Imphal, May 30 2009: The State Cabinet in a late evening sitting today approved payment of ex-gratia to family of the victims of the May 7 bus accident in a Tamenglong district area while security personnel/units involved in the recent Operation Summer Storm would be rewarded with cash incentives.

According to a Senior Minister of the Secular Progressive Alliance Government, an ex-gratia amount of Rs 50,000 each would be extended to the family of victims killed in the bus accident at near Salungpang village under Tamenglong district.

Moreover, out of the 49 persons hurt in the same mishap, those with serious injuries would be extended monetary assistance of Rs 20,000 each while with minor nature of injury would be paid Rs 10,000 each.

Mention may be made that in all 11 persons either died on the spot or succumbed to injuries at medical centres.

The Cabinet meeting presided by the Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, acknowledged successful conduct of Operation Summer Storm by the combined team of Bishnupur district police commandos and troops of 57 Mountain Division.

Subsequently to boost morale of the security force team the session decided to award Rs 7 lakh to the 57 Mountain Division while the district commando unit would be paid Rs 3 lakh, the Minister informed.

As a part of the Government endeavour to improve the power supply scenario in the region with particular emphasis on the State, the Cabinet session stressed on taking up a Comprehensive Scheme of Power Transmission, Sub-Transmission and Distribution Project.

Conveying on the green light by the State Cabinet to the power project, the Minister detailed that out of the total estimated cost of Rs 8800 crores, the World bank will bear 70 percent of the cost with the remaining amount to be contributed by the DONER Ministry.

Moreover, it is informed that the Tipaimukh Multi-purpose Project in Churachandpur district would be a joint venture with the Cabinet approving 5 percent share of the State Government in the project.A meeting to finalise the Power project aimed at improving supply of electricity in the region is scheduled on June 1 at New delhi.

Taking into account inflation rate and cost of building materials upto September last estimate of the Power project has been revised to Rs 8138.79 crores.

It is also informed that opening of offices of the SDO/BDO in Ruilong and Phaibung Khullen under Senapati district had been consented by the State Cabinet With the Cabinet session also deciding do away with previously imposed ban on direct recruitment in the Manipur legislative Assembly the path has been cleared to fill-up various vacant posts.

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