Imphal, August 05: Contrary to high confidence expressed by MU authorities on several occasions, Higher Education Minister Dr T Meinya said there is no plan to convert Manipur University to a Central university.

Replying to a question raised during question hour by Thanga Assembly Constituency MLA S Ibohal, Dr Meinya said there is no provision for Universities already established to be converted to a Central university and hastened to add a new university has to be opened for allocation of Central university status which the State Government is closely assessing.

In reply to a question from Keisamthong AC MLA L Ibomcha Singh, the Minister denied presence of posts of OSD in the Education Directorate but due to lack of manpower in the directorate some Government college teachers are utilized as OSDs.

To another question, he said that as per State Govt notification issued in between September 29, 1999 and February 14, 2000 revised pay scale have been provided to regular lecturers under UGC guidelines.

For part time lecturers salaries have been hiked from Rs 2000 to 4500 from April 20002 onwards, he added.

PDA loan: Replying to questions from Moirang and Andro Assembly Constituencies MLAs S Gopal and S Chandra, MAHUD Minister L Nandakumar announced that beneficiaries selected in 2001 for the housing loan under MAHUD could not be extended due to non release of funds by the HUDCO.

He cited failure of PDA to pay back the loan amount acquired during construction activities of Khuman Lampak and Langol Games Village complexes for conducting fifth National games as the main factor of HUDCO's reluctance to release the funds.

Stating that State Government has taken responsibility of repaying the dues, the Minister assured that once the funds are released selected beneficiaries will receive the loans.

Fast track court: Law Minister L Nandakumar, replying to a query from Chandel AC MLA BD Behring said two Fast Track Courts having nine staff each have been established in Manipur and efforts are on to provide vehicles for speedy disposal of cases.

He also added that so far the two courts have disposed 155 main cases.

Manipur Hill and Backward Devt Cooperative bank: Cooperation Minister Abdul Salam stated that Manipur Hill and backward Development Cooperative Bank has no plan to extend loan facilities to unemployed youths of the State as it is yet to get license from the RBI.

The Minister was replying to a question raised by Moirang AC MLA S Gopal.