CM for separate hill area land directorate
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 07 2013:
Noting confusion/anxiety amongst the ethnic communities settled in the hill areas with regard to ambiguity in the land documentation policy at present, Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh called upon all the Assembly members and Autonomous District council members to contribute their mite in the Government's endeavour for establishing a separate Directorate of Land Records for the hill districts.
Joining the debate on the Supplementary Demands for Grant 2012-13 on the second day of the 10th Manipur Legislative Assembly's fourth sitting today, the CM conveyed ongoing process for a survey to formulate a hill land law for addressing grievances of the hill settlers.
Stating that the proposed process is a part of the Government's initiative to set up a separate Directorate (land Records) for the hill districts in order to facilitate land ownership rights, he also clarified that the proposal would not amount to promulgating Manipur Land Revenue and Reforms Act in the hills.
Ibobi further explained that existence of the separate Directorate would enable the land owners to derive land mortgage benefits in addition to facilitating convenient land ownership documentation process in the 27 blocks set for demarcation in the hills.
appealing to the members of the House, particularly MLAs from the hill constituencies and ADC members to enable the Government effectively carry out the hill land documentation process, the CM, who also holds the Finance portfolio reiterated that the State's annual plan size could be finalised only after the Parliament pass the year's Union Budget.
Conceding that law and order situation in the valley pockets, compared to the hills, is relatively stable, he pointed out that due to security man-power shortage in the hill district police stations, relevant process for distribution of arms/weapons has to be delayed for the time being.
While highlighting that it would be impossible to provide Government jobs to all the educated unemployed youths of the State, the Chief Minister said creating a conducive environment and better surface communication are inevitable to attract private entrepreneurs to Manipur to consequently enhance scope for employment opportunities.
Announcing Government's determination to upgrade Tulihal Airport to an international airport for convenient arrival of private entrepreneurs and industrialists into Manipur, he also opined that upon completion of the ongoing rail-line project, which would automatically mean cheaper mode of transporting raw materials, entrepreneurs would be interested in setting up industrial units in the State.
asserting that improving power and water supply are important components to promote industrial growth in Manipur, the Chief Minister also affirmed that all possible measures are being taken to curb corruption.
Earlier, opposition member Dr I Ibohalbi stated that the CM skipping employment generation compelled him from heartily welcoming the CM's budget proposal.
On the annual budget (tentative citing additional security-related expenditure, the Trinamool legislator mooted that excess security spending is itself an indication that law and order is still a problem, an important factor for the State unable to convince private sector investors.
Regretting loopholes in the revenue collection mechanism, he strongly suggested that corruption be effectively checked and all possible measures initiated to ensure transparency in governance.
Joining the debate, NCP MLA L Ibomcha highlighted chronic problem of drinking water at various locations of the capital city, besides criticising Minor Irrigation Department for abandoning important projects and demanding that Social Welfare Department release pending salaries of anganwadi workers and helpers.
At the end of the debate, the House unanimously passed the Supplementary Demands for Grant 2012-13 .
The House also approved the vote on account for April to July months amounting to Rs 320,98,56,000 .
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