Imphal, March 07 2009: The fifth session of the ninth Manipur Legislative Assembly will have only three days' sitting from March 17 to 19. This was decided at a meeting of the Business Advisory Committee.

On the other hand, the Election Commission of India has consented that the Assembly session may be opened with the Governor's address highlighting policies and programmes of the incumbent Government.

The Business Advisory Committee meeting held this afternoon in the office chamber of the Speaker was presided by Speaker Dr S Budhichandra.

The meeting decided to hold the first Assembly session of the year for three days.

The meeting was also attended by CM O Ibobi, Law & Legislative Affairs Minister Th Debendra, Health & Family Welfare Minister Ph Parijat, opposition leader Radhabinod Koijam, O Joy, V Hangkhalian and Md Hellaludin Khan.

The meeting deliberated on the legal validity of the customary Governor's address on the opening day which would highlight policies, programmes and commitments of the SPF Govt.Notably, the election code of conduct will come into force by the time the Assembly session ensues.

Following information by the Government that the ECI has no objection to the Governor's address, the meeting agreed on opening the session with the Governor's address.

On March 17, supplementary demands and budget estimates of 2009-10 will be tabled.

Moreover, vote on accounts for four months (till July) will be produced on the opening day.

On the second day, supplementary demands, voting demand for supplementary demands and vote on accounts will be discussed and passed.

Manipur Appropriation Bill I and 11, 2009 will be tabled on the same day.

The last day (March 19) will be devoted in passing all possible bills.

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