Cabinet okays 6th schedule implementation in Manipur

IMPHAL, March 28: The state Cabinet, in a meeting held today, has approved implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India in the hill areas of Manipur, subject to local adjustments. In another important decision taken today, the Cabinet has endorsed the recommendation of the all party meeting held yesterday for extension of the government's unilateral ceasefire by one more month, that is, till the end of April. According to insider sources, the Cabinet, which met at 5 pm today at the Chief Minister's bungalow, agreed in principle to the implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution in the hill areas of Manipur, and decided to seek public opinion as to how the local adjustments should be made. It may be mentioned that a similarly worded decision had been taken by the state Cabinet during the Chief Ministership of RK Ranbir of the MPP. The question of the choice of a new advocate general for the state was brought up at the meeting, but it was ultimately decided to let the Chief Minister choose a suitable person for the post at his discretion. There are reported to be at least 12 contenders for the post. The issue of payment of compensation for the 15 oil tankers destroyed in an ambush by suspected underground militants on March 8 last, was put off till the next Cabinet meeting, on account of the financial constraints faced by the government. The owners of the destroyed tankers are said to be demanding Rs 3 lakh per tanker. The ban re-imposed by the RBI, suspending all state government payments and the current financial position of the state were also discussed. A proposal for revival of the state lotteries was raised during the meeting. It is learnt in the meantime that the previous government led by Wahengbam Nipamacha had signed a memorandum of understanding with a lottery agent. MWC Market Services Pvt. Ltd., on 25-1-2000, for an online lottery scheme, which will entail holding draw through computer. The matter was passed on to the law department for comments as well as the Union ministry of home affairs for clearance. The clearances were promptly received from both. Today's Cabinet although it discussed the matter, did not take any decision, the source said. The Cabinet made a close point by point scrutiny of the 26-point agreement reached between the state government and the Union home ministry. It has approved the handing over of the fake appointment and irregular withdrawal of funds cases in the directorate of education (s). The sources further said that the Cabinet has also decided against posting of the 1st and 5th battalions of the Manipur Rifles outside the state, as had been decided by the previous government. Further the Cabinet decided to hold the elections to the Imphal Municipal Council during the month of May 2001.