Now changing names of places sans permit to be penalised
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 04 2024: Changing names of places without the consent of competent authorities is set to attract a maximum of 3-year jail term and a fine of Rs 3 lakh.

This after the Assembly unanimously passed "The Manipur Names of Places Bill, 2024" today.

In the Assembly today, Chief Minister N Biren Singh said the Bill was introduced to curb rampant change of names of places.

He said there have been instances where Churachandpur was found to have been changed to "Lamka" in official documents of Bir Tikendrajit International Airport, Income Tax Department and an official letter of the Assam Rifles.

There have also been instances where Kangpokpi was found changed to "Kangui" and Thangjing to "Haokip Reserve Forest" .

Now changing names of places sans permit to be penalised

The Chief Minister continued that as many as 10 villages in Jiribam were found given new names without the consent of the competent authority in the past.

While the names of the ten villages have been restored, it would be difficult for the Government to protect the State's heritage and historical sites if this trend of changing names continues, he added.

The Manipur Names of Places Bill, 2024 seeks to curb this trend of changing names of places, N Biren said.

The Bill/Act will have one committee which will handle change of names and new names for places which are not under the jurisdiction of the Central Government, N Biren said.

It has the provision of punishing officials of Government Department, if found involved in changing names of places, to 1 to 3 year jail term with a penalty of Rs 1-3 lakh.

Asking if the State Government has taken any action on persons involved in changing names of places, MLA K Ranjit Singh said the Congress party fully supports the Bill.

Stating legal action should be taken up against Assam Rifles for using "Lamka" in place of Churachandpur in its official letter, Congress MLA Th Lokeshwar said the Bill/Act will have no meaning if such violations are overlooked without taking strict actions.

Replying to the queries, Chief Minister N Biren said after the Bill is passed and becomes an Act, appropriate actions will be taken up against all persons who are found involved in changing names of places.

The House unanimously passed the Bill along with a bunch of others including The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Sixth Amendment) Bill 2024, The Manipur Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (Fifth Amendment) Bill 2024, The Manipur Municipalities (11th Amendment) Bill 2024, The Manipur Labour Laws (Exemption from Renewal of Registration and License by Establishments) Bill 2024 .

Zero Hour

During the Zero Hour, Ukhrul MLA Ram Muivah raised the issue of rampant collection of illegal taxes and donations from vehicles along Imphal-Ukhrul road.

Seeking the attention of the Chief Minister and Transport Minister, Ram Muivah said a number of transporters, warning of imposing indefinite bandh on Imphal-Ukhrul road from March 6, have served an ultimatum to the State Government and authorities concerned to resolve the matter.

Notably, the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of Trucks, Wingers, DI, and Other Taxi Service Associations based in Ukhrul had yesterday said that the collection of illegal taxes and donations from vehicles had reached an intolerable level forcing it to call an indefinite bandh from March 6 .

MLA Surjakumar Okram sought the attention of the Chief Minister and the Minister concerned towards Khangabok Bangsibudon to Khakhudhon stretch of dilapidated road.

MLA KH Joykisan said areas in Thangmeiband AC including Kangjabi Leirak and Soram Leirak have not been getting pipe water since the last 2 years, and urged the Minister concerned to look into the matter.

MLA K Ranjit urged the CM to release the pay for 13th month for active service personnel at the earliest.