Manipur CM Admits "Loophole" in His Government

Imphal, June 22, 2019:

For the first time, Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh has publicly announced of having a loophole in the running of his government especially on the financial matter thereby depriving of important portfolios from two of his council of ministers.

“We the government runners particularly the Ministers have had a small mistake in an agreement with the law that incurred overdraft to the tune of Rs 274.48 crore since June 12 to 21,” Chief Minister N Biren Singh said.

He was talking to media on the sideline of the 5th International Day of Yoga, 2019 held at Indoor Stadium, Khuman Lampak, Imphal on Friday.

“I don’t want it to blame to a particular minister but it is the error of the all of us (Chief Minister and Ministers),” Chief Minister who is also the leader of the BJP Manipur Pradesh said.

The CM was speaking as a part of the “reconciliation,” process for the smooth functioning of his government which was rocked by the dissidents within the BJP party and coalition partner itself for the past few weeks.

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“The central government has informed the Manipur chief secretary that overdraft of the state government has been neutralized on Friday and restrictions on the financial transactions by Reserve Bank of India (RBI) lifted,” N Biren Singh further said.

Principal Secretary Finance, Government of India has informed the Manipur Chief Secretary Dr. Suresh Babu on the zero balance the state government had after borrowing Rs 400 crore from the open market on Friday.

As the overdraft has been neutralized and the restrictions on the financial transactions by RBI lifted, CM said, “My government is looking forward for the pace of development and welfare of my people.”

Responding to a query on recruitment process put on hold due to the financial crisis, the chief minister said a state cabinet meeting will be convened soon to review the recruitment rallies whether it would be declared or not.

On the charge of the misappropriation of government funding, the chief minister had earlier blamed the dissident leaders and deprived off the main portfolios (finance) from the Deputy Chief Minister Y Joykumar and ‘works portfolio’ from Th Biswajit when they had revolted against him in the past few weeks. Even an inquiry committee has also been instituted to find out the details thereof. But Y Joykumar, a leader of the NPP, a coalition partner of BJP led government in Manipur and Th Biswajit, also BJP leader still holding other portfolios denied the allegation.

It may be mentioned within this purview that All Manipur Selected 2000 candidate of Manipur Police Constable Civil/Male 2013 batch has been demanding to provide offer form for them and are on the agitation for speedy process of their appointment orders.