Governor proposes tea projects to curb poppy farming
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, January 19 2024:
Governor Anusuiya Uikey attended the 71st Plenary of the North Eastern Council (NEC) at the State Convention Centre, Shillong, Meghalaya on Friday.
Union home minister Amit Shah chaired the meeting, which was also attended by union minister of DoNER G Kishan Reddy, minister of state (DoNER) BL Verma, governors and chief ministers of North Eastern states, and senior officers of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of DoNER.
During the interaction session, Anusuiya Uikey extended her warm greetings to the union home minister and NEC chairman Amit Shah and expressed gratitude to the central government for continuous support and guidance in the socio-economic development of the North-East region.
Given the current affairs in Manipur, the Governor informed that many people are presently living in relief camps and they need to be sent to their homes.
She emphasised that individuals whose properties have been damaged must receive an urgent relief/interim relief amount.
Uikey suggested prioritising self-employment and housing for the victims.
In order to boost trade and business, she added, highways will need to be secured.
Tea gardens can be developed in the state as an alternative to poppy cultivation as it will provide alternative business to those who cultivate poppy, the Governor further suggested.
Anusuiya Uikey said that in the Northeastern states, paying employee salaries put of the funds from development projects becomes necessary in order to carry out government schemes.
She said that in order to prevent this, the state should get a grant in the form of a lump sum payment that may be used to pay salaries as per requirements.
Stating that Manipur is the sports, powerhouse of the country, Anusuiya called for improved player training, support, and facilities as there is innate sports talent in the state.
The Governor mentioned that tourism can be developed in Manipur as it is a naturally and environmentally rich state.
Manipur's art, culture and handicrafts are of high quality which can be capitalised to increase employment, trade and business, she added.
She then expressed hope that the state will soon get back on the path of development and peace with the help of union leaders.