CM launches Go to Hills 2.0', vows to uphold Constitution
'Nomination of nine valley mlas as members of hac was purely done by the assembly"
Source: Chronicle News Service / Kaimuanthang Mangte / DIPR
Churachandpur/Imphal, September 06 2021:
Carrying on the stategov-ernment's effort to accelerate development in the hill districts and bring governance to people's doorsteps, chief minister N Biren launched Go to Hills 2.0' in a function held at Peace Ground, Tuibong in Churachandpur district on Monday.
The official roll out of the campaign was marked by inauguration of more than 30 projects, laying foundation stones of many others, announcement of new and ongoing projects and distribution of benefits under different schemes.
Enroute to the programme venue, Biren visited Singhat sub-divisional headquarters in a helicopter and inaugurated a 30-bedded Special Block of CHC, Singhat.
He also handed over an ambulance to the CHC authority.
Upon arrival to the district headquarters in the same helicopter, he inaugurated a Trauma Care Centre and a PSA Oxygen Plant of 500 LPM at District Hospital, Churachandpur.
He also handed over an ambulance to the hospital authority.
From there, he went to Peace Ground, Tuibong where the official launch of Go to Hills 2.0' was held.
However, on the way to Peace Ground, he was shown black flags by some youths in protest against the inclusion of nine valley MLAs as members of Hill Areas Committee which they termed as violation of Constitution of India.
Some of the tribal student leaders speaking to TPC at the spot stated that inclusion of nine valley-based MLA is anti-tribal and tantamount to making attempts of subjugating the tribals.
Until the Autonomous District Council Bill, 2021 is passed, they Will not be at rest and extend their support to ATSUM and keep protesting till justice is done to the tribals, they asserted.
After reaching Peace Ground, CM Biren launched the 'Go to Hills 2.0' after which a short video on various achievements made by government in the district was exhibited.
Addressing the gathering, the chief minister, while clarifying on the issue of Article 371C of Indian Constitution, assured that the state government is committed to protect and uphold the spirit of the Constitution of India.
No single point will be affected which is enshrined under Article 371C and the government will protect and provide the autonomy of the hills, he added.
He said that false propaganda which affects the unity and integrity of the state should be avoided.
He urged the people of hill districts not to have any apprehension regarding Article 371C.The CM exhorted the people to stand together for a united Manipur and protect the integrity of the state.
N Biren said that the primary objective of the 'Go to Hills 2.0' is to deliver the welfare schemes under different departments such as PMAY, CMHT, PMJAY, livelihood support scheme affected by Covid-19 etc, to the beneficiaries.
He stated that the government would identify the eligible and deserving beneficiaries of various schemes and all the government services will be delivered to their doorsteps.
N Biren also mentioned that under the 'Go to Hills' mission, the government has taken up various infrastructural projects for inclusive development.
Hundreds of projects had been inaugurated and many are on-going for the welfare of the people, he maintained and expressed hope that these projects would bring positive change and benefit the people living in hill districts of the state.
The chief minister conveyed that altogether 32 projects worth Rs 37.34 crore are being inaugurated and he laid the foundation stone of one such project estimated to be of Rs 4.51 crore for Churachandpur district.
Items worth Rs 51.52 crore have been distributed to 59,837 beneficiaries, he said and further mentioned that there are 342 on-going projects for Churachandpur and Pherzawl districts with a total cost of Rs 1100 crore.
Stating that the BJP led government does not give false promises to the people, the CM recounted that 88 projects worth Rs 381.3 crore have been completed and dedicated to the people in the last four and half years.
The government is investing huge sum of money for infrastructural development in the hill districts of the state, he emphasised.
Speaking to the TPC's Churachandpur correspondent on the sidelines, CM Biren stated that the nomination of nine valley based MLAs as members of HAC was not done by the government and instead it was purely done by the Assembly.
He also emphasised that the Assembly is a purely autonomous body.
He further said that no one in this state will go beyond the Constitution and we are all bound by it.
The projects inaugurated by the chief minister during his visit included Tuikham to Daizang road and Hengkot to T Boljang road under RD&PR Department; augmentation of water supply schemes at P Sejol, Koihen, M Shimuol, Ningthiching, Songdo, Matijang, Dumlien, B Salvaphai and Khajang, Rovakot villages taken up by PHED; DIO Pherzawl District; Trauma Care Centre at District Hospital and 30-bedded ward at CHC, Singhat under State Health Department; PSA Oxygen Plant at Churachandpur; Plastic Recycling Plant at Sehken Dumping Site taken up by TA & Hills; Saikot Government High School; Khanpi Primary School; Sadbhavna Mandap at Tipaimukh; Vungzagen Higher Secondary School, Mata; G M High School, Molnom under MOBC; TD Block at Lanva, TD Block at Lamka South and TD Block at Kangval constructed by PWD; Farmers Training Hall Cum Hostel at Churachandpur district headquarters and Fertiliser Godown of 150 MT constructed by Agriculture Department; District Disease Investigation Laboratory of Veterinary Department; new buildings of Tumjangphai Primary School, L Muncham Primary School, Gaisemlong Primary School and Gothol Primary School; Barrack Type.
Building at Churachandpur Range Office under Forest and Environment Department.
Besides distributing benefits under different government schemes and launching of various other schemes, the chief minister also laid the foundation stone for the construction of a 170-ft Bailey bridge over Khuga river at Tuikham.
Works minister Th Biswajit, water resources minister Letpao Haokip, education minister S Rajen, TA&H minister Vungzagin Valte, agriculture minister O Lukhoi, PDA chairman T Robindro, MTDC and MANIREDA chairman Ginsuanhau and ADC Churachandpur caretaker chairman Khaipau Haokip were present at the event among others.