Imphal, December 09: The Business Advisory Committee of the Maniptir Legislative Assembly has decided to convene the winter session of the 8th assembly from December 17 till 23.While deciding on the date of commencement for the weeklong session that would have five seatings (December 18 and 19 being holidays) today, the Committee meeting presided by Speaker TN Haokip at his office chamber, members present also resolved to postpone the election of the Deputy Speaker's post which is vacant, for some time on technical ground, according to sources.

Election of the Deputy Speaker was previously scheduled to be conducted during the forthcoming session.

In addition to tabling supplementary demands for grant 2004-05 in the House on the opening day of the session, the Government is also going to propose four Bills which are Manipur Ceiling Govt Guarantee Bill 2004; Kangla Fort Bill 2004; Manipur Municipality (2nd Amendment) Bill 2004; and Value Added Tax Bill 2004.Motion would also be raised to select Finance Committee members on December 17.On the second day of the session (Dec 20), discussion and passing of Supplementary Demand for Grant and placement of Manipur Appropriation Bill will take centre stage while the third day will witness discussion and approval of Kangla Fort and Manipur Municipality (2nd Amendment) Bills.

The December 22 seating will be confined to discussion and approval of Manipur Ceiling of Govt Guarantee and Value Added Tax Bills in addition to discussion on Private Member Business (resolution).

The concluding day of the winter session have schedules for election of Finance Committee members and passing of Manipur Appropriation Bill.

Sources in the Opposition said the DPA members are likely to approach the House prepared for debate on ongoing eviction drive, flaws in the education system, frequent scandals and alarming rise in abduction for ransom cases besides participation in discussion on passing Kangla Ordinance Bill.

Informed source revealed of the Business Advisory Committee deleting list for election of Deputy Speaker from its agenda when TN Haokip's proposal to assign the task was endorsed by the members present.

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