Centre to soon initiate talk to end crisis: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR
Imphal, October 10 2024:
Chief minister N Biren inaugurated a skill training centre and three night shelters for Building and Other Construe tion (BOC) workers in a function organised by Manipur Building and Other Construction Workers' Welfare Board at ITI campus in Takyelpat on Thursday, under the Department of Skills, Labour, Employment & Entrepreneurship.
Speaking at the inauguration programme, the CM updated on the ongoing crisis in the state and informed the public that a crucial meeting was held in Delhi on Wednesday, where the Centre indicated plans to initiate dialogues between the two conflicting sides soon.
He assured that the state government has been taking all necessary steps to ensure an uninterrupted supply of essential commodities to the state and expressed his desire for the public to unite and work toward a peaceful and amicable resolution to the crisis.
The CM also reaffirmed commitment to supporting the working class since the formation of the BJP-led government in the state.
He highlighted several initiatives taken up under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership and informed that a project worth approximately Rs 150 crore has been sanctioned for constructing working women's hostels at 10 locations across the state.
He also informed that Rs 10 crore has been sanctioned for the construction of a skill development centre for youth in Iroisemba area, in furtherance of the efforts to create more employment opportunities in the state.
The CM also encouraged the public to take advantage of schemes such as the One Family One Livelihood programme, which provides loans up to Rs 10 lakh with 30 per cent subsidy to support the weaker sections of society and improve their standard of living.
Biren also praised Patsoi MLA Sapam Kunjakeswor Singh for his key role in securing approval of Rs 400 crore project to repair roads damaged by recent floods.
The project has been approved by the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways.
Additionally, the Centre has sanctioned Rs 1,500 crore for converting roads in Greater Imphal and district headquarters into concrete platforms.
The CM further mentioned that the free distribution of fortified rice under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) scheme will continue until 2028, so as to ensure food security for the economically weaker sections of society.
On the issue of employment, the CM acknowledged the difficulty in providing government jobs to all educated youths but emphasised the government's initiatives in providing skillbased training.
He highlighted that priority would be given to youth displaced from their homes, to make them employable in genuine companies.
Raising concerns about the increasing number of dengue fever cases in the state which has crossed 800 cases in Imphal West alone, Biren urged the public to take precautions and adopt preventive measures to curb the spread of the disease.
Skill, labour, employment & entrepreneurship minister Heikham Dingo, in his presidential speech, praised the functioning of the Manipur Building and Other Construction Workers' Welfare Board, which became active only after the formation of the BJP government.
He hailed the inauguration of the training centre and night shelters as a significant achievement for the board.
The minister also reflected on the government's ongoing efforts to alleviate the hardships caused by the current crisis and called for public support in restoring peace and normalcy in the state.
The event was also attended by Manipur Building and Other Construction Workers' Welfare Board chairperson K Saratkumar, forest &-environment minister Thongam Biswajit, transport minister Khashim Vashum, MLAs Karam Shyam, Kunjakishore alias Keba, Th Shyamkumar, K Robindro, and Th Shanti, as well as BJP Manipur Pradesh president A Sarda.
The new night shelters are located at Keirao, Sekmai, and Dibong Khunou, Jiribam, while the skill training centre will be operational at the ITI campus.
The night shelters aim to provide a safe space for workers in these areas, while the training centre is set to offer valuable skill development opportunities to help workers improve their employability.