In line with demand for ILPS, Govt drafts MRVT and MW Bill
Ibobi tables Bill, debate set for March 16
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 13 2015 : After all the turmoil and civil unrest over the demand for enforcement of Inner Line Permit System or a similar regulation, Chief Minister O Ibobi today tabled the Manipur Regulation of Visitors, Tenants and Migrant Workers (MRVT&MW) Bill 2015 in the State Assembly today.

The much anticipated Bill was tabled after obtaining recommendations of the Governor under clauses 1 and 3 of Article 207 of the Constitution of India.

The Bill which would be applicable all over Manipur basically aims at registration of visitors, tenants and migrant workers for their safety and security and for maintenance of law and order in the State of Manipur.

In case the Bill is transformed into an Act, visitor registration centres would be opened at different places.

Every owner of transit units (hotels, motels, inns, lodges, guest houses, private stay lodges etc) should register the transit units with the Director of Visitors and Tenants.

File pic of womenfolk on dharna demanding enforcement of ILPS

Owners of transit units should also register each and every visitor staying at these units along with copies of the valid identity card of the visitors.

Likewise, tenant registration centres would be established once MRVT&MW Bill becomes an Act.

Every owner of rental unit should register with the tenants' registration authority concerned if he or she lets out or intends to let out his or her premises for more than 30 days to a tenant.

Registration of tenants should be done within 30 days from the date the tenants occupying rental units.

Every contractor who executes any civil work within the State and intends to bring workers from outside the State should register with the State's Labour Department.

The contractors should also furnish details of migrant workers to the Department of Labour as well as the Director of Registration of Visitors and Tenants along with proof of identity.

Then the Department of Labour would issue pass to all such registered migrant workers.

Introducing the Bill in the House today, Ibobi asserted that it has become expedient to enact a law to maintain tranquillity and public order in the interest of the general public and visitors by registering the visitors, tenants and migrant workers.

Reminding that every citizen of India is free to enter and move freely in the State as guaranteed by Article 19 (d) of the Constitution of India, the Chief Minister stated that every citizen coming from other States of the country would be verified through the owners of transit units, rental units and contractors.

A Directorate of Registration of Visitors and Tenants would be established and it would be headed by an officer not below the rank of MCS Grade-I.As and when the proposed law is enacted and implemented, there would be an approximate non-recurring expenditure of Rs 10 crore for development of infrastructure so that the Directorate of Registration of Visitors and Tenants and its subordinate offices can function fully.

Moreover, there would be recurring expenditure of Rs 80 lakh approximately per annum for maintenance of the Directorate and payment of salaries to its staff, Ibobi stated.

Earlier, the House observed two minutes' silence in honour of former Member and CPI leader late Pheiroijam Parijat.

Joining the condolence service, Ibobi pointed out that Ph Parijat served the people of Manipur for quite a long time and he was elected to the Manipur Legislative Assembly six times.

After he joined CPI in 1963, Parijat never changed his allegiance to any other political party.

His demise is an irreparable loss for the whole State, Ibobi remarked.

MLA Ksh Biren said that late Parijat was one CPI leader who stood firm by the party's ideology.

He was a watchful Opposition leader and a capable Minister, Biren said.

Dr I Ibohalbi, L Ibomcha, Kh Joykisan, O Lukhoi, TN Haokip, N Biren, Francis Ngajokpa and RK Anand also took part in the condolence meeting.