Egalitarian development is the only way forward : CM
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, October 18 2018:
Chief Minister N Biren Singh has said that the so-called hill-valley divide will cease on its own when there is no disparity in development between hill and valley.
He made the observation while taking part at an interactive session held as part of a conclave organised by People's Campaign for Resurgent Manipur on the topic, 'Idea of Manipur towards a life with dignity' at Sangai Hall of Hotel Imphal today.
The Chief Minister said that the Government initiated 'Go to Hills' and 'Go to Village' missions in order to bring egalitarian development across the State.
He said that his Government has been able to gain the confidence of the masses with the introduction of Meeyamgi Numit, Hill Leaders' Day and many other people-friendly welfare programmes.
Stating that there has been considerable change in the mindset of the hill people ever since the new Government came to power, Biren informed that he has been told that around 1500 students had come to Imphal from Mao alone for higher studies during the past one year.
With the coming of the new Government in the State and at the Centre, the topographical need based budget has been introduced, he said.
Accordingly, Hill Area Development Fund has been introduced, he said while adding that Tamenglong district has been included among 82 districts of the country which would be benefited under the newly introduced fund.
Speaking on the weakness of the current generation, Biren opined that people tend to take diverse steps instead of focusing on the main agenda which would be fruitful in resolving the issue at hand.
MLAs Oinam Lukhoi and Heikham Dingo, former Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam and former MLA Ng Bijoy were also present at the conclave among others.