Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 30:
Based on recommendation of a committee all necessary procedures have been initiated to appoint State Chief Information Officer, informed the Chief Minister O ibobi Singh who also added that an order on the effect will be issued within a short notice.
The Chief Minister made the announcement on the last day of the brief assembly session yesterday after opposition MLA Dr Nimaichand Luwang questioned delay in establishing the state Information Commission and appointment of an incumbent to conform with the Prime Minister's assertion that such a commission should be established in every State to ensure transparency in Government policy and implementation as declared nearly a year back.
While maintaining that all procedural hurdles had been cleared after the committee recommendation, the CM also pointed out certain clauses in the said Information Act that would exempt information sharing especially related to sensitive intelligence and police matters.
in response to posers by MLAs L Ibomcha (FPM) and O Joy (MPP) alleging disparity in payment of compensation amounts, the CM clarified that there is no room of discriminatory attitude as terminal benefits do not necessarily mean equal extension of ex-gratia amount and other entitlements.
In the case of Dhiraj Verma (IAS) Rs 5 lakhs ex-gratia with additional sum of Rs 12,37,469 to purchase of house to surviving family members of the deceased officer had been paid, followed by Rs 5 lakhs and another sum of Rs 15 lakhs have been provided to families of slain Tourism Director Dasharath Prasad (IAS), while in the case of assassinated IGP (Intelligence) T Thangthuam a Cabinet decision approved payment of Rs 10 lakhs and other entitlements in addition to Government service to a deserving family member, highlighted the CM.
he further assured the House to expedite process for financial and related assistance to families of slain Moreh ADC M Chaoba Singh.