Imphal, April 14: Central Government has asked a share of 15 percent of the MBBS seats in the admission to RIMS for them, said Health Minister Ph Parijat Singh while addressing today at the 117th Birth Day celebration function of Dr Babasaheb Bhim Rao Ambedkar organised at Central Public Hall, Kakching.

Central Government may also asked their share in Manipur University, which has now become a Central University, he added.

Parijat who was present in the function as chief guest added that the Centre also demanded 50 percent of the seats in PG courses in the premier medical institute of the North East.

He however said that efforts are being made at all levels not to give away any seat to the Centre.

There is no use of becoming a Central Government institute if the State has to give away its quotas of seats, he added.

While conveying that Manipur has quotas of 80 seats in PG courses and 32 in MBBS, Parijat added, various political parties have decided to press the Centre together regarding in this regard.

Parijat also delved into the significance of celebrating the birth anniversary of Dr Ambedkar during his speech.

He said that the celebration reminded the need to empower the weaker sections of the society.

Mentioning the achievements of political leaders like Mayawati, Lalu Prasad Yadav and Mulayam Yadav who belong to backward classes, Parijat asserted that even though the lower castes have made significant progress in the recent past, there is still long way to go.

Observing the situation of Manipur, Parijat said that life in the remote hill districts of the State are still deplorable.

And we need to give special preferences to these people, he added.

Kakching MLA Y Surchandra presided over the function while former MLA Y Thambal, former Ministers Th Tomba, N Nimai and Ksh Irabot were guest of honours of the function organised by Representatives of Lois, Kakching under the sponsorship of Development of Tribals and Scheduled Castes Department, Government of Manipur.

Later, different dance forms were performed by different communities of the State as a part of the celebration.

Comment