'Don't make an issue out of PMT cancellation'
Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, June 19 2013:
Health Minister Phungzathang Tonsing has clarified that the proposed State Pre-Medical Test (PMT) was cancelled according to an interim order of the Supreme Court, and so people should not create an issue out of it.
He was replying to the MLAs who had raised cut motions to the demand for Health and Family Welfare Services during the ongoing 5th Session of 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly today.
Altogether five demands amounting to Rs.959,21,99,000 were passed by the State Legislative Assembly today.
The demands were Rs.378,31,57,000 for Health and Family Welfare Services, Rs.14,84,50,000 for Labour and Employment, Rs.173,10,19,000 for Environment and Forests, Rs.212,05,44,000 for Community Development and ANP, IRDP and NREP, and Rs.181,60,21,000 for Public Health and Engineering.
During the discussion for demands in the House, Forests and Environment Minister Th Devendra said that the forest areas cannot be safeguarded unless the Forest Protection Force is set up in the State.
The manpower of forest guards should be strengthened to strictly monitor illegal activities of felling trees and poaching, he noted.
Minister I Hemochandra stated that Labour Department is a small yet important department of State government.
The functioning of the department can be enhanced furthermore with more fund allocation, he contended.
Replying to the MLAs, who had raised cut motions, to the demand for PHED, Hemochandra said that the department is trying to supply drinking water in all areas of Imphal within three/four months.
Minister Francis Ngajokpa highlighted various works that would be implemented under Community Development and ANP, IRDP and NREP.
MLAs Dr I Ibohalbi, Th Shyamkumar, P Brojen, Samuel Risom, Kh Joykishan, RK Imo, Ng Bijoy and L Nandakumar participated in the discussion for demands in the House today.