'We need to change subsidy mentality', says Timothy Zimik
Source: The Sangai Express
Ukhrul, March 14 2024:
K Timothy Zimik, former Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Ministry of Finance (Revenue) has stated that to become a self-reliant society, one should not just depend on the schemes and benefits provided by the Government.
"Let us change from the subsidy mentality and focus on the available resources for our sustenance," said Zimik, an intending candidate for outer Manipur for the ensuing Lok Sabha elections 2024 .
Zimik was speaking as a chief guest during the Luira Phanit (seed sowing) festival at Sirarakhong village under Ukhrul district on Wednesday which is around 60 kms from Imphal.
Emphasising on the importance of safeguarding and preserving the culture and traditions of the Tangkhul community, Zimik said that showcasing the rich outer appearances like costumes, folk songs and dances are not only the interior part of the culture but the value system practiced by the ancestors.
While highlighting the importance of human resources and land for the hill people, Zimik urged for the transformation of the hill lands into economic activities and opportunities, paving way for upliftment of the rural population.
Acknowledging the uni queness of Sirarakhong Hathei (long chilli), Zimik also suggested that the villagers shift from the primitive agriculture practices and pave way towards the scientific ways of horticulture and other similar initiatives in the hill areas.
The present rate of production of the Sirarakhong Hathei can become commercial if the villagers can also take up other cash crops in the same location instead of leaving barren land after the harvest, suggest Zimik.
In his efforts to support the livelihood of the rural population, Zimik also made special mention of Agro Forestry where the hills populace can take up plantations on non-perishable fruits like apple, avocado, Parkia (Yongchak) and other cash crops.
Popularly known as Luira Phanit in Tangkhul dialect, the festival is celebrated to invoke God's blessings for bumper harvest for the coming seasons.
The event was also attended by the village headman, chairmen from neighbouring villages, CSOs leaders, church leaders among others.