Decision to shift construction site of Sports University not in hands of State Govt: CM
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, November 26 2014: Amidst the intense protests staged over the proposed construction of Sports University at 44-Yaithibi Loukol, Chief Minister O Ibobi has categorically stated that the onus of the government pertaining to the construction of the proposed Sports University is only to provide land for it as the task of choosing construction site of the university was done by Sports Ministry.

The CM made the statement on the sidelines of an oath taking of Additional Advocate General of Manipur, Khwairakpam Nobin as Judge of Manipur High Court today.

He said that Law Ministry had already given approval for appointment of four Judges in Manipur High Court, while asserting that the court is now equipped with three Judges with the swearing in of Kh Nobin.

If the court sent a proposal at the earliest then the remaining one vacant post of Judge could be filled in, the CM added.

Ibobi confided that a team of Sports Ministry during their visit in the State selected three sites namely Yaithibi Loukol; Kakching Lamkhai Laiching and Usoipokpi for construction of Sports University after exploring several probable places.

To the team, the State Government had expressed that it is ready to provide 450 acres of land at Takmu just in front of Regional Water Sports Complex for construction of Sports University.

However, the site was not accepted as huge amount of money will be incurred if the university is constructed at the area, the CM disclosed.

Stating that the decision to change the site for construction of Sports University at 44-Yaithibi Loukol which has drawn flak from residents of the area solely lies in the hands of Sports Ministry; Ibobi conceded that if the concerned Ministry come up with the decision to change the construction site then the State Government would welcome it.

Wherever the Sports University is constructed, it would belong to the State.

However, certain amount of time would be taken to avail required infrastructure in permanent campus of the university.

Therefore, the State Government had fervently appealed the Sports Ministry to lay foundation stone of the university at Khuman Lampak which is equipped with adequate infrastructure so that the university could start functioning.

Since the university is going to be first of its kind in the country, the Central Government had expressed desire for laying foundation stone of the university at its permanent campus only, the CM maintained.

Saying that the State Government is trying to provide required acres of land for construction of the university within February month of next year so that its session could start as early as possible, Ibobi admitted that there has been hindrance in acquisition of required land due to New Land Acquisition Act of which the government is trying to fix it soon.

N Koteswar Singh, Judge of Manipur High Court; MLA Kh Devendro Singh; Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga; senior civil and police officers; judicial officers and members of Bar were also present during the swearing in ceremony which was held at the auditorium of Manipur High Court.

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