Imphal, August 06: Expressing doubt over selection of tableau designer for the Republic Day parade at the national capital Khurai assembly constituency MLA N Bihari pressured the Art and Culture Minister Dr M nara to furnish details on the conduct.

Raising a call attention motion in today's assembly session, Bihari flayed the Art and Culture Department of flouting norms through untimely notification.

Elaborating of the charges, he said for the July 29 meeting scheduled at 9.30 am to select designer artist was displayed at a local daily on July 30 while the AIR announcement of the same was made without mentioning the date.

Lamenting that preparation for biggest celebration of the Indian Union in conducted in an unfair manner, the MLA strongly demanded punitive action against all guilty officials.

Reacting to the MLA's charges, Dr Nara iterated that notification was floated on July 25 and six designers produced a total of ten models out of which two were short-listed.

Ruling out any ground for misconduct, the Minister asserted that attendance of artists is not required at the selection committee meeting on July 29 morning and only when model rectification is required comments and suggestion of the artist concerned may be consulted.

Dissatisfied with the clarification MLA N Bihari insisted on tabling the newspaper where advertisement was made resulting in verbal duel between the two even as the Minister affirmed that proper notice was issued.

However, the Speaker intervened urging both the members to settle their differences in a cool manner.

Subsidy to films: Art and Culture Minister Dr M nara announced that out of 19 Manipuri feature films short-listed for extension of subsidy sops only four films could be covered in the first installment as RBI imposed ban on Govt transaction.

Presenting a detailed account on the subsidy payment during question hour, Dr Nara asserted that Rs one lakh each was recommended for the selected films out of which Rs 50 each was provided to the already selected four feature films.

Even though a total amount of Rs 15 lakhs was earmarked in the State budget for the remaining films the money could not be withdrawn due to imposition of RBI ban, added the Minister assuring all necessary efforts in releasing the amount after conclusion of the ongoing monsoon session.

Regarding uncleared dues of producers as hiring charge of MFDC cameras Dr Nara said agreement has been made to deduct dues from the subsidy amount following which the producers have begun to hire the cameras.

Replying to a question from Andro kendra MLA S Chandra, the Minister said State govt is preparing to develop 22 historical sites scattered throughout Manipur including those at Andro with 11th Finance Commission funds.

He further asserted through State Govt funding efforts are on to develop 16 separate historical sites.

Sangai population: Forest and Environment Minister Chungkhokai Doungel announced presence of 180 Sangais at keibul Lamjao in reply to question from Keisamthong kendra MLA L Ibomcha.

Stating that previous practice of sending the endangered species to other States has been stopped 20 years back, the Minister listed population of the animal as 65 males, 75 females and 41 doe.

Forest Department is continuing protection and development of habitat area of the Sangais, said the Minister adding that under a District Forest Officer stationed at Imphal a two Range Officers and related staffs for requisite duties at Keibul Lamjao.

He also iterated that despite absence of a veterinarian at the national Park doctors available at Iroisemba Zoological Garden could be deputed whenever necessary for treatment of the Sangais.

It�s pertinent to add that service of the adhoc doctor at Iroisemba has not been extended further.

Eviction drive: Revenue Minister E Biramani Singh replying to question raised by Wangkhei kendra MLA Y Erabot said eviction drive is on to drive out encroachers from several locations in Imphal East district.

The Minister disclosed the 27 locations in between Minuthong to Sanjenthong and four at Mantripukhri area have been encroached upon and process is on to evict the them.

Biramani also stated that State Govt had not issued land documents to the encroachers.

Taking further part during the question hour session, Erabot lamented intentional incidents of raging structures to cover up questionable deals of the State Govt and highlighted case of an individual possessing land documents of a plot where Lamlongei LP School exist.

However, the Revenue Minister declared that no record are available to support State govt previously possessing the mentioned plot and urged the MLA to present land document, if any, for taking up necessary action.