scarcity, mobile water tankers are being provided at Ukhrul town, PHE Minister Govindas Konthoujam informed, while replying to a question from MLA Danny Shaiza.

School village scheme: The State Government has no immediate plan as of now to appoint new teachers to solve the problems of lack of teachers, MoS Education (S) Dr Maniruddin Sheikh informed the House today in a reply to a query from MLA M Nilachandra.

He also informed that there are 354 schools under Schoolless Village Scheme in the State.

Khongshang-Tanienglong Road: To a series of queries put forward; by House member Samuel Jendai, Works Minister Gaikhangam disclosed that sanction for construction/repairing of Khangshang-Tamenglong road have been included in the 10th Plan Programme of NEC and the task has been entrusted to Border Road Organisation (BRO).

BRO had also submitted its assessment of the proposed work to NEC, he added.

Part time lecturers: The State Government is considering payment of Rs 8000 per month to the part time lecturers as salaries who have qualified UGC norms and Rs 4,500 to those who do not have the qualification.

This was informed by MoS for Higher Education, Dr T Meinya while replying to a question raised by MLA I Hemochandra on the part time lecturers.

Agricultural schemes: Oil Seed Production Programme, National Pulses Development Project, Accelerated Maize Development Programme, Micro-Management Mode; Border Area Development Project, besides Central shares given, are some of the Centrally sponsored schemes for the development of agriculture in the State, MoS Agriculture K Ranjit said, replying to a question asked by MLA N Bihari.

Manisana Wage Board: Replying to a question of MLA M Bhorot Singh, Labour Minister Z Mangaibou informed the House that measures are being taken up for implementation of RK Manisana Wageboard Recommendation.

Rural electrification: Electrification in 57 villages which are included in the work programme have been executed during the current budgetary period.

Power Minister Phunzathang Tonsing informed the House while replying a question asked by MLA S Chandra on rural electrification.