Govt focussed on hill's development: Deputy Chief Minister
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 10 2012: The State Government is according top priority on the development of the hill areas, said Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam.

He was speaking in a symposium organised by the Army's Red Shield Division as chief guest at Senapati district headquarters today.

The Deputy Chief Minister said, for the year 2011-12, 39 percent of the State's plan outlay amounting to Rs 1252 crore has been earmarked for the hill districts.

Informing the gathering that most NLCPR funded projects are being implemented in the hill areas, Gaikhangam said 28 percent of the SPA funds are earmarked for the hill districts.

He also mentioned construction of roads and bridges, power stations, 50 bedded hospitals, mini-secretariats, schools/hostels, water supply schemes as the main works being implemented by the Government in the hill areas.

Maintaining that the State Government has devolved 26 subjects to the ADCs in hill areas constituted after a gap of almost 20 years in 2010, Gaikhangam said that these ADCs have been vested with legislative powers concerning tribal social customs and financial powers that include authority to levy, modify and collect taxes and fees.

Expressing hope that Manipur would leap ahead when the Look East Policy becomes functional, the Deputy Chief Minister contended that opening of trade and cooperation with Myanmar, upgradation of Imphal Airport, construction of railway line would provide rich dividends in the times to come.

He also expressed hope that law and order situation would improve as the State is making concerted efforts to strengthen peace process with various insurgent groups.

With greater economic prosperity and opportunities, conflicts between various ethnic groups would recede, he added.

Saying that rich societies are generally secular and have the sense to resolve matters without affecting their well-being, the Deputy Chief Minister pointed out that Manipur is not unique in having divergent ethnic groups.

A country like Belgium has the dominant communities of Flemmings and Walloons who are not even on speaking terms.

But the world hardly knows as mutual economic interest takes care of such antagonism, he pointed out.

Gaikhangam added that Manipur does not have such antipathy amongst its people.

Expressing hope that the people of Manipur would move towards greater economic development, and the nature of public discourse would change from mere emotive to substantial issues of well-being and betterment, he said that the people of Manipur have vibrant democratic process and a long shared history and common culture.

With the natural resources, industrious population, location and Government support, it is time Manipur makes amends for past failures and surge ahead on the path of economic development, he added.

Giving closing remarks of the seminar held on the topic, 'Inclusive development will usher in ethnic harmonisation and lasting peace in Manipur', Red Shield Division GOC Maj Gen KK Sinha said that the youths are the pillars of the society on whom great responsibilities rest for ensuring progress of the nation.

He also thanked the Deputy Chief Minister and panellists for attending the seminar.

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