Cabinet decisions await ECI nod
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, February 08, 2012:
A Cabinet meeting of the O Ibobi Singh-led Secular Progressive Alliance Government convened this evening has decided to prorogue the 12th session of 9th Manipur Legislative Assembly as well as approve ex-gratia payment to those killed while on election duty.
According to a senior Minister the Cabinet also approved recommending the decision to the Governor for proroguing the Assembly.
The Minister concerned, however, stated that implementing the decisions of the Cabinet will depend on the approval of the election Commission of India as election code of conduct in currently is in force.
On the issue of ex-gratia payment in connection with the demise of four polling personnel, a civilian and one CRPF personnel when a gun-fight broke out at Tampi polling station of Chandel district on January 28, the Cabinet deliberated and consequently resolved to provide suitable Government jobs to next of kin of the polling personnel as payment of ex-gratia had already been announced by the Chief Electoral Officer.
With regard to the civilian casualty namely KT Inanliu, it is informed that in addition to ex-gratia amount of Rs 1 lakh the Cabinet approved a Government job to next of kin of the victim.
As a recognition of their diligence to duty the Cabinet also decided to extend Rs 2 lakhs each to family members of the three CRPF personnel who lost their lives in poll-related incidents at Chandel's Tampi and Khonkhan polling station in Ukhrul district and to provide a similar amount to the family of a BSF jawan who was killed in an accident near Dimapur while returning to his unit after election duty.
It was also decided that Rs 1 lakh each would be provided to family members of M Ratan of Singjamei, Makuchuanliu Panmei of Khoupum and M Ragini Devi of Wangjing.
Ratan was killed in the bomb blast near the private residence of Speaker I Hemochandra, Makuchuanliu Panmei was killed in attack by unknown persons at an election camp of MPCC president Gaikhangam while Ragini was slain in a police crackdown during a clash between rival supporters.
It is further informed that the Cabinet approved PG course study after completing MBBS by amending Manipur Health Service Leave Rules in order to address shortage of specialist doctors in the State.
Conveying that an agreement would be signed between the Government and the MBBS doctor for pursuing PG courses, the Minister also pointed out that despite existing practice of an MBBS doctor allowed to pursue PG course after completing five years of service at a rural posting there is still shortage of specialist doctors in the range of 270 number.