Manipur Opp MLA accuses ministers of not working

Imphal, May 7 (UNI) A senior opposition leader in Manipur today alleged that ministers were unable to discharge their duties owing to law and order problem in the state.

Speaking during discussion in the Assembly on the demands for grants for the 2007-08 financial year, Mr O Joy of the Manipur People's Party said while some ministers 'were not able' to discharge their duties well, others were 'unable' to stay at home.

''Even the MLAs are not able to contact the ministers. Due to this situation, people's grievances cannot be addressed,'' he said.

He appealed to the Okram Ibobi government to ensure that the ministers 'functioned well' and devise a mechanism to address the grievances of the people.

Mr Joy further accused some ministers of being involved in contract jobs.

''Since the government is protecting corrupt officials, the general administration has collapsed and all important official secrets are revealed by officials,'' he said.

The House discussed demand by state legislature amounting to Rs 16.14 crore. Discussions for council of ministers for Rs 2.99 crore, secretariat for Rs 22.73 crore and for finance for Rs 208 crores were taken up.

Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh informed the House during question hour that Rs 48 lakh were earmarked for construction of National Highway 39 from Pallel to Khunbi of Chandel district.

Replying to another question by Awangbow Newmei, he said construction of the Imphal-Tamenglong road, which began in 1982, will be completed by March 2009.

To another question, he informed that the 262 km-long National Highway 150 from Churachandpur to Tipaimukh at Churachandpur will be undertaken by the BRTF and 500 people were involved.

During the expansion work on NH 39 in Imphal, compensation of about Rs 2.72 crore for land and Rs 5.74 crore for building construction were given and the road widening work would be completed by December, the chief minister said.

UNI