NERCOMP-III launched for Churachandpur, Chandel
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN
Imphal, January 08 2014:
Union Minister of State (independent charge), Paban Singh Ghatowar for Development of North Easter Region (DoNER) on Wednesday launched the North Eastern Region Community Resource Management Project-III or NERCOMP-III for hill districts of Churachandpur and Chandel.
Addressing the launching function organised jointly by DONER, North Eastern Council (NEC) and Manipur Government at the auditorium of Manipur Film Development Corporation (MFDC) here, Ghatowar said the project cost of the NERCORMP-III for the two districts is Rs 540 crore.
He said that the two districts under the project will utilize a total amount of Rs 216 crore extending from 2014 to 2020.The Union Minister said that the third phase of the project has been launched for Churachandpur and Chandel districts after the successful launch of the project in Ukhrul and Senapati districts of the state in two phases in 2008 and 2010."Improvement in the economic condition of above 60 percent population of the two districts covered by the earlier two phases has been witnessed.
Above 68 percent of the families has been lifted above the poverty line" .
He said villagers in the two districts will get direct benefits from the project in taking up organic farming, fishery, forestry, enterprise, soil and water relative activity, and eco-tourism, besides electrification, construction of sanitary toilets, and improvement of roads and bridge.
Ghatowar also sought full cooperation from the district authorities, MLAs, and village authorities in smooth implementation of the project.
Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh, who was also present on the occasion, said that NERCORMP-III is a major step taken by the Ministry of DoNER and NEC for backward areas of Manipur.
He said Rs 5, 00 crore will be invested in the two districts over the period of six years.
"We must work hard to make it successful," he exhorted
Ibobi also mentioned that apart from NERCORMP project, Ministry of Rural Development has also launched a livelihood programme "National Rural Livelihood Mission" which is a flagship programme of the UPA Government.
"As a pilot project, my Government has decided to start this programmme in Imphal East and Chandel districts," he announced.
He went on to day that considering the various projects launched by the Central Government together with the state Government in the hill areas, it can be said with certainty that "We're moving in the right direction" .
Ibobi further pointed out that the Government has launched the Tribal Area Inclusive Growth infrastructure Project in all the hill districts of Manipur with the support of the Planning Commission.
"This will create composite facilities such as administrative buildings, banks, security, telecom, post offices for the far flung areas in the state at block or sub-divisional headquarters," he said.
Ibobi said that besides connectivity which the Government is trying to ensure under PMGSY and education under SSA, "health is our priority" .
"We've therefore started construction of 50-bedded hospitals in all the district headquarters," he added.
He added, "In the power sector, we're building a number of new sub-stations and transmission lines in the hill areas with the support of DoNER, NEC, and the Planning Commission.
We should ensure that the optimum benefits of all these projects reach the target groups without leaving anyone out" .
Ameishing Luikham, Secretary, NEC and L Baite, Managing Director, NERCORMP were also present at the function.