The Manipur cabinet, in its first meeting held on March 22 after the formation of the new government, “resolved to pursue lasting peace for the state by reaching out to various armed groups operating in the region”.
The meeting was held with chief minister N Biren Singh taking the chair. The meeting was attended by newly-sworn in ministers – Thongam Biswajit, Yumnam Khemchand, Govindas Konthoujam, Nemcha Kipgen and Awangbow Newmai.
During the meeting, the state cabinet approved to recommend to the governor for fixing the date and time of election of speaker for the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly on March 24 at 9 am. The cabinet also decided to request the governor to summon the first session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly on March 24 at 10 am and to deliver the governor’s address in the legislative assembly on the same day at 11 am.
The cabinet approved “100 tasks in 100 days” programme, which consists of various targets set before the government for achieving the same within the first 100 days of the new government. This included policy decisions, construction works as well as systemic improvements.
The cabinet decided that there will be a 5-day week for government offices, without affecting essential services. Working hours will be increased on working days. There will be change in office timings. Office will start at 9 am. To sync with school timings and enable proper home management as well as ease traffic congestion, school timings will also change with classes starting early at 8 am. The new system will improve output and productivity of government servants by providing much needed rest & rejuvenation on weekends. It will also enable adequate time for school children to productively use afternoon hours.
The cabinet resolved to “Make Manipur Corruption Free”. Anti-corruption cell in the chief minister’s office will be revived and strengthened, headed by an officer of rank of the additional SP. “CM da Haisi Initiative” will be transformed as part of anti-corruption cell, with toll free numbers made available for public to send complaints. Vigilance & anti-corruption department will act on actionable complaints received in the anti-corruption cell within a deadline. No person, including any member of the public, will be spared if found to be giving or taking bribe money.
The cabinet also resolved to “Make Manipur Drug Free”. An IGP rank police officer will lead anti-narcotics task force. Anti-narcotics division will be strengthened by posting manpower of integrity. Poppy plantation areas will be identified through satellite mapping and drone surveys.
