New Govt commits to make State bandh/blockade free
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 21 2017: The new coalition Government headed by BJP has declared that it is committed to ensure a bandh and blockade free Manipur for unhindered all round development of the State.

This was stated by Governor Dr Najma A Heptulla while addressing the first session of the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly.

"My Government will be making all out efforts to ensure that blockades and bandhs are brought to an end", read the Governor's address.

To address the issues of unemployment and insurgency faced by the State, the Government would utilise all resources for creation of employment for youth through skill development and capacity building in both the organised and unorganised sectors.

The State Government would give priority to development of infrastructure, particularly economic infrastructure.

Chief Minister N Biren presented a Vote on Account for Budget Estimates 2017-18 :: Pix - DIPR

The Government would ensure effective implementation of the National Food Security Act in the State and selection of beneficiaries would be done in transparent manner, added the Governor.

To achieve quality education, inclusive development and a comprehensive system for life skills development, the State Government will make various efforts under schemes like Swacch Vidyalaya, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, Rastriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan and Rastriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan.

After Manipur Technical University was established in 2016, the State Government is in the process of establishing a new Government Polytechnic in every district with Central Government assistance and an engineering college under Rastriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan.

Noting that agriculture is the predominant occupation of the people of Manipur, the State Government claimed that it is committed to increasing yield and cropping intensity by ensuring better management of water resources through improved irrigation systems and Command Area Development Programme.

Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare, Government of India has launched a Central Sector Scheme "Mission Organic Value Chain Development in North Eastern Region".

In order to facilitate effective implementation of the scheme, Manipur Organic Mission Agency has been created in the State.

Chief Minister N Biren presented a Vote on Account for Budget Estimates 2017-18 :: Pix - DIPR

The Scheme has been implemented since 2016-17 .

Farmers are mobilised by creating 'Farmers Producer Organisation' to promote production of certified organic commodities focusing on specific crops like Tamenglong orange, Kachai lemon, pineapple, king chilli, ginger, turmeric and chak-hao (black aromatic rice), the Governor informed the House.

Due to ageing of infrastructure, the present rate of water supply is 80 MLD against the installed capacity of 101.37 MLD.

Under National Rural Drinking Water Programme, efforts are being made to provide piped drinking water to all the census habitation of the State.

Imphal has been selected for development as a Smart City by the Ministry of Urban Development.

To implement the project efficiently, the State Government has established a company 'Imphal Smart City Limited' .

Under Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation scheme, the Government has undertaken water supply scheme for Imphal city in three phases.

Implementation of Phase I has commenced, continued Dr Najma.

With regard to the Tourism sector, the Governor stated that the Government is committed to develop tourist destinations like Tharon and Khangkhui caves, Siroy Hills and Dzuko valley, Loktak and Zailad lakes, Barak waterfall and others.

Today, the annual Manipur Sangai Festival is considered as one of the biggest festivals celebrating tourism in North East India.

The State Government will make all out efforts to make Manipur one of the most developed States in the region by harnessing the potential benefits of the Government of India's Act East Policy which would lead to a peaceful and prosperous State with all the communities living harmoniously, concluded the Governor.