Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, September 15:
Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, who is also the Finance Minister informed the House that the recommendation of the Officers' Committee on the Fifth Pay Commission is being studied by the Government to rectify anomaly, if any.
Replying to Thanga MLA Salam Ibohal's poser on the Fifth Pay Commission issue in the opening session of State Assembly today, the Chief Minister said the report of the Chief Secretary-led Committee that scrutinised certain loopholes and pay anomaly has been received and is currently under study of the Government.
He further assured the House that necessary rectification recommended by the Committee will be effected at the earliest.
It may be noted that anomaly in the fifth Pay Commission was first taken up by a Cabinet committee of the previous Government before the officers' committee re-studied and recommended necessary amendment.
Reminding that the State Government had already adopted the Centre's Fifth Pay commission whilst the Sixth Pay Commission is yet to be discussed, the CM asserted that implementing the latest pay structure overhaul is dependent on financial position of respective State Governments.
Ex-gratia : The State Government had expended Rs 80 lakhs in ex-gratia payment during the 2005-06 financial year compared to Rs 86.70 lakhs till August 31 of the current fiscal, stated the CM in a written reply to Hiyanglam MLA's E Biramani's 'unstarred question'.
Moreover, State exchequer had been trimmed by Rs 10.72 lakhs which was accounted as rehabilitation package distributed to 685 villagers of Churachandpur district, said the CM adding there was no such expenditure in the previous fiscal.
Contract work without valid order : While accepting that a distinct trend of beginning contract works even before work orders are issued had ermerged in the past few years, Works Minister Govindas Konthoujam assured Dr Nimaichand Luwang to ensure prescribed guidelines are adhered to by the contractor concerned.
When the Wangkhem MLA demanded explanation on the 'work without order' the Minister tersely prevailed upon Dr Nimaichand Luwang there are many instances wherein contractors started works without possession relevant document.
Agriculture: Responding to a poser from Hiyanglam AC's E Biramani, Agriculture Minister Ph Parijat said plans have been finalised to provide 40 tractors, 350 power tillers, 175 water pumps and 6875 sprayers to selected beneficiaries at subsidised rates within the year.
Informing half out of the total machinery would be distributed very soon, Parijat said even though last date for application submission had lapsed the deadline could be extended for a day or two if demand necessitates.
The Minister conveyed to the House of some economically unsound farmers unable to fork out the requisite amount (Rs 1 lac) despite applying for the farming machinery and insisted that individual intending to possess tractors or power tillers may process requisite formalities.
Parijat also presented a detailed account of farm equipment supplied to farmers in the past two financial
years.