Imphal, March 04: With the people of manipur feeling the pinch of frequent bandhs and other forms of strikes for long the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) is all set to stage 'street shows' at different districts to create awareness regarding negative impact of such agitation upon the socio-economic condition of the State.This was informed by the IPR Minister TN haokip at the floor of the House when the Department's demand came up for discussion in today's session of the ongoing assembly.

Expressing confidence of such plays able to draw attention of people to not only negative impact of the numerous bandhs/strikes but also serve to remind that bandhs and strikes have already been banned by the Government, the Minister also opined that DIPR campaigns could adequately highlight to the people policy and programmes of the Government for which a multimedia campaign would be launched from March 13 with Churachandpur district as the kick-off location.

Earlier, joining the discussion O Joy Singh of the MPP suggested that assembly proceedings be telecast live so that people could view issues brought up for discussion in the House.

In his observation, Leader of the Opposition and NCP's Radhabinod Koijam said live telecast would be of tremendous help in the people judging accountability of the House, conduct of the people's representatives and judge the MLAs' endeavour in taking upholding interest of the electorates.

In his deliberation Morung Makunga of Tengnoupal AC desired that distribution of television sets in the rural areas be streamlined with the issuance of an order by the Directorate as 25 percent of the TVs handed out so far have been usurped by underground elements.

Responding to the queries, TN Haokip clarified that the Directorate's role in the TV set distribution is limited to being the nodal agency only as handing over the items is being carried by the Doordarshan through the Deputy Commissioner concerned.

He also informed members of the House that 3200 TV sets have been distributed so far.

On the live telecast issue, the IPR Minister cited technical infeasibility of the Doordarshan Kendra Imphal to beam proceedings of the House but hastened to add that opening of another channel would be more appropriate in the materialisation of the MLA's suggestion.

He also pledged the Directorate's maximum effort on the matter with consultation of the Speaker to which the latter describing the proposal as appreciable opined that involving the Chief Minister would be more helpful.

While the IPR Minister announced that allocation for maintenance of the Manipur Press Club has been increased to Rs 2 lakh from the previous assistance of Rs 1 lakh, the House endorsed budgetary allocation of Rs 3,45,93,000 for the Directorate of Information and Public Relations.

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