Row over list of Primary teachers; Red carpet welcome for Mary Kom
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, September 22 2010: Apart from deciding to host a grand reception function jointly by the State Government, SAI and Mary Kom Boxing Academy in honour of the five time world women boxing champion MC Mary Kom, the State Cabinet has decided to refer the controversy over the declaration of primary teachers to the Law Department to seek opinion.

Talking to mediapersons after the Cabinet meeting, spokesperson of the Government and Sports Minister N Biren informed that the Cabinet meeting presided by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh decided to declare half holiday on September 25 and host a grand reception function jointly in honour of Mary Kom at Khuman Lampak Indoor stadium.

A hero's welcome on her arrival at the airport is also on the cards.

State ready to welcome Mary

The spokesperson further informed that the grand reception function will be attended by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh as chief guest and will be presided by himself.

The incentive award of Rs 10 lakhs already announced by the State Government will also be handed over to the champion at the occasion.

With regard to the recruitment of primary teachers in the School Education Department, the spokesperson said that the Cabinet discussed the report of the committee headed by the Chief Secretary thoroughly and later referred the matter to the Law Department for necessary review.

A final decision is likely to be taken very soon, he added.

Among other issues, today's Cabinet meeting has also approved the setting up of a Manipur State Illness Assistance Fund under which upto Rs 1 lakh will be provided as one time assistance to families below poverty line towards the cost of treatment and to set up a five-member committee with the Chief Secretary as the chairman in this regard, the spokesperson informed.

Provisions for financial assistance to families who do not possess BPL cards would be on the basis of the recommendation made by the SDOs concerned.

The gravity of the ailment will also be taken into consideration a screening committee with Additional Director Health as the Chairman, to work out the amount of money payable.

Furthermore, the Cabinet has given its nod to conduct the Civil Service Combined Examination of the State only on General Studies at the preliminary stage instead of the earlier arrangement of offering optional subjects and relaxation of the academic age of the candidates by three years.

Apart from the stamp of approval given to appointment of liaison officer and necessary staff of the State Government in connection with extension of financial assistance to students and patients going to Bangalore for studies and treatment respectively, today's Cabinet meeting has also recommended direct appointment of 78 specialist doctors in the Health Services, the spokesperson informed.

The spokesperson also conveyed that to discuss the issue related to overlapping of villages in the Census report, the Chief Minister has convened separate meetings with officials of the districts and local MLAs concerned starting from 4 pm tomorrow, the spokesperson added.