Imphal, October 18 2010: Central government has sanctioned Rs 300 crore for development of Imphal-Jiribam section of NH-53 as a first class highway, said Union Home Secretary, Gopal Krishna Pillai today speaking at the development seminar of Imphal east district held at Classic Hotel, North AOC.

Speaking as chief guest of the inauguration function of the seminar, Pillai said that Central government has decided to develop the highway as a first class highway comparable with international standards.

Border Road Organisation (BRO) will take up the work as the executive agency, he said.

GoI is giving priority in taking up improvement work of the highway, he added.

He also said that Centre is well aware of the non-availability of cooking gas and other petroleum products in the state.

"Transparency and accountability" in the public distribution system (PDS) is a must in the state in this regard, he said.

Observing that a huge state fund is being drained in sending children to study outside the state, Pillai asserted that it could be saved by exporting state manpower outside the state.

He also assured that Centre will intervene in speeding up implementation of Central sponsored schemes taken up in Imphal east.

Union DoNER (Development of North Eastern Region) secretary, Jayati Chandra who attended the function as guest of honour mooted of introducing of air service like helicopter service to connect Imphal and its Jiribam sub-division.

The introduction of the service will speed up developmental work in this (Jiribam), sub-division of the district, she observed.

She also observed that even though huge funds have been invested, if law and order situation is bad, development cannot be brought about.

Attention to law and order is the first priority to be given, she observed.

The district seminar organised by the Government of India in association with Manipur government was part of the series of seminars held at the district headquarters under a GoI policy.

Such seminars were held in Imphal west, and Senapati last year.

Today's seminar was attended by MLA Ng Bijoy, chief secretary DS Poonia, DGP Y Joykumar, DC Imphal east Luxmikumar and officials of the government offices in Imphal east like, health, education, PHED, Telecom, Horticulture, agriculture, etc.

The seminar mainly discussed the condition of healthcare delivery system, supply of safe drinking water, telecom service, horticultural and agricultural activities in the district.

Taking part in the discussion and touching on the tourism potential of the district, Jayati Chandra expressed her willingness to set up a tourism institute in the state so that unemployed educated youths of the state can be trained as part of development of tourism as an industry in the state.

Officials of the respective departments laid down reports on the activities of their departments taken up in Imphal east district.

The same seminar for Ukhrul district will be held tomorrow amidst a boycott call by district based civil societies working under UNC.

Ukhrul has already prepared to boycott the visit of Pillai in the district as per resolution adopted by the UNC in its presidential council meeting held on October 13 at Senapati (Tahamzam).

The resolution copy signed by UNC president Samson Remei has been provided to the president of the Tangkhul Naga Long asking to mobilize people, unions, associations, or organisations etc.

not to participate in the seminar and not to demand any developmental programmes from GK Pillai.

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