House discusses state budget: Priority on health, power, water and roads, says CM
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 03 2012: Questions were raised over allocation in the State Budget during the Assembly Session today which discussed in length.

Participating in the discussion on State budget, Dr I Ibohalbi of the Opposition asked whether the state budget for 2012-13 has made any allocation for the unemployed people of the state, and if not, where the budget is going to focus at mainly.

He informed the House that the number of unemployed youths enrolled in various Employment exchanges has crossed 7 lakhs.

There are also a number of unemployed educated youths, who are not registered in any Employment exchange.

The state budget missed the issue of unemployment problems in the state.

The state budget 2012-13 is not at all 'youth friendly', Dr Ibohalbi contended.

Replying to the query, Chief Minister O Ibobi said that state budget 2012-13 has given priority in sectors like health, power, water and construction of roads and bridges.

The Chief Minister contended that power is one of the most important sectors whose development is urgency required in the state today.

Supply of water to the public also requires power apart from various other works where power is needed.

Apart from this, water, roads and bridges are other areas that need to be given emphasis for development of the state.

The Chief Minister said that many youths have been employed in the Home Department.

There is the need to recruit more constables in the department but this could not be possible as of now as there is not enough funds.

In other states of India where there are rich resources, unemployment allowances are being provided.

But a resource poor state like Manipur cannot afford to provide unemployment allowances to the needy.

The Chief Minister also informed the House that a sum of unallocated amount has been allocated to Planning Department for use during times of unexpected and important incidences.

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