Imphal, July 22 2009: Responding to queries from the Opposition members regarding non-distribution of Anna Purna rice for 13 months, Social welfare Minister N Loken said provision of rice under the ICDS programme had been handed over to the all concerned upto March this year.

The Minister's statement was made in today's Assembly session, wherein four demands concerning Fisheries (Rs 17,38,53,000), IFCD (Rs 263,05,80,000), Social Welfare (Rs 87,74,25,000) and Relief and disaster Management (Rs 6.93 crore) were taken up for deliberations.

While the opposition members, who grilled the Ministers concerned on the said demands, include Dr I Ibohalbi, Radhabinod Koijam, O Joy, Dr Ng Bijoy, RK Anand as well as Khasim Ruivah, respondents from the ruling front also included MLA N mangi apart from the Ministers of the respective portfolios.

the Opposition members enlisted dilapidated conditions of important river banks, non-payment/release of wages/bills to those engaged in flood control measures in the past two years and absence of contingency fund for relief and disaster management, as alleged inefficiency of the Government.

Moreover, the Opposition members proposed re-sanctioning of Chandranadi and Merakhong projects, alleged lack of transparency or coverage of hill districts with regard to welfare schemes, under the Social Welfare department, besides questioning whether retaining walls to prevent floods are being initiated under an outlined master-plan.

They also enquired whether there is any job reservation policy for disabled persons.

In his address, the Social Welfare Minister N Loken confided to the House members that he would look into concerns of the Opposition regarding lack of transparency in the implementation of schemes under the Social Welfare Department.

he also contended that as there is no complaint as yet of anganwadi centres not functioning properly it would be construed these centres are working proficiently while adding that non-distribution, if any, of Anna Purna rice after the March month provision would be looked into.

In all 359 disabled persons are being covered under provision of un-employed allowance whereas 29 persons with varied physical disabilities have been employed, the Minister said while adding that wheel chairs and hearing aids under the DDRC programme had been provided to 1500 persons.

Joining in the deliberation, the chief Minister O Ibobi Singh who is also in-charge of Relief and Disaster Management, declared that taking into account gravity or situational requirement as well as fund status assistance are being extended.

He further announced that strengthening of Relief and Disaster Management sector as well as separate allocation of contingency fund would be discussed by the State Cabinet.

Meanwhile, IFC Minister N Biren informed members of the house that Rs 22 crore has been utilised from non-plan allocation of the department for repairing of barrages/water supply schemes and irrigating agricultural sites.

While stating that first phase of retaining wall construction of Imphal River had been completed, the Minister also informed the members of plans to begin similar works under the second phase at areas which had been left out from the first phase owing to technical reason.

for dredging of Imphal and other River beds necessary procedures had been made for procurement of two (dredging) machines, Biren said.

He added that pending payments with regard to engagement of personnel/utilisation of materials to combat flood situation in the past few years would be assessed on culmination of the ongoing assembly session.

The demands were finally passed by the House.

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