Big 3 : Gaikhangam, Debendra, Tonsing make cut for elite 12 in first expansion
CM for phase by phase expansion of Ministry
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 16 2012: Along with administering oath of office to three senior Congress MLAs, the Ibobi-led Congress Government has been expanded for the first time today.

The MLAs who were administered oath of office as Cabinet Ministers are MPCC president Gaikhangam (Nungba AC), Thoudam Debendra (Jiribam AC) and Phungzathang Tonsing (Churachandpur AC) .

The three Ministers were administered oath of office and secrecy one by one by Governor Gurbachan Jagat at an impressive function held in the banquet hall of Raj Bhavan this afternoon.

Notably, Okram Ibobi had already taken oath of office and secrecy as the 23rd Chief Minister of Manipur on March 14 .

The oath-taking ceremony was attended by Congress MLAs including Y Erabot, Opposition Members, top-ranking civil and police officers as well as Congress workers.

However, none of the three MPs were seen at the function.

Speaking to media persons after the oath-taking ceremony, Chief Minister O Ibobi informed that his new Ministry would be expanded by inducting more Ministers very soon.

The Chief Minister flanked by his first three men team

On being asked if any problem was hampering full expansion of the Ministry, Ibobi said that there was no problem.

Yet he asserted that it was better to expand the Ministry phase by phase.

To another question regarding how many young MLAs would be inducted into the Ministry, Ibobi stated that as the veterans have taken oath today, the number of young MLAs, reservation for woman MLA and minority MLA would be clear when the next oath taking ceremony is held.

As for the post of Deputy Chief Minister, it would known only when an official order is issued, Ibobi replied in an indirect manner.

For the post of Speaker, the Chief Minister informed that the matter would be decided today even though aspirants can file their nomination papers for the same post till 3 pm tomorrow.

Stating that the Planning Commission has not yet fixed the State annual plan outlay till date, Ibobi informed that a tentative budget would be tabled in the first session of the 10th Assembly which is scheduled to begin from March 19 .

The Government would also seek vote on account of the same tentative budget during the Assembly session.

As for the post of Finance Minister, it would be known after the current month, he stated.

Informing that his Government would pay priority to improvement of transport infrastructure, power situation and potable water supply, the Chief Minister confided that he would like to entrust these responsibilities to MLAs who can deliver in a time-bound manner.

Disclosing that the Government has been working hard to bring a solution to the insurgency problem by sending feelers, Ibobi asserted that no means other than dialogue can bring any lasting solution to the issue.