'Power reforms to be done, 2 lakh advance electric metres to be purchased'
House passes Governor's address unanimously
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, June 28 2012: Even though the State Government spends around Rs 15 crores on a monthly basis, it is able to collect only around Rs 2 crores as taxes from power consumers.

Considering this huge gap the state government has decided to make way for Electric Power Reforms in the state, stated Chief Minister O Ibobi during discussion on Governor's address on the second day of Assembly Session today.

The Chief Minister went on to say that at present there are pending taxes of around Rs 370 crores to be collected from the power consumers.

The rate of paying taxes in the state is very low and at the same time there seems to be some lapses on the part of Electricity Department in collecting the taxes.

Mentioning the system of supplying electricity in Delhi, the Chief Minister explained that it is being done in three different sectors through private companies, which not only supply electricity but also collect taxes.

Since private companies aim mostly to gain profit, taxes are collected from the consumers by any means and the people of Delhi enjoy 24 hours of power supply.

As done in Delhi, the state government is discussing the possibility of adopting similar system in Manipur.

Accordingly, the state government is making way for electric power reforms, the Chief Minister disclosed.

Informing the House that power theft is one of the main reasons for huge loss in power in the state, the Chief Minister said that taking serious note of the matter, the state government has decided to purchase two lakhs electric metres in advance.

In addition to this, solar power will be provided in areas where electricity has not reach.

Elaborating on the importance of potable water and the need to preserve water sources, the Chief Minister said that proper supply of electricity is to be made to pumps of water supply schemes.

Both Power and PHE Departments have discussed the matter. Admitting lack of specialist doctors in the state, Chief Minister O Ibobi informed that at least 236 Specialist doctors are required in the state at present.

Participating in the discussing of Governor's address, MLA L Ibomcha pointed out the need for protecting catchment areas which are also sources of water.

Without preserving these water sources, there will be no point in constructing water reservoirs.

MLA Dr I Ibohalbi, while moving an amendment motion during discussion on Governor's address, observed that officials concerned should have brought up certain issues while furnishing information for the Governor's address.

The Manipur Governor's Personal Liabilities Act has been implemented in the state and the address of the Governor needs to point out how many officers have been booked under the Act.

Moving the motion of appreciation of the Governor's address, MLA I Hemochandra of the Ruling asserted that it highlighted various developmental programmes being taken up in the state.

He also recalled that the State Plan budget was just around Rs 8 crores when Manipur attained statehood.

But today it has reached Rs 3500 crores.

After the amendment motion raised by Opposition MLAs Dr I Ibohalbi and L Ibomcha was withdrawn, the House unanimously passed the Governor's address.

The House also unanimously passed the second report of the Business Advisory Committee, 2012 .

The leave application forwarded by Minister M Okendro to attend a meeting in Delhi was also granted by the House.

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