ICP Hengbung's poor revenue collection peeves Dy CM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 11 2013 : Along with the opening a hatchery unit of emu, a large Australian flightless bird species at Heng-bung today, Deputy Chief Mi- nister Gaikhangam assessed functioning of the Integrated Check Post (ICP) located at the same Senapati district area.

Said to be the first of its kind in the North Eastern region, the Emu hatchery unit is a significant addition to the Hengbung facility of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Sylvan.

Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the hat-chery unit, Gaikhangam ob- served that through judicious functioning of the Hengbung ICP and sincerity of those manning the entry-exit post to/from Manipur, the State can earn substantial yearly re-venue of about Rs 1000 crores.

Conceding that Government of Manipur endures embarrassing situation when approaching the Centre for annual plan outlays due to poor fiscal condition, the Deputy CM asserted that the State could be more audacious in seeking financial bail-outs or finalisation the plan outlay in case the revenue collection figure is atleast Rs 1000 crore.

While noting that crossing hengbung ICP is inevitable for all vehicles as there are no other entry-exit point on the Imphal-Dimapur route, Gaikhangam opined that the check post unable to generate the targeted revenue might be either due to intervention by some 'adverse elements' or due to insincerity of Government officials.

Confiding that the Central Government is well aware about the said ICP unable to generate compatible revenue, he said the Hengbung post falling short of the targeted figure of generating Rs 700-800 crores income testify lapses on the part of those handling one of the most important facilities of Manipur.

claiming that a number of feedback have been received on the failure of the ICP to generate the expected amount, Gaikhangam said that the issue had even been deliberated by the State Cabinet.

Comparing the ICP to a fish-trap, he affirmed that based on information available to the Government security aspect of maintaining the Post in an inefficient way would be taken into account and appropriate measures initiated to plug all lapses.

Further stating that besides tax collection figure in India remaining dismal in Manipur too there are many people who are naive about tax clearance, Gaikhangam lamented that many tax evaders have been enjoying lavish lifestyles while several others are not able to even afford clothes.

He also called upon the citizens to pay their due taxes to ensure efficient administration by the Government.

With regard to the Hengbung KVK, which the Deputy CM described as outstanding and exemplary amongst all the NGOs operating in the state, he observed that rapid progress of the Hengbung facility is due to judicious utilisation of financial assistance extended by the Government.

Gaikhangam also assured that he would work on a project to establish a hostel-like facility for the KVK personnel/workers.

In his address as the guest of honour, Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam said that with the exception of the Hengbung KVK, functioning of eight other KVKs in the State is both questionable and pathetic.

Conveying that the Government is planning to set up a weaving centre at hengbung, he also announced that all relevant measures would be taken to provide advance looms for the purpose.

The hatchery unit inauguration programme attended by SDM Senapati D Gangmei as the functional president also had the FEEDS/KVK Sylvan president Haokholet Kipgen presenting a detail account on the functioning and progress of the Hengbung facility, established in December 2002.Among others SP (Senapati) Pushpanjali Devi was also present at the occasion.

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