Imphal, October 07: In subsequent investigation under the Manipur Public Servant Personal Liability Act following discovery of faulty appointment in District Councils without proper authorisation of the Government, it has been learnt that an incumbent Minister was also involved in the appointment on sly.

A reliable source informed The Sangai Express that the involvement of the Minister was discovered during the course of the investigation undertaken by the high-power committee headed by the Chief Secretary as chairman.

In accordance to a Cabinet decision, school teachers and staff were appointed under the five District Councils of hill districts.

But more number of teachers and staff members than sanctioned by the Cabinet decision were appointed under District Councils of Chandel, Ukhrul and Senapati.

It is reported that 50 teachers were appointed under Senapati District Council and more than 100 under Ukhrul District Council as against 35 each sanctioned by the Cabinet.

In Chandel, more than 180 teachers were appointed against 44 decided by the Cabinet.

Even as the Senapati ADC's CEO was served show cause notice for the faulty and illegal appointment, the Chief Minister has not yet authorised the high power committee to take up appropriate action against District Council officials of Chandel and Ukhrul involved in the scandal, disclosed the source.

There is strong indication that one incumbent Minister who held the portfolio of TD and Hills earlier is involved in the scandal.

As for Senapati ADC, the extra employees appointed on sly are likely to be removed while the salaries paid to them may be recuperated from the CEO.

Meanwhile, the high-power committee has asked for a detailed report on number of sanctioned posts in Hills Department and the number of existing posts from the relevant officials.

It is reported that the details may be computerised soon.

In another development, the power supply situation in the State is likely to improve in the coming years as the Government of Manipur has signed a power purchase agreement with the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC).

The deal envisages purchase of 40 megawatts of power.

An official of the Power Department said under the agreement signed on September 29, the State will get 40 megawatt of power from the Bongaigaon thermal power plant in Assam which has 750 MW installed capacity.

According to the agreement signed between Principal Secretary (Power) DS Poonia and NTPC general manager Ranjan Dutta, the State will receive 40 MW of power continuously from the Bongaigaon plant after two years.

The power purchase agreement will be able to make up power shortage in the State to a certain extent, remarked the official.

On average, the State requires 150 MW of power round the year.

However, the State gets only 30 MW from Loktak Project and another 35 MW from Ranganadi during lean season.

At times, Loktak Project can generate hardly 5/10 MW resulting in severe power crisis in Manipur.

With a view to make up power shortage, the State Power Department has been negotiating for purchase of some share of power from the Eastern Power Grid, informed the official while adding that the State Government will be asking the NHPC to take up Loktak Downstream Project very soon.

With the failure of the Power Department to collect due electricity taxes, the State Government owes huge amount of deficits to power companies besides deducting Rs 9 crore every month from the plan amount for purchase of power.

On the other hand, as the President is yet to approve the Manipur Electricity Act prepared by the State Assembly, establishment of police stations specifically for collection of power taxes cannot be materialised till date, added the source.

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