Jairam promises more for rural areas Banking, internet on menu
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 10 2012: Announcing more development packages for strife-torn Manipur, Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh has stated that banking and broadband internet facilities would be set up at the headquarters of all sixty rural blocks.

The basic idea of extending facilities to the rural areas is to accelerate and systematically streamline economic activities of all concerned including the women Self Help Groups (SHGs), said Jairam Ramesh.

"The Centre will take all responsibilities to implement the facilities for which I will talk to the Prime Minister and Finance Minister tomorrow," Jairam said at a news conference today morning before wrapping up his two-day visit to the State.

The Minister said that he had a two-hour meeting with Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh yesterday during which he (Jairam) focused on giving a big push to implement rural road programme in the State under the PMGSY.

According to the information provided by the State Government there are 1004 habitations both in the hills and the valley each having over 250 population in Manipur and out of them 245 habitations have been connected with all-weather roads while sanctions for 250 have been made.

Jairam Ramesh

"During the meeting I promised the Chief Minister that Rs 670 crore would be sanctioned by the Centre from constructing roads to connect another 300 villages", he added.

Stating that finalization of Detailed Project Report ( DPR) prepared for rural roads for the State is prepared by an agency in Silchar, Jairam said now the same would be handed over to the engineering cell of Manipur Institute of Technology (MIT) in Imphal.

The DPRs would be prepared by a new technical agency for which the Centre will give financial support, the Union Minister said while reiterating that connectivity of all rural habitation would be implemented within the next three years.

Pointing out that Manipur has performed the best in implementing MGNREGA in the country, the Union Minister said a special team would be sent to the State to see the modalities of such work.

There is likelihood of sanctioning Rs 700 crore for the programme, he said.

He said he would urge for enhancing the current amount for IAY housing scheme of Rs 45,000 to Rs 75,000 .

The Unioin Minister also agreed to sanction Rs 64 crore to replace all the old water supply pipes in the rural areas.

Jairam also took into account a proposal made by Manipur Rural Development Minister Francis Ngajokpa for constructing a 200-meter suspension bridge to connect Karang island in Loktak lake and Thanga village.

During his two day-stint the Union Minister inspected numerous projects currently underway under his Ministry in Imphal West, Bishnupur and Churachandpur districts.