Our Correspondent
Imphal, March 22 (EMN): The Manipur state cabinet held its first meeting on March 22, after the formation of a new government, chaired by Chief Minister N Biren Singh.
The meeting was attended by newly sworn in ministers Thongam Biswajit, Yumnam Khemchand, Govindas Konthoujam, Nemcha Kipgen and Awangbow Newmai.
The Cabinet approved a ‘100 tasks in 100 days’ programme consisting of various targets set before the government towards achieving the same within the first 100 days of the new government including policy decisions, construction works as well as systemic improvements.
The cabinet decided that there will be a five-day week for government offices, without affecting essential services.
New government office timings and school timings were also decided during the meeting. Office will start at 9 am while schools will start 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 by reviving and strengthening the Anti Corruption cell at the Chief Minister’s office headed by an officer of rank of Additional SP.
‘CM da Haisi Initiative’ will be transformed as part of Anti Corruption Cell while toll free numbers would be made available for public to send complaints with strict rules
The cabinet also resolved to make Manipur drug free. An IGP Rank police officer would lead Anti Narcotics Task Force while poppy plantation areas will be identified through satellite mapping and drone surveys.
Also, the cabinet resolved to pursue lasting peace for the state by reaching out to various armed groups operating in the region.
With a view to reduce the hardship faced by beneficiaries of housing schemes of PMAY in urban and rural areas on account of central scheme guidelines, the cabinet also decided to set up a Corpus Fund for releasing advance money to beneficiaries to enable beneficiaries to start housing construction without waiting for release of first installment from the centre.
The cabinet further discussed six budget documents for RE 2021-22 and BE 2022-23.