Manipur to lift ban on foreign liquor: CM

Imphal: Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday said that the government is planning to lift the prohibition of selling and buying of foreign liquor in the state.

Replying to a question raised by MLA K Ranjit Singh on the eighth day of the ongoing second session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly, Singh, who is also the Leader of the House, said lifting the prohibition of foreign liquor in the state is being considered. He said once the ban is lifted and legalised, around Rs 600-700 crores would be be added to the state income annually. 

The CM further said that the Manipur Liquor Prohibition (2nd Amendment) Bill 2018 was introduced in the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly to take steps for improving the quality of locally brewed liquor for export purposes. Although the Bill has lapsed, consideration is on to take further steps.

He informed to the House that the decision for setting up the Sangai Ethnic Heritage Park at Moirang Khunou area was taken in the larger interest of the people of the state. He was replying to a calling attention motion moved by K Ranjit Singh on the reported protest by the general public regarding the government’s decision to shift the site for construction of the park.

The CM said the committee constituted for the project had visited Keibul Lamjao repeatedly and enquired about the feasibility of setting up of the park. He added that as per the recommendation of the committee, the area at Keibul Lamjao where the park was to be set up, was not able to accommodate structures such as 34 different houses representing the ethnic tribes, conference hall, parking lot and so on. Also there are chances of disturbing the natural habitat of Sangai, the endangered deer endemic to Manipur. The decision was taken to set up the park at Moirang Khunou which is not far from Keibul Lamjao National Park.  He said that he has already talked with the protestors and informed them that appropriate arrangements suitable to the area of Keibul Lamjao will be made.

Education Minister, Th Basantakumar Singh, replying to a question raised by Md Achab Uddin, member of the Janaa Dal (United) (JDU) said that 154 students have been enrolled at the Lantingkhal High School in Jiribam. He said six teachers have been engaged in teaching in the school under the Zonal Education Office there.

While replying to a question raised by MLA LM Khaute, Singh said that the Education Department is planning to introduce MA, M.Sc, BCA and other courses in Churachandpur College and Lamka College in the near future. He said all 39 government colleges in Manipur have Wi-Fi connectivity.

Health Minister, Sapam Ranjan Singh replying to a query raised by MLA Ram Muivah said that measures have been taken to fill up vacant posts in the Health Department as per the recruitment policy under the State Government.

Members of the Manipur Legislative Assembly also observed two minutes silence as a mark of respect on the demise of Selkai Hrangchal, former Member of the House from 55-Tipaimukh (ST) Assembly Constituency.

Speaker of the House, Thokchom Satyabrata Singh moved a resolution regarding the demise of the former member of the House and expressed his profound sorrow. Leader of the House, N Biren Singh, initiating the obituary reference said that the demise of Hrangchal is a great loss to the state.

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