No coalition with other parties, says CM Biren
State Cabinet holds its first meeting; assembly session begins today
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, March 23 2022: Chief Minister N Biren Singh has categorically stated that aside from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s early stance to work along with Naga People's Front (NPF), it would not be forming coalition with any other political party.

The new CM made the statement during a celebratory function of BJPs victory held along with the vendors of the three Ema Markets in Khwairamband Keithel on Wednesday.

Biren along with BJP Manipur Pradesh president A Sharda exchanged congratulations and sweets with the vendors on the occasion.

Responding to newspersons on the sidelines, CM Biren appreciated the support of NPF and Janata Dal (United) towards the new government.

However, as there was no pre-poll alliance, there will no coalition with new parties.

On the matter of expanding the cabinet, he said that the exercise will take some time and a concrete decision on the matter would be taken after the culmination of the Assembly.

Additionally, there is no common minimum programme in the works as well.

BJP Manipur Pradesh president A Sharda said that the vendors of Khwairamband Keithel played an important role in ensuring BJP's massive victory, proving that the people are aware of the efforts made by the government in the last term.

On the other hand, the State Cabinet held its first meeting on Tuesday, after the formation of new Government, with CM N Biren Singh taking the chair.

The meeting was attended by newly sworn-in ministers Thongam Biswajit, Yumnam Khemchand, Govindas Konthoujam, Nemcha Kipgen and Awangbow Newmai.

During the meeting, the Cabinet approved to recommend to the Governor of Manipur for fixing the date and time of election of Speaker for the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly on March 24 at 9 am.

The cabinet also decided to request the Governor to summon the first session of the new Assembly on the same day at 10 am and to deliver the Governor's Address in the Legislative Assembly around 11 am.

Currently, BJP MLA S Rajen Singh is the Protem Speaker appointed by the Governor.

He administered the oaths of secrecy to the office to the newly-elected 60 MLAs on March 14 .

The Cabinet then approved '100 tasks in 100 days' programme, which consists of various targets set by the Government for achieving the same within first 100 days in office.

This included policy decisions, construction works as well as systemic improvements.

The Cabinet further decided that there will be a 5-day week for government offices, without affecting essential services.

Working hours will be increased on working days.

There will be change in office timings.

Office will start at 9 am.

To sync with school timings and enable proper home management as well as ease traffic congestion, school timings will also change with classes starting from 8 am.

The new system will improve output and productivity of government servants by providing much needed rest and rejuvenation on weekends.

It will also enable adequate time for school children to productively use afternoon hours.

The Cabinet resolved to 'Make Manipur Corruption Free' and as such an Anti-Corruption Cell in Chief Minister's Office will be revived and strengthened, headed by an officer of rank of Additional SP.

'CM da Haisi Initiative' will be transformed as part of Anti-Corruption Cell, with toll free numbers made available for public to send complaints.

Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Department will act on actionable complaints received by the Anti-Corruption Cell within a deadline.

No person, including any member of the public, will be spared if found to be giving or taking bribe money.

The Cabinet further resolved to 'Make Manipur Drug Free' for which an IGP rank police officer will lead Anti-Narcotics Task Force.

Anti-Narcotics Division will be strengthened by posting manpower of integrity.

Poppy plantation areas will be identified through satellite mapping and drone surveys.

The Cabinet then resolved to pursue lasting peace in the state by reaching out to various armed groups operating in the region.

With a view to reduce the hardship faced by beneficiaries of housing scheme under PMAY in urban and rural areas on account of Central scheme guidelines, the Cabinet also decided to set up a Corpus Fund for releasing advance money to beneficiaries to enable beneficiaries to start housing construction without waiting for release of 1st instalment from the Centre.

The Cabinet further discussed six Budget Documents for RE 2021-22 and BE 2022-23.N Biren took oath as the chief minister for a second straight term on March 21.Governor L Ganesan administered the oath of office and secrecy to Chief Minister Singh and five others at an event at Raj Bhawan.

Biren was elected as the new Chief Minister for the second term after the BJP Legislative party meeting was held on Sunday.

He took the oath in the presence of BJP's national president JP Nadda, BJP's Manipur president Adhikarimayum Sharda Devi, Assam CM and NEDA convenor Himanta Biswa Sarma, Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb, leaders of different parties, newly elected legislators, in cluding Congress strongman and former chief minister Okram Ibobi Singh and senior officials.

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