STPI will be upgraded to IIT, Ibobi informs House

Courtesy: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, July 13 2009: Chief Minister Ibobi has said that the Software Technology Park of India (STPI) located at Mantripukhri will be upgraded to an IIT for the state under the Vision 2020 Document.

Replying to a question raised by opposition MLA, O Joy during the ongoing Assembly session today, the CM said that the institute will be up-rated with a project of Rs 25 crore as a part of developmental projects under Vision 2020 document.

O Ibobi further said that the Thematic Working Group of the North East, under the Ministry of DoNOR has been charting out plans relating to the implementation of the Vision 2020 document on priority basis.

He said, meetings of the Thematic Working group were conducted in October and December last year.

The Chief Minister further said that construction of roads, tourism, IT industry, and trade and commerce may be given priority in the state under Vision 2020 .

Since the need and role of information technology has been increasingly felt, the STPI located at Mantripukhri will be upgraded to the status of IIT.

The up-gradation of STPI will be done by acquiring 26 acres of land around the park at the cost of Rs 25 crore, Chief Minister O Ibobi said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister O Ibobi said that six culprits involved in the killing of Yengkhom Krishnadas have been arrested by the police and the amount of Rs 25 Lakh which was paid as ransom money has not been recovered.

He was replying to a question raised by Kakching MLA Y Surchandra.

Ibobi said that since there has been media report that some bigwigs including the local MLA were reported to have involved in the killing case, their statement may be recorded if necessary.

Responding to a question by Chingai MLA Khasim Ruivah, O Ibobi said that the government has no policy to provide allotment to tribal women vendors at the Khwairamband Ima Keithel.

The CM said, the vendors of the Khwairamband Bazar have been licensed since long time back.

There may be furor if their licenses are canceled and issued the same to others.

Moreover, there has been no vacant shed to accommodate new vendors in the shopping complex.

He added, there are 1808 license holders at Luxmi Market, 840 at New Market and 1252 license holders at Old Market.

O Ibobi also said that there has been no plan to extend the retirement age for government employees from 52 years to 60 years.

He was answering to a question raised by Oinam MLA Dr I Ibohalbi.