11th convocation of MU held
Centre is keen to develop NE: Handique
Source: Hueiyen News Service / NNN

Imphal, January 11 2010: Centre is giving special attention in developing the North Eastern Region of the country by developing infrastructures in education, healthcare and in other areas through North East Vision 2020 which was launched in July 2008, said Union minister for Development of North East Region (DoNER), BK Handique.

In his speech as the Chief Guest today at the 11th Convocation of the Manipur University at Canchipur, the minister in-charge of the DoNER said the Central government are putting maximum efforts to have uniformity in the development front of the country and as a result laying special emphasis to the NE region.

Chief Minister O Ibobi lighting lamp at MU's convocation

"Special attention has been paid to the North East India region by New Delhi regarding the developmental front," BK Handique said urging the people of the region to extend much needed co-operation with the government so as to accelerate the progress of works taken up by the Centre in the region.

"Keeping in mind this agenda of uniformity in development in the country various flagship programmes are being implemented in the region," said BK Handique.

He also claimed that with the launching of the Vision 2020, the Centre has been able to draw the people of the NE region to the Indian mainstream and wiped the imaginary line drawn between the region and mainland of India.

He also advised the students in the packed centenary hall of the university to learn from the great leaders of the country so as to eradicate social ailments.

The DoNER minister said that Manipur is a state not only rich in culture but great people were also born in the state.

Expressing that Manipur University is becoming a premier University in the country, the DoNER minister stressed the importance of providing much needed infrastructures for higher studies.

State chief minister O Ibobi while speaking on the occasion encouraged the young people to strive for better and safer future of the society.

"They should dream of a better and developed future", said the state chief minister.

Ibobi also stressed the importance of the youths' role saying that the future lies with them.

He urged the youths to peaceful society devoid of violence.

There is no question of neglecting MU even though it has been taken over by the Centre.

Government is monitoring the activities of the university, the Chief Minister said adding that state government committed to developing human resources of the state.

For marching ahead in development, we have to challenge all hurdle.

To bring about development, a concerted effort of the people is needed, Ibobi said.

Meanwhile, Chancellor of the Manipur University, PN Srivastava speaking to the gathering said three more faculties viz, sociology, foreign languages and environmental study centre will be opened in the university at the earliest possible time.

Out of these three, Korean and Japanese Study Centres under foreign languages are likely to come up within this current year.

The convocation programme was also attended by members of Lok Sabha from Manipur, Dr T Meinya and Thangso Baite and Raijya Sabha MP, Rishang Keishing.

On the occasion, the Chancellor distributed certificates to the 49 students who have been conferred doctoral degrees by the university in different fields.

Among them 10 student were in school of humanity, 12 in social science, 26 in school of science and one in school of medical science.