Govt mulling ADC Bill, more autonomy: CM
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIPR

Imphal, September 10 2021: Continuing the government's initiative of door-to-door delivery of services and benefits of various welfare schemes to people of hill districts, chief minister N Biren on Friday visited Chakpikarong, Chandel district in connection with the Go to Hills 2.0 Mission for Chandel and Tengnoupal districts.

The programme was organised by the Chandel district administration at Chakpikarong Public Ground.

Addressing the gathering, CM Biren informed that the government is thoroughly discussing the proposed Manipur (Hill Areas) Autonomous District Council Bill, 2021 and added that the government also aims to give more autonomy to Autonomous Districts Councils (ADCs), within the ambit of the Indian Constitution, for the welfare and development of the people living in the hill region.

On the issue of delimitation, he stated that it is outside the purview of the state government but assured that the government would put its best effort so that the central government may not take any step which would hurt the interest of any section of people by the delimitation process.

N Biren also expressed his thankfulness to the people gathered at the Chakpikarong Public Ground for the warm welcome and hospitality extended to him and other officials on their visit to the district.

Recalling the day when he announced the Go to Hills Mission for the first time on March 15, 2017, Biren stated that he had always thought of the necessity of different communities living together with mutual respect since his early days as a politician.

He also stated that the state government has set up various infrastructures such as oxygen plants, trauma centre, etc., in hill districts considering the hardships faced by the people in accessing healthcare facilities earlier.

Maintaining that the state government has always been working within the ambit of the Constitution of India, N Biren urged the public to give constructive criticism with regard to any activities of the government and refrain from negative views that may hinder the developmental works.

He continued that the Go to Hills 2.0 has been organised to deliver the benefits of certain welfare schemes to beneficiaries directly to their doorsteps, easing the hard ship faced by the beneficiaries in accessing the benefits and to prevent middlemen from taking away the benefits fraudulently.

The government is planning to achieve coverage of tap water supply to 80 per cent households of the state by the end of this year, he added.

The CM questioned the motive of people who are obstructing the implementation of GTH 2.0 Mission, while cautioning that anyone who prohibits GTH 2.0 will be taken as enemy by him.

He assured that the government will follow the Constitution at all times, and so people should not trust baseless rumours.

The CM affirmed that he will not tolerate any irresponsible remarks, or intention to disintegrate the state.

He mentioned that projects worth Rs 534.47 crore are ongoing in Chandel and Tengnoupal districts which are set to be completed by the year end, while projects worth Rs 425.55 crore have already been completed.

He assured that the government would bring out a white paper on the funds invested in every hill district during the last 10 years very soon.

The CM further informed that a coaching class for UPSC Civil Services Examination would be conducted soon at State Academy of Training, Takyelpat at a total cost of around Rs 2.8 crore where faculties from Delhi will directly take classes and added that aspirants from hill districts should also take benefits of the coaching class.

In his address, works minister Th Biswajit stated the government is tirelessly working for the welfare of the people and has implemented various welfare schemes for inclusive development.

The government has also bridged the emotional and developmental gap between hills and valley of the state, he added.

Stating that there is peace and development in the state under the present regime, he stressed that bandhs and blockades are a thing of the past.

During the programme, the chief minister distributed benefits of various schemes including pre-matric scholarships to 435 students and post-matric scholarships to 5,220 students of the two districts; smartphones to students of Moreh College, SEMCO, Chandel and United College, Chandel under Chief Minister College Maheiroi E-support Scheme and benefits of Covid-19 Livelihood Support Scheme to 183 beneficiaries.

He also distributed Free LPG connection under Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, old age pension under Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, CGI sheets to 70 beneficiaries, sewing machines and carpentry tool kits under Tribal Affairs and Hills among others.

N Biren also launched a blood bank and Tele-Cardiology project at Chandel District Hospital; training and capacity building for tribal youths on livelihood generation and entrepreneurship skill development.

On the occasion, the chief minister inaugurated various infrastructure! and developmental projects for Chandel and Tengnoupal districts.

The projects included District Transport Office, Chandel, development works at the historical site of Ibudhou Wangbrel, PSA Oxygen Plant of 500 LPM at Chandel and of 250 LPM at Tengnoupal, 250 LPM PSA Oxygen Plant (PMCARES) of Sub-District Hospital, Moreh, Sajik Tampak PHC Building, Geriatric Ward at Chandel District Hospital, Institutional Building at PHC Sajik Tampak, Sadbhava Mandap at Khenjoy, augmentation of Water Supply Scheme at Kapaam (Komlathabi) (0.050 MLD), retrofitting of Water Supply Scheme at L Bongjol (0.015 MLD), Modi (0.015 MLD) and Tuikong (0.007 MLD), augmentation of Water Supply Scheme at Kwatha (0.032 MLD), Saibol (0.032 MLD), Khudei Khullen (0.032 MLD), Aimol Kombirei (0.032 MLD) and Kangsang and its surrounding areas (0.08 MLD), Culture Preservation and Promotion Centre at Moldennom Village and guest house at Saivom Village, Tengnoupal district.

He also laid foundation stones for five projects to be taken up under different departments costing Rs 29.58 crore.

The projects are construction of 100 ft bailey bridge over Khaoidung on the road from New Somtal to Moreh, construction of road from T06-Sugnu Tribal to Thungcheng via Christian School, construction of 60 ft bailey bridge over Chayang Sanathong Lok, construction of 150 ft bailey bridge (TSR) over Chakpi River at Mantri Pantha and Ekalavya Model Residential School (EMRS) at Beru Pam, Wangkhera village, Chandel.

YAS minister Letpao Haokip, education minister S Rajen Singh, TA&H minister Vungzagin Valte, agriculture minister O Lukhoi, additional chief secretaries, administrative secretaries and other high ranking civil and police officials and public of both the districts were present during the function.

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