Imphal, October 16 2010: Hill Area Committee of the Manipur Legislative Assembly, looking into the devolution of powers to the Autonomous District Councils, today submitted its report to the Chief Minister, O Ibobi.

The Committee recommended a detail of the sectors in which 26 departments under the state government can transfer powers to the ADC.

The HAC team was led by HAC chairman Thangminlen Kipgen and they also held discussions for half and hour, vice-chairman, Khanthuwanang Panmei said in an interaction with some reporters.

Following a decision taken by the state government on August 25, HAC was entrusted to look into the devolution of powers to the ADC and recommend sectors of departments of the state government that powers can be shared with the ADC.

The HAC formed a sub-committee under the procedure and conduct of business rule 22(1) of the Assembly and conducted a tour to examine the power devolution structures in other autonomous councils in the north eastern states.

A report submitted by the sub-committee was examined by the HAC in a series of meetings held from October 11 to 14 and drafted a recommendation which was submitted to the Chief Minister, O Ibobi today.

Among others, the recommendation includes devolution of powers to ADC in the same structure as is done in the autonomous district councils of other north eastern states.

Executive, financial and administrative powers should be devolved from 26 departments, the HAC recommendation mentions.

However, Chief Minister observed for the DC of a district to attend a meeting convened by the ADC chairman affects the protocol.

So government is considering for deputation of an IAS officer each to help ADCs in their administration.

The vice-chairman said that the Chief Minister has assured them of tabling the recommendation of the HAC to a cabinet meeting before finalization.

Chief Minister also expressed confident that with the revival of ADCs after more than 20 year, development works could reach out to the far flung areas of the hill areas.

The present difficulties being faced by the district administration in reaching the remote areas will also be solved, he said.

Chief Minister also expressed his desire of giving priority in education, forest and horticulture sectors, Khanthuawanang said.

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