Budget discussion on five departments

Imphal Mar 7 (UNI) Manipur Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today informed the Assembly that about 1296 militants were apprehended by security forces during last year, of which 163 were detained under National Security Act.

Mr Singh said that any apprehended insurgent may be detained under Section 3 (III) of the NSA after approval from District Magistrates.

He also added that about 776 weapons of various types were seized from underground outfits between April 2002 and February 2008.

Of these 250 were seized by police while 426 were recovered by paramilitary forces.

The Chief Minister said developmental works would be taken up at hill areas and the government is planning to amend the District Council Act to facilitate expeditious implementation of several urban development schemes and every hill district headquarters would be provided with Rs four crores in this regard.

The Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewable Mission (JNURM) garbage collection system in the capital city would be expanded.

Health Minister P Parijat said efforts were on to improve health services to the general public through the Primary Health Centre, Primary Health Sub Centre and district hospitals.

The Centre has provided Rs 50 lakh to increase seats for pursuing PG courses in medical institutions to overcome shortage of doctors and converts th JN hospital to a state medical college.

Informing that 10 private wards would be added to the medical centres very soon, he warned the doctors of punitive actions if they were reluctant to move to their places of posting.

Commerce Minister Y Erabot said the food processing project at Nilakuthi and other ongoing projects would also be completed.

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