Govt considering pension schemes for Maiba, Maibis: CM
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, October 19 2014:
Chief Minister O Ibobi stated that it is the duty of everyone to follow laid-out customs while performing Umang Lai Haraoba and preserve it to be an inseparable part of the State culture.
The CM was attending the 'Mera Meepham' organized by Umang Lai Kanba Apunba Lup (UKAL) in connection with Umang Lai Haraoba at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound in Imphal East today.
Speaking as the chief guest, Ibobi said that people of the State are following religion of their choice as it is their constitutional rights but at the same time it is also the responsibility of everyone to follow traditional customs, religious rituals including Umang Lai which have been there since time immemorial.
Lauding UKAL for taking lead role in preservation of Umang Lai, the CM asserted that some tourists from different countries coming in the State have appealed to the government to allow them to do research work on Umang Lai which is a good sign.
|
The government will extend all possible help in ensuring that the ritual Umang Lai Haraoba is performed in accordance to its customs.
Moreover, the government is also considering availing of pension scheme for Maiba/Maibis and free education to their children reading up to Class XII, Ibobi added.
Maintaining that Governor has been already urged not to give assent to the Shri Govindajee Temple (Third Amendment) Bill, 2014 though it was passed in the Assembly House, the CM expressed that the government will not intervene into religious matters as it could hurt sentiments of people.
Ibobi went on to say that the bill which has drawn flak from many sections will be discussed in the coming Assembly sitting.
The CM also stressed on the need for enactment of an act to preserve Umang Lais.
During the function, certain resolutions regarding preservation of Umang Lais were unanimously adopted.
It resolved to not implement Shri Govindajee Temple (Third Amendment) Bill, 2014; appeal to the concerned authorities to revoke the bill in the next Assembly sitting; temporarily relax restriction imposed against organizing Sangai Festival 2014 and entry of MLAs/Ministers in Umang Lai premises up to next Assembly session and entrust UKAL with the main responsibility for launching agitation against the controversial bill.
Today's function was also attended by Ng Kangjiya Mangang, chairman of organizing committee of Mera Meepham as president; Mangibabu, MLA Thanga Constituency and ex-Minister Jayenta as guests of honor.