Imphal, July 10 2009: Demanding to know why Jiribam and Sadar Hills should not be granted the status of full-fledged revenue districts, MLA O Joy of MPP today questioned what contentious issues there are for not fulfilling this long standing demand, during the discussion of demand for Revenue Department in the Assembly.

Moving a token cut on the discussion of the demands for Land Revenue, Stamp & Stationary and District Administration; Public Works Department and Administration of Justice, Joy categorically stated that there should not be any difference of opinion on granting full-fledged revenue district status to Jiribam and Sadar Hills and added that this should not be viewed along the line of community affiliation.

From the point of administrative conveniences, large districts should be bifurcated for carving out smaller districts, Joy pointed out, adding that failure of district administration has its direct bearing on the governance of the entire State, causing unnecessary headache to the Government.

For proper planning of the district, setting up of planning cell is also essential, Joy noted.

Questioning why the people from the valley are not being allowed to settle in the hills while their counterparts from the hills can settle in the plain, Joy also favoured a legislation to do away with this restriction and allow both the hill and the valley people to settle in any part of the State.

The MLA further said the efforts being made by the Works Minister to ensure equal development of both the hills and the valley area and his frequent touring of the remote places in the hills is appreciable, but added that the activities of some other Ministers, who are trying to disintegrate Manipur would not be tolerated.

He said construction of the Assembly complex and High Court building should be completed at the earliest possible.

The MPP leader also came out strongly against the state of affairs prevailing in Manipur Bhavan at Guwahati where he alleged an MLA is also acting like the contractor.

Furthermore, Joy demanded to know why action should not be taken up under Section 420 of the IPC in connection with dishonouring the cheques issued by the Ministers inspite of claiming there is adequate fund at the disposal of the State Government.

Participating in the discussion, MLA Ng Bijoy suggested that proper survey should be conducted for computerisation of the land records.

He also suggested since Sadar Hills is to be upgraded as a full-fledged revenue district, it would be in the fitness of thing to include Nongmaiching with the Imphal East district.

Comment