Question hour at the Assembly '187 security personnel involved in criminal activities'
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 06 2015 : Altogether 187 personnel of State forces were involved in different criminal cases which took place between 2012 and 2015, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Gaikhangam stated on the floor of the House today in response to a query raised by MLA Samuel Risom.

After conducting departmental enquiries, seven personnel have been dismissed, he continued.

To another question raised by MLA L Ibomcha during question hour today about open sale of LPG refills at shops and hotels of Imphal and greater Imphal areas, Gaikhangam stated there was no provision in the Explosives Substance Act 1908 under which LPG refills can be sold at hotels and shops.

There was no question of the Home Department giving permission for selling LPG refills at shops and hotels.

Distribution of LPG refills is handled by the Department of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (CAF&PD) and in case CAF&PD Department needs help of police, Home Department may consider it.

If necessary, suo moto cases may be registered against selling LPG refills at shops and hotels, Gaikhangam said.

L Ibomcha sought police intervention to check open sale of LPG refills at shops and hotels as they are highly explosive and inflammable apart from creating artificial shortage of LPG refills to genuine consumers.

Replying to a query raised by Dr I Ibohalbi, Chief Minister O Ibobi informed that the 42nd Executive Council meeting of RIMS held on August 5, 2011 resolved to extend the retirement age of RIMS Director from 62 to 65 .

But the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare recently sent a letter asking RIMS authority to retain 62 as the age of superannuation.

RIMS authority has written back to the Ministry not to impose its choice for retirement age in the interest of the institute.

To a query raised by K Shyam on the criteria of upgrading 10 Nagar Panchayats out of 18 to the level of Municipal Councils, O Ibobi who is also in charge of MAHUD clarified that the upgradation was done under Section 3 of the Municipal Council Act 1994 .

O Ibobi, also in charge of Finance portfolio, informed that there was no plan for the State Government at the moment to introduce paperless e-budget in place of the conventional system.

However, e-payment system is being successfully implemented in Imphal West and Imphal East districts in the form of a pilot project.

Responding to a question raised by RK Imo, Ibobi stated that the State Government has been, nonetheless, working to introduce e-budget from the next session as already done in Himachal Pradesh.

Replying to Dr Ng Bijoy, Health Minister Phungzathang Tonsing informed that Suba Hospital and Assisted Reproductive Centre Lamphel, Shija Hospital and Research Centre Langol, Sky Hospital and Research Centre RIMS Road and Raj Medicity North AOC have been empanelled with the State Government.

The State Government has been working to absorb some people who have been seeking appointment under die-in-harness scheme in Power Department in other departments as there is no vacancy in the former, Ibobi stated.

Comment