For increased resource mobilization Govt keen on raising taxable items
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 16 2014: The State Government has been working to raise the number of taxable items for increased resource mobilization, stated Chief Minister O Ibobi who is also in charge of Finance Department while discussing the budget estimates in Manipur Legis-lative Assembly today.

Ibobi also highlighted the need for adequate resource mobilization in order to avoid excessive dependence on the Centre.

There is no guarantee that the Centre would always provide financial assistance to the State.

Increased growth rate and rise in per capita income may be surprising but these growths were restricted to only certain sectors.

This does not mean there are lot of infrastructure or the State has become very developed.

Ibobi categorically stated that transformation of agricultural land into non-agricul- tural land should be done only with prior permission of the Government otherwise the State reserves the right to take up necessary action.

In view of the ever-increasing population of Mani- pur, there is a growing need to protect fertile agricultural lands.

Efforts are on to constitute a committee which would identify agricultural lands, residential areas and wetlands.

It would not be right to reflect the Government of India's Look East Policy in the State budget in any substantial manner.

Nonetheless the State Government has been working hard to open visa on arrival facility and integrated check post at Moreh, Ibobi stated.

He informed the House that a proposal would be sent to the Centre to develop a Smart City at Moreh.

For this, negotiation is underway with land owners for acquisition of 3000 acres.

With the invention of many machines which can replace the labour of 100 persons, the number of unem- ployed people has multiplied.

When the State approached investors for investment in industrial sector in Manipur, they first enquired about the State's law and order situation.

Yet, the State Govern- ment has been lobbying with potential investors to set up industrial units which can generate employment rather than focusing on profit only, Ibobi informed the House.

Stating that all the Members would be knowing at whose disturbances Ukhrul Lime Factory was closed down, Ibobi noted that closure of the factory aggravated the problem of unemployment in Ukhrul district.

SDO/BDO office buildings comprising of staff quarters, security barracks and banks being constructed at 27 sub-divisions of hill districts would be constructed and completed within the current year at the cost of Rs 12 to 15 crore.

Efforts are also one to open bank branches at Noney, Thanlon and Teng-noupal in phase manner, Ibobi informed the House.

Taking part in the budget discussion, MLA L Ibomcha expressed keen desire to invest more funds in Education, Health and PHED while at the same time enhancing the annual tax collection.

He highlighted the need to enact a Water Security Act and set up industrial units for generating employment and economic development.

Dr Ibohalbi expressed displeasure at the absence of many key officers during the budget session even though the Chief Secretary was pre-sent.

He sought attention of the Speaker so as to ensure all the key officers are present while discussing the budget estimates.

Dr Ibohalbi also expressed amazement over expansion in the State's agricultural land while efforts are on to formulate a land use policy.

He remarked that the budget was prepared by bureaucrats without consulting planners or economists.

MLA Samuel Risom also took part in the budget discussion.

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