Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 29 2010:
The Manipur State Assembly has unanimously passed six different Bills today.
The Bills cleared by the State Assembly included the Manipur State Minorities Commission Bill 2010, the Manipur Essential Services Maintenance (Amendment) Bill 2010, the Manipur Co-operative Societies (4th Amendment) Bill 2010, the Manipur Municipality Community Participation Bill 2010, the Salaries and Allowance of Members of the Legislative Assembly (Manipur) 18th Amendment Bill 2010 and the Salaries and Allowance of Ministers (Manipur) 11th Amendment Bill 2010 .
Taking part in discussing the bills separately, MPP Legislature Wing leader O Joy said that as the Minorities Commission Bill is for the welfare of Minorities it deserves full support in view of the spirit and strength of the Bill.
He exuded confidence that the Bill would prove effective.
However, this small Bill containing just 16 clauses would be of little use when it is passed and turned into an Act if those implementing the Act are not sincere, Joy said.
He remarked that the Bill was lacking the main thrust power.
It would be in the best interest of the people to add core substance to the Bill which is lacking in its present form.
There was no specific provision about remedial/punitive measures that may be initiated as and when the rightful shares of minorities are forfeited.
There should be clear provision for punitive actions when the Act is violated, Joy asserted.
Supporting the Bill, Opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam remarked that empowering the commission to the capacity of a civil court would enable it to discharge judicial functions.
Commenting on the Essential Services Maintenance Bill, Radhabinod observed that the Bill can provide beneficial utilities in the State where bandhs/blockades have become a day to day affair.
But it would be useless if the Government cannot exercise the Bill prudently however powerful it is.
Joining the deliberation, Chief Minister O Ibobi stated that the Bill was being tabled to add clause II so that effective actions can be taken up against frequent bandhs/strikes.
The Chief Minister confessed that he was ashamed in front of other States regarding sale of petrol which is an essential commodity on streets in bottles.
On learning that kerosene was being hoarded at Sangakpham and Uripok areas for adulterating petrol and diesel, the Government has considered taking up befitting actions.
Due actions would be initiated against the hoarders for stocking fuel and the same will be distributed to the public through open sale for about a week.
Assuring that all efforts would be made to check sale of fuel oils in black market, the Chief Minister stated that the Act would be exercised prudently.
Talking about the cooperative bill, Ibobi stated that the bill was being tabled before the House to revive defunct primary societies and also to seek aids/grants from the Government
of India.
He mentioned the need to abolish the existing many 'one-man societies'.
Corporation Minister Y Erabot stated the bill was being tabled considering its urgency.
He sought consent of the House to the bill.
The Chief Minister also tabled two other bills, the Medium Term Fiscal Policy Statement, Fiscal Strategy Settlement, Macro Economic Framework Statement and Disclosures, and the Manipur Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (Third Amendment) Rules 2010 .
Manipur Appropriation (No.3) Bill passed : The Manipur Appropriation (No.3) Bill was passed in the State Assembly today.
As Chief Minister O Ibobi tabled the bill for discussion in the House, opposition leader Radhabinod sought attention of the Govt to complete projects in time.
He observed that delay in completing projects only raised the projects costs multiple times.
Asserting that strict supervision should be made to ensure that proper quality is maintained while executing any project, Radhabinod also proposed streamlining Education sector.
Observing that funds sanctioned for development are mainly dealt with by the Secretariat, O Joy suggested that due allowances of Secretariat employees be given in time and make them more efficient in discharging their duties.
Decrying the habit of red-tapism being witnessed in Secretariat, Joy advised depts should not make supplementary demands when they were unable to utilise the sanctioned amount demanded at the first place.