IMPHAL, Nov 13 ? Despite hindrances from various quarters, Manipur Government, for the first time in a decade, has announced improvement in its financial situation and has thanked the Congress-led UPA Government for it. Congress-led ruling Secular Progressive Front government spokesperson Gaikhangam has said that the Ibobi ministry is now able to release monthly salaries for its employees, pensions and other bills more regularly.
Gaikhangam who is also the Power and Information Minister, in a statement said ban on appointments in the state government departments will ultimately be lifted after implementation of the recommendations of the 12th Finance Commission by April next.
There was a ban on appointments for the past four years because of the signing of an MoU by the previous government with the Centre and then by the present SPF government led by the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh. Unemployment problem is one of the root causes of militancy in the state.
However, job avenues are expected to open up soon. Financial situation in the state was in a bad shape when Rishang Keishing was the chief minister from 25-02-95 to 15-12-97. The situation turned for the worse during the reign of governments led by Wahengbam Nipamacha and Radhabinod Koijam from 16-12-97 to 01-06-01. And then, the Centre with the signing of the MoU imposed a ban on appointments. Successive chief ministers blamed the subversive activities of the underground outfits for the financial crisis.
Gaikhangam, the trusted lieutenant of Ibobi has said that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh during his forthcoming visit to the state will personally visit sites where development works are taken up and announce economic packages for further development of the state.
The development works to be taken up in the state are construction of a multistorey cultural complex at Imphal, shifting of Assam Rifles from Kangla Fort, implementation of the capital project, conversion of Manipur University into a central university and construction of railroad from Jiribam to Imphal via Tupul.