CM warns against pocketing PCI funds
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 21 2011:
Stating that any Minister should resign from their respective post immediately if they were found pocketing the fund provided by the Planning Commission of India for the developmental activities of the State, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh has maintained that he would do the same and resign from the post of Chief Minister if he had done anything wrong.
Addressing a one-day district level flagship training programme organised by Thoubal District Congress Committee at the District Congress office complex today, Ibobi said that Planning Commission had provided Rs 2600 crores during 2010-11 but there has been an increase of Rs 3200 crores in the current fiscal
year 2011-12 .
However, the amount has not been released by the Commission as the plan outlay is yet to be finalised even though sectoral allocation has been completed.
The fund provided by the Planning Commission should be utilised properly.
If any of the Ministers are found misusing the fund provided for developmental works, they should resign from their respective post at once, Ibobi said, while assuring that he would also resign from the post of Chief Minister if he had violated his responsibilities.
Informing the gathering that 13th Finance Commission has issued certain guidelines for the utilisation of the fund provided by the Centre, Ibobi asserted that everything that the State Government had requested have been granted as the Government has been maintaining financial discipline strictly.
UPA Government looks after Manipur with real concern, Ibobi added.
Admitting the various difficulties have been faced during the course of administration in the State for two full terms, the Chief Minister recalled withdrawal of Disturb Area status from seven Assembly segments of Imphal Municipal Council and steps taken up by the State Government to prevent entry of NSCN (IM) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah into Manipur.
Observing that there may be satisfaction or dissatisfaction among the people on the programmes and policies of the State Government but the Government has never treated the people with discrimination, Chief Minister Ibobi asserted that there would no other political party with exception to the Congress which can solve the various issues of the afflicting the State.
There can be peace and prosperity in the State only when the position of Congress is strengthen.
Expressing happiness over electing Congress over other parties from nine out of the ten Assembly segments in Thoubal district, Ibobi appealed to the people for continued support to ensure success of Congress in all the Assembly segments in the next election.
MPCC president Gaikhangam, who also addressed the training programme, maintained that no question has been raised over the territorial integrity of Manipur since SPF Government came to power and the law and order situation has improved significantly.
So, every possible efforts should be made to ensure re-election of the Congress to power in the next election as well.
MP Dr Th Meinya, other party MLAs and leaders also spoke at the occasion.