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ENGLISH NEWS

The Health Minister, Mr. Lalrinliana Sailo alleged that 21 lakh rupees was illegally taken from the contractor by the Executive Engineer in charge of construction of Ayush building in Aizawl Civil Hospital. Disclosing this in a press conference in his office chamber today, the Health Minister said, Rs.21,00,000/- was taken by the Executive Engineer, Mr. Lalsangliana Chhakchhuak from the Ist Class Contractor, Mr. Selkhuma of Ramthar Veng, Aizawl from the estimated amount of Rs.72,52,000. When the Executive Engineer was asked about it he admitted that the amount was shared by the former Health Minister, Mr. R. Tlanghmingthanga and the Health Director, Dr. N. Palai and he himself. In this press conference, the contractor, Mr. Selkhuma was also present and answered some questions asked by the reporters. In reply to our Corr. after the press conference, the contractor confirmed that he handed over Rs.21,00,000/- to the Executive Engineer on the 12th of November, 2008. The Health Minister also referred to the MNF press release issued yesterday in which he was said to have hands in awarding of Champhai District Hospital contract to B.L Ajit Saria of Tanti Construction Ltd., the Health Minister said, the contract was awarded by the Health Director on 22nd December, 2008 and the Congress Government had no hand in awarding of the contract as all arrangements had already been made by the previous Government. He also asserted that awarding of the contract to Ajit Saria has no connection with the 5 lakh rupees bribe given to him by the contractor and the amount was fully returned to the contractor on the 11th June, 2009 in his office with a number of witnesses including news persons.The Health Minister also expressed regret for payment of over 96 lakh rupees to Aegis International for consultation fee in connection with upgradation of Aizawl Civil Hospital and over 81 lakh rupees for Champhai hospital under National Rural Health Mission.

Referring to the alleged missing fund to the tune of 6 crore, 50 lakh rupees for upgradation of Aizawl Civil Hospital, the Health Minister said that the sanction order for 10 crore rupees was the only paper traceable so far and the Centre also is asked to confirm issue of the sanction order. The Minister also asserted that all the sanction for upgradation of Aizawl Civil Hospital was accorded during 2007-2008 which was before the term of the Congress Government.

He also alleged that the objective of renewing the past irregularity by some of the MNF Party leaders could be an attempt to victimize some of their party leaders while in fight is going on within the party for the leadership posts. The Health Minister was assisted by Mr. John Siamkunga, MLA, the Chief Secretary, Mr. Vanhela Pachuau and Health Department Officers.
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Zo-Re Unification Organisation (ZORO) President, Mr. R. Thangmawia asked the Government to have introspection to see that its development programmes are for sustainable development for the new generations. Talking to reporters in Aizawl Press Club today, the ZORO President said, emphasis is laid by the United Nations Organization (UNO) on adherence to its declaration 2007 which call for protection of environment by all nations. Referring to the plan for exploration of mineral oil of Mizoram, construction of railways and other development projects in Mizoram, he asked the Government to see that the development programmes are not detrimental to the indigenous people in the long run.
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The three days sitting of Mizoram Education Reforms Commission was concluded in School Education Directorate’s Conference Hall today. The meeting discussed informations collected so far and suggestions to be made for improvement of education quality in the State. The meeting was presided over by the Commission Chairman, Prof. A.K Sharma. The Commission members will proceed to Lunglei District tomorrow to study standard of education in various Schools.
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In view of Office Bearers election to be held in the near future, MNF Executive Committee elected Mr. Zoramthanga to be the official candidate for the Party President. In the election held in Vanapa Hall today, Mr. Tawnluia is elected for the official candidate for the post of Senior Vice President, Dr. R. Lalthangliana and Mr. R. Tlanghmingthanga for two posts of Vice Presidents and Mr. Vanlalzawma, former MP for the post of Treasurer. The election was conducted by the Returning Officer, Dr. H. Lallungmuana by a secret ballot. The election of the Party Office Bearers will be held in the Party General Assembly to be held in Aizawl from the 23rd to 25th of this month.
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The Government of Mizoram has allotted the New Raj Bhawan building in New Capital Complex for the accommodation of Gauhati High Court, Aizawl Bench. Expressing gratitude to the Goverment, the Employees Welfare Association of Gauhati High Court, Aizawl Bench said that this is a positive reply to their long demand which will go a long way in administration of justice in the State.
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Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP) expressed regret for the present power crisis in the State despite experiencing over 10 years each rule of Congress and MNF Parties. In a press release, the ZNP also alleged that generation of more power in the State is beyond the caliber of the two party leaders. Referring to the statement of the Chief Minister, Mr. Lal Thanhawla on early resumption of the remaining works in 60 megawatt Tuirial Hydel Project, the ZNP alleged that there is no progress in this direction even after a complete one year of the Party in office.
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Mizoram Government Contract Employees Association demanded regularization of the service of all contract employees. Passing a resolution to this effect in the Contract Employees General Assembly held today in Rural Development Department’s Conference Hall, the Association demanded equal pay for equal work as well as facilities granted to regular employees. The assembly was presided over by the President, Mr. C. Lalmalsawma. Our Corr. understands that there are 1300 contract employees at present under 26 Government Departments.
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The former Assembly Speaker and MNF leader, Mr. R. Lalawia said, his resignation from the primary membership of MNF is not discontent in the Party. In an exclusive interview with our Corr. this afternoon, Mr. R. Lalawia said, he was in the Party for the last 25 years to serve the people as called for in his own vision and he has left the Party in accordance with the advised given to him in his vision. In reply to another question, the former Assembly Speaker said, he has no intention to join any other Party. He however said, he may join other party if he receive invitation. Mr. R. Lalawia was the State Assembly Speaker during the MNF rule from 1998 to 2003.
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Today, the maximum temperature of Aizawl City was 27.1 and the minimum was 14.7 degree Celsius. Weather forecast valid for tomorrow indicates sunshine and the temperature is likely to be between the maximum of 26 and the minimum of 14 degree Celsius.