Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, June 27:
Having overcome his toughest task expansion of the SPF Ministryafter Congress came to power in the 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly held in February this year, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has kept his focus on the developmental fronts.
Echoing Ibobi's vision, the newly sworn in Ministers have also pledged to work for the betterment of the society and fulfil the urgent needs of the people.
"Within the current month, the portfolios would be distributed to the new inducted Ministers after which our full strength Ministry would speed up developmental activities in all spheres," a visibly relieved Chief Minister said while talking to reporters minutes after Governor Dr SS Sidhu administered oath of office and secretary to the six Ministers at Raj Bhavan this afternoon.
On being asked whether the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 would be re-imposed in the Imphal Municipal Council in view of the spurt of violent activities in the capital city, the Chief Minister said 'the question of re-imposing the Act does not arise'.
But the Govt will take up appropriate measures to improve the law and order situation so that the developmental activities can proceed smoothly, he said.
L Jayentakumar Singh, one of the six newly inducted Ministers said that he would take up the onus of ensuring all round development in the State in consultation with his senior colleagues and party legislators.
"I will go by the guidelines given by the Chief Minister and take up necessary tasks in compliance with the needs and aspirations of the public," he assured, while promising that he would not hesitate in discharging his duties for the welfare of the society and the people.
Responding to a query, Jayentakumar said there would be no problem in the party after six of them got the Ministerial berths.
Nongthombam Biren, who has also ben inducted in the SPF Ministry iterated that he would give first priority in improving the law and order condition of the State.
'Law and order and insurgency should be seen as different aspects and the problems should be sorted out separately', the journalist-turned politician opined.
DD Thaisii, the lone Minister from Senapati district, said he would focus on addressing the grievances of the people of Senapati district as his first priority in consultation with his senior Ministerial colleagues and taking the advice of the Chief Minister.
A jubilant Thaisii, who was elected on Congress ticket from Karong A/C , said 'I feel so happy in getting the Ministerial berth and I will work sincerely and wholeheartedly to bring about a prosperous State''.