Census conduct schedule not finalised, written to Centre: Biren

Imphal: In the morning session of the last day of the 12th Manipur State Legislative Assembly, Leader of the House N. Biren Singh informed that due to Covid-19 pandemic, population census which was supposed to be conducted in the year 2021 remain postponed.

“No particular date and month of conducting census is finalized yet,” Biren said replying to a question raised by MLA K. Ranjit Singh.

Biren further informed that a D.O letter has been submitted to the Union home minister regarding the modalities of the conduct of census in respect of the state of Manipur. The Centre has also been requested to conduct census of the state based on biometric data collection technology. No decision has been taken regarding linking of aadhaar with census. Previous paper mode along with electronically generated mobile app may be used this time, he added.

Answering to MLA Paolienlal Haokip regarding the issuance of patta and jamabandis in hill areas, Biren said it is not true that huge area of land in the hills have been subjected to revenue settlement under the MLR and LR Act 1960. Revenue records of parts of the hill area are properly maintained.

Responding to MLA Kh. Jaokisan Biren said there is restriction in sale and purchase of land in the state. An Office Memorandum dated July 7, 2021 and order CNCL-203/1/2021-Cabinet-Confidential and Cabinet dated September 10, 2021 has been served in the regard, he informed.

Minister Letpao Haokip said it is not true that TA and Hills office in Ukhrul has been defunct. It is still functioning even if it is an old building. There is no existing plan to renovate the office and staff quarter. There are three working staffs out of twelve sanctioned posts. Nine posts are vacant. Department of TA and Hills is preparing to fill up the vacant post.

This was the reply given to MLA Ram Muivah during the question hour.

Replying to the question raised by Joykisan Singh, forest minister Th. Biswajit Singh said total amount sanctioned by Union ministry and state government for development of forest from 2017-2018 to 2020-2023(till June 2022) are  Rs 10818.15 lakh and Rs 13045.08 lakh respectively.