Internal power struggle intensifies : Finance divested from Joykumar, Works and Power from Biswajit
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 13 2019: In the wake of the overdraft of Rs 274 crore which the State Government has run into, Y Joykumar has been relieved of Finance portfolio and Th Biswajit of Works and Power portfolios, and Chief Minister N Biren has taken over all the three portfolios in addition to other portfolios he has been already holding.

Taking serious note of the worsening financial situation, the State Government has banned all kinds of recruitment into Government offices with effect from yesterday.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister N Biren left Imphal for Delhi today to attend a meeting of the NITI AAYOG scheduled on June 15.Chief Secretary Dr J Suresh Babu who would attend the meeting together with the Chief Minister left for Delhi yesterday.

Before leaving Imphal in the afternoon, N Biren held a meeting with top officials of different departments on the State's financial situation at around 11 am today.

Finance divested from Joykumar, Works and Power from Biswajit

It is said that the State's financial situation would be tabled at the NITI AAYOG meeting.

An urgent Cabinet meeting was convened yesterday and the Cabinet authorised the Chief Minister to take all necessary disciplinary actions to imbibe a culture of financial prudence and propriety in key Government departments.

Consequently and as an interim measure, the Chief Minister was vested the charge of the Department of Finance (including Taxation and Excise), Public Works and Power Departments, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Secretariat.

It said that a thorough investigation of the sanction procedures and financial management would be carried out for all key departments.

The Government is committed to bringing a new phase wherein financial discipline will be the hallmark of governance.

It also assured all Government employees that timely disbursement of salaries and benefits will not be affected.

According to a Secretariat Confidential and Cabinet Department, Y Joykumar would remain in charge of Science & Technology, Economics and Civil Aviation while Th Biswajit would retain Rural Development, Commerce & Industries, Administrative Reforms & Training and Information and Public Relations.

On the other hand, an office memorandum issued by Chief Minister's OSD Commissioner Nidhi Kesarwani said that huge amounts were released by Works and Power Departments between March and May when the election model code of conduct was in force.

A committee has also been constituted with Principal Secretary V Vumlunmang as chairman, Nidhi Kesarwani and Deputy Secretary W Ajit as members to look into release of funds and reasons thereof.

The office memorandum mentioned that the committee would examine release of huge funds by other departments too.

Moreover, Administrative Secretaries concerned and Heads of Departments have been directed to submit necessary documents and information.