Imphal, July 22 2009: Education Minister L Jayantakumar today informed the Assembly that although the Government has been trying to develop Manipuri language and Meitei Mayek, it cannot impose learning of Meitei Mayek, as there are many communities in the State.

In response to a question from MLA RK Anand, during the question hour session of the Assembly today, the Minister said Meitei Mayek has been introduced in class I to V from the academic session of 2006 and arrangement has been made for introduction of the script in class VI to VII by the academic year of 2010 .

Towards promotion of Manipuri language, conferring of a special literary award called State Award for Literature has begun from 2008 .

The award includes a cash reward of Rs 1 lakh, the Minister said.

Informing the House that an expert committee has been set up in connection with promotion of the script and the language, the Minister clarified that the teachers who are currently teaching Meitei Mayek in school are carrying out their service voluntarily.

To another question raised by MLA N Mangi, the Education Minister informed the House that the Government is planning to set up special category model schools in all the districts.

The medium of instruction in all these schools will be English.

Steps would be taken up to see whether similar model schools can also be set up in all the sub-divisions or model school only for girls, the Minister informed the House.

To a question from MLA Ng Bijoy, Health Minister Ph Parijat said proposals have been placed to the 13th Finance Commission for construction of morgues at 11 different places.

On receiving the approval, the proposal would be implemented, the Minister assured, adding that construction of a morgue at Churachandpur District Hospital would be started under the State plan.

The Minister further informed the House that construction of 50-bedded Hospitals in the five hill districts have begun and all these hospitals would have separate morgues of their own.

Arrangements have also been made in connection in recruitment of the required staff, the Minister added.

Responding to a question of MLA Dr Kh Ratankumar, Social Welfare Minister N Loken said Indira Gandhi Old Age Pension is being extended to persons above 65 years of age and there is no complaint so far on providing the benefit to individuals below the limit of the prescribed age.

There is also no provision for allowing the benefit to both the husband and the wife in a family, the Minister informed, and added to clarify that the selection of the beneficiaries is done by a State level Committee and not by the Social Welfare Department.

So far there are in all 26906 beneficiaries of the scheme in the State.

To a question of MLA Awangbow, Power Minister Phungzathang Tonsing informed the House that works are being taken up on war footing to ensure completion of installing 33 KV sub-power stations at Tousem and Tamei.

For Tousem, 90 percent of the work has been completed while for Tamei 60 percent has been completed.

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