CM seeks support in saving paddy land
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, March 01 2023: Chief Minister N Biren has stressed the need for concerted efforts from all the members of the state legislative assembly, general public and government officials in order to protect paddy land.

He made the remark in response to a policy cut motion moved by opposition member K Ranjit during the discussion on demand for grant of land revenue, stamp & registration and district administration in the assembly session on Wednesday.

MLA Ranjit contended that the government has failed to protect the ever shrinking paddy land of the state despite enacting Manipur Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetlands Act 2014, and drew attention of the House for a firm resolve to enforce the Act.

He also emphasised the need for framing regulations to address issues related to commercial spaces and of staff shortage in the department concerned.

In response, the CM said that the geographical area of the state is small and agricultural land often becomes target for expansion of human settlement with the growing population.

Concerted efforts of MLAs, government officials and public are needed in order to enforce the Act and protect paddy land, he said and confided that the government is exploring the idea of compiling a comprehensive data by classifying land into residential, commercial, official use and agricultural area through a survey.

At the same time, the government is mulling construction of housing colonies and flat system to accommodate the growing population without affecting agricultural land, he added.

Acknowledging the inability of the government in protecting paddy land, Biren said that his government is facing certain hurdles in enforcing the Act effectively due to varied reasons.

Show cause notices have been served to 2488 land owners in Bishnupur, Kakching, Imphal West and Imphal East district for construction of houses and other structures on agricultural land.

Heavy machineries used in such construction works were seized and DCs empowered to take up relevant actions in this regard.

The new Act has punitive provisions of fine up to Rs 2 lakh and imprisonment of up to five years for violation of the Act.

Despite such provisions, the government is still facing certain issues in enforcing the Act and it will require cooperation from all sections of the society, the CM said.

He also pointed out that there are certain criteria for construction of schools, hospitals and other commercial structures on agricultural land.

Regarding manpower shortage, Biren said that around 50 per cent of the 2700 vacant posts in the department have been filled.

Process for recruitment of 700 more posts has been initiated after cabinet approval.

Acknowledging the com plaint of lack of SDO in Waikhong Sugnu as raised by MLA Ranjit, the CM assured of filling the post once the recruitment process for MPSC exam of 2016 (re-examination held last year) is completed.

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