Ukhrul, June 19: The Government of Manipur has issued a directive reinforcing strict adherence to The Manipur Names of Places Act, 2024, which governs the naming and renaming of places across the state. The Act, published in the Extraordinary Gazette on March 15, 2024, came into force with immediate effect upon its notification in the Official Gazette of Manipur.
It may be recalled that “The Manipur Names of Places Bill, 2024” was among the six crucial bills unanimously passed by the House on the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly 5th Session on March 2024.
According to the office memorandum issued on Wednesday by the Land Resources Department (Memo No. DRO-107/4/2024-REV-REVENUE), any naming or renaming of places within Manipur must receive prior approval from the department. A Place Names Committee was constituted under the same Act through an order dated December 19, 2024, and is tasked with submitting reports and recommendations to the State Government for consideration.
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The memorandum, cautions all government departments and authorities to strictly comply with the provisions of the Act. Violations are punishable under Section 13 of the legislation with imprisonment ranging from one to three years and a fine between Rs. 50,000 and Rs. 2 lakh.
All Deputy Commissioners and administrative departments have been instructed to ensure full compliance with the Act’s provisions to maintain consistency and legal validity in the naming and alteration of place names in the state.