Imphal, March 02: The State Government will frame a specific policy to prohibit construction of religious structures within Government quarter complexes, said Chief Minister O Ibobi today during question hour of the ongoing assembly session.

The CM's comment was made when a debate ensued between Works minister Th Debendra and Sekmai AC MLA N Biren as the latter sought clarification on the number of Churches that had sprouted inside Government quarter complex located at Lamphel.

The MLA referring to churches that had been built in Lamphel area questioned the precise number and whether official sanction had been granted in building the religious structures.

With the Works Minister putting number of Churches at 14 and informing the House that Government had not endorsed the constructions, the MLA also expressed that he too intend to build a Sanamahi Temple inside his official quarter complex.

the two continued the CM intervened accusing previous Govts for sprout of religious structures at quarter complexes.

Ibobi said the Govt would look into all the perspective and assured to chalk out a policy prohibiting religious sites in the quarters.

He also asserted that after framing the policy religious structures in specific areas would be demolished.

Unconvinced at the CM's reply, I Hemochandra accused the Govt of being partisan as several religious sites had been pulled down in eviction drive at Singjamei areas while those built in Govt quarters at Lamphel area had been left untouched.

The MLA demanded that Government fix a definite deadline for the demolition drive.

Today's session also featured deliberation on electricity situation with power Minister Gaikhangam replying to Heirok MLA N Sovakiran that failure of three turbines in Loktak Hydro Electric Project impeded power supply.

With low water level in the Loktak Lake the turbines each capable of generating 35 megawatt are rendered useless causing loss of power to the tune of 105 megawatts, explained the Minister.

he also informed the House of power generated from Leimakhong heavy Fuel Project being disbursed across the State to facilitate studies of students who are appearing in HSSLC and HSLC examinations.

Against the total due of Rs 9 crores by the consumers the Power Department could collect only about Rs 2 crores, said the Minister and contended that through concerted effort of the Govt due amount owed to Neepco and NHPC could be reduced to Rs 40 crore from the previous pending amount of Rs 140 crores.

Putting peak hour requirement of electricity at 140 MW, Gaikhangam said the State could generate only around 90 MW out which 29 MW is consumed in the State with the remaining output supplied outside.

To another poser from the heirok MLA, the Minister affirmed of the Govt committed to the current power bill collection policy and assured to look into the case of issuance of 'no due certificate' to some Govt employees who do not use electricity at all.

Earlier, in the morning session (zero hour), which witnessed various issues put up four legislators, Thongju AC MLA Bijoy Koijam highlighted despair of Khengjang villagers of Churachandpur district due to non-supply of power inspite of a transformer being installed in the said village recently.

Such situation has been hampering the district administration as the officials and employees are repeatedly bombarded by the peeved villagers on futility of installing transformer without power connectivity.

Other posers from the legislators include BJP MLA M Bhorot prevailing upon the Government to ascertain facts on closure of Chamber of Commerce Hospital, FPM MLAs L Ibomcha and I Hemochandra demanding strict implementation of order regarding closure of commercial establishments in the capital city once a week and protesting denial of MLAs' easy access to PWD complex by CRPF personnel manning the entrance gate.

The FPM duo suggested that the Speaker instantly issue vehicle passes for entry of MLAs into the PWD.

In another development, Sagolband AC MLA S Natum suggested that Works Minister and patsoi kendra MLA M Nabadwip launch probe to identify who is responsible for various welfare projects being activated in residential pockets of Sapam Leirak, Mayai Koibi, Lukram Leirak and Loukrakpam Leikai.

Natum's comment came about when the Works Minister responding to M Nabadwip said the Government neither has any idea on the individual or contractor initiating the projects nor had the PWD approved the ongoing works.

Stating that drainage works and construction of retaining walls of local ponds as pointed out by the Patsoi MLA are not enlisted in the PWD work programme, Th Debendra in lighter vein cautioned M Nabadwip that some social activists who may opt to contest election might be trying to built a good image.

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