Imphal, May 26: Deliberations over extension of 'terminal benefit' by the State Government to next of kin of an IAS officer Dhiraj Varman sparked off a heated debate in the state Assembly today resulting in the speaker Dr Maniruddin Sheikh to list the matter for discussion on the concluding day (May 29) of the brief session.

Dhiraj Varman, of Manipur-Tripura cadre died in a motor accident at Shillong.

In the proceeding the Speaker insisting that the Govt furnish documentary evidence to substantiate claim of extending benefit to family of the demised IAS officer also endorsed the Opposition insistence to discuss the issue as 'general motion'.

The debate started with CM-in-charge and law and Legislative Affairs Minister Th Debendra replying to a question from FPM MLA I Hemochandra during question hour.

According to the Minister, manipur Govt extended lumpsum amount of about Rs 5 lakh as ex-gratia an another sum of Rs 12,37,469 for the officer's family to purchase a house.

Debendra clarifying that terminal benefits vary between an IAS officer and a non-IAS officer also referred to existing State Govt rules pertaining to terminal benefits (ex-gratia) and other entitlements extendable to families of local officer of non-IAS category killed/slain while on duty.

Not satisfied with the reply, Hemochandra retorted whether Dhiraj Varman's travel with himself at the wheels is connected to any official duty.

He also contended that benefits extended to family of a Moreh ADC assassinated on Feb 2001 was limited to only Rs 1 lac as ex-gratia without any further benefits.

Comparing disparity in extending entitlements Hemochandra also protested in action from the State Govt till date despite assurances to enrol the ADC's son under die-in-harness scheme.

The MLA also ridiculed disparity in terminal benefits extended to families of the assassinated IGP (Intelligence) T Thangthuam and Dhiraj Varman's.Joining the debate, MPP MLA O Joy also castigated the Govt policy that distinguishes worthiness of top officials.

He prevailed upon the Speaker to instruct the ruling front for tabling a detailed report on what ground and rules monetary benefit was extended to Varman's family for purchase of a house.

With Dr Nimaichand Luwang also chipping in with suspicious queries at the Govt, Th Debendra tried to pacify the agitated MLAs by citing compassionate consideration and State Cabinet endorsement for benefits provided to family of the deceased IAS officer, who the Minister added had gone to Shillong on an official duty.

Consequently the Speaker intervened and listed the matter for further discussion on May 29 along with furnishing of documentary evidences.

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