Imphal, March 25: While uproarious scenes in the Parliament over the office of profit issue continues to reverberate throughout the country top rung officials of Manipur Government is understood to be working overtime to aid SPF MLAs evade disqualification for holding 'office of profit'.

To make some of the MLAs immune from facing the wrath of disqualification on the much debated issue that had even resulted in Congress President resigning as an MP and Chairperson of NAC, State officials are informed to be working out an Ordinance to protect SPF legislatures from being disqualified.

Even though the report is yet to be officially confirmed, well placed press sources disclosed of a State Cabinet meeting on March 23 having discussed the office of profit issue in detail and deciding to entrust the chief Minister to take necessary initiatives.

As follow-up action of the Cabinet decision, the chief Minister is informed to have summoned and consulted top Government officials particularly those from the Law Department and other related departments to facilitate in the Governor's issuance of an Ordinance which would consequently protect MLAs, some of whom are currently holding office of profit, from being axed.

The development is ga-thering storm and assumes significance specially in political circles regarding Cabinet recommendation that Governor prorogue the Assembly inspite of culmination of the 13th session of the eighth Legislative Assembly a few days back and on the process to issue an Ordinance.

Some opposition leaders, on ground of anonymity, pointing out that issue on office of profit being prerogative of the Central Government the State Government could face legal repercussion in case effort to issue an ordinance on the matter is not shelved.

They also suggested that voluntarily resigning from offices of profit currently held by some ruling MLAs would be a wiser decision and politically correct rather than face embarrassing situation in the future for clinging to the posts.

Divulging more detail on the process, the sources informed of the State Government emphasising on amendment of Manipur Legislature (Removal of Dis-qualifications) Act 1972 with Manipur Legislature (Removal of Disqualifications) fourth Amendment Ordinance 2006.Explaining technicalities involved in the procedures, the source highlighted necessity of tabling a Bill in the State assembly six months after promulgation of the Ordinance.

It, however, clarified that no gazette notification on the ordinance had been issued till date as is required to promulgate the ordinance.

Among other clauses envisaged in the proposed ordinance include prohibiting Ministers or Ministers of State from holding post of numerous boards, committees, corporations etc which are political appointments and come under office of profit.

The opposition parties are also set to mount a scathing attack on SPF MLAs holding Office of Profits.

The Federal Party of Manipur has sought explanation under what principle the SPF MLAs are appointed chairmen of certain corporations.

Talking to reporters at his official residence at Babupara today, leader of FPM legislature wing Salam Ibohal also demanded clarification on many SPF MLAs holding Office of Profits in addition to benefits extended to them as a legislature.

He further disclosed that the matter of Office of Profit would be taken up as a major issue by the opposition parties and a meeting of all opposition parties would be convened soon to discuss the issue.

The MLAs included in the office relinquishment list of the opposition are Deputy Chairman of State Planning Board Dr Chaltonlien Amo, Chairman of State Pollution Control Board N Biren, Chairman of PDA K Ranjit, Chairman of KVIB A Aza, Chairman of MANITRON Bijoy Koijam, Chairman of Tribal Development Corporation DK Korungthang and Chairman of Programme Implementation Cell Y Mani.

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