₹3.30 cr approved to compensate farmers, minimum wages hiked
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 24 2024:
Meeting of the state cabinet held Wednesday under the chairmanship of chief minister N Biren approved a series of financial measures including Rs 13.30 crore compensation for farmers affected by the 14-month long crisis in the state and enhancement of minimum wages.
Briefing the media after the meeting, Information and Public Relations (IPR) minister and government spokesperson Dr Sapam Ranjan said 16 agenda items were listed for discussion with some deferred for further deliberation.
Most of the agenda related to financial matters in view of the forthcoming state assembly budget session, scheduled to begin on July 31 .
Some key decisions include approval of the budget documents for 2024-25, along with the Auditor General (AG) reports, the Manipur Contingency Fund Bill, the Demand for Excess Grants for 2018-19, and the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (7th Amendment) Bill, 2024, all of which will be placed before the Assembly.
The cabinet also sanctioned the release of Rs 13.30 crore under Phase-II of the compensatory crop package for farmers affected by the ongoing law and order crisis in the state.
This follows an earlier disbursement of Rs 18.91 crore, which has already been credited to the respective accounts of the affected farmers.
The Phase-II compensation will benefit 2,072 farmers, despite some discrepancies, such as repetition and mistakes in Aadhaar card submissions during data analysis, according to the minister.
Additionally, the cabinet emphasised the importance of adhering to the Public Finance Management System (PFMS) guidelines, observing that non-compliance could result in the loss of Central sector scheme funding.
Consequently, the cabinet approved the recruitment of four PFMS experts through the Directorate of Treasuries and Accounts.
These experts must possess a minimum educational qualification of MCA/BE/B Tech or a degree in computer engineering from a recognised university, with experience in PFMS technology payment or three years of banking experience, he elaborated.
In a move to improve labourers' conditions, the cabinet approved the enhancement of minimum wages for 24 scheduled employments, as proposed by the Department of Skills, Labour, Employment & Entrepreneurship.
The revised minimum daily wages are now Rs 400, up from Rs 225 for unskilled workers; Rs 440, up from Rs 248 for semi skilled workers; Rs 480, up from Rs 273 for skilled labourers; and Rs 590, up from Rs 333.33 for managerial roles including principals and vice-principals.
Additionally, wages for watchmen, peons, sweepers, cleaners working under local authorities have been increased to Rs 450 from Rs 225, and for part-time sweepers Rs 420, up from Rs 240.House helpers will see their wages rise to Rs 53 per hour from Rs 30 for tasks like sweeping, shaving, dusting, housekeeping, dishwashing, and clothes, and to Rs 62 per hour from Rs 35 for cooking, babysitting, and elderly care.
Other approvals included framing of The Manipur Wakf (General) (Amendment) Rules, 2024, and proposal for establishing the National Law University, Manipur, through the enactment of The National Law University, Manipur Bill, 2024 .
The cabinet also approved a proposal to amend the 'Retired Chief Justices and Retired Judges of the High Court Manipur (Assistance & Facilities) Rules, 2020', to include free facilities such as telephone, internet, and water.
Lastly, the cabinet sanctioned the elevation and upgrade of seven posts of accountant to senior accountant in the Rural Engineering Department.
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