No recognition to villages with less than 50 households: CM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 03 2022: Expressing disappointment with the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) for recognising some villages unlawfully, Chief Minister N Biren Singh has stated that the Government will not give recognition to any villages which have less than 50 households.

Responding to a query raised by Opposition MLA K Ranjit during question hour in today's sitting of the Assembly, N Biren said that the PCCF giving recognition to a few villages without following the rule of law was rather unfortunate.

In his question, K Ranjit sought reply from the Government about the number of revenue villages present in Manipur, number of unrecognised villages which submitted applications to be declared as a revenue village and the conditions required to be classified as a revenue village.

Responding to the Opposition MLA, N Biren informed the House that there are 2743 revenue villages while 55 other villages are seeking recognition.

He further stated that a village must have a certain number of households and approval of the Forest Department to be recognised as a revenue village and in the case of hill districts the recommendation must be given by simple majority of the district council.

In short, the Chief Minister said that land, number of households and approval from Forest Department or District Council in case of hill areas are criteria for the recognition of a revenue village.

The Sugnu AC MLA also drew the attention of the House regarding the influx of illegal immigrants from neighbouring countries especially from Bangladesh and Myanmar which 'if not checked will overwhelm the indigenous people of the State in near future.' In his response, the Chief Minister said that discussing the issue during the question hour would not be satisfactory as it is a burning issue and politicising it would also be a great loss for the State.

N Biren Singh, nonetheless, stated that the 55 villages which applied for recognition are from Churachandpur (11), Tamenglong (26), Senapati (6), Kamjong (2) and Tengnoupal (10) while 1039 people are awaiting recognition of these villages.

Expressing concern over the unlawful recognition of villages by the PCCF official at his own capacity, N Biren stated that the final approval of recognising a revenue village must be given after the State Cabinet discusses the same.

Saying that certain rogue officials are creating a serious issue in the State by indulging in unlawful activities, N Biren urged the Chief Secretary and all officials who were at the House to be sincere and refrain from misusing the Government machinery.

Further stating that one Assistant Forest Officer had given recognition to at least 20 villages in Churachandpur without following the rule of law, N Biren said that the State Government will not give any recognition to the village which has less than 50 households.

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