MoS Barla meets minorities, scans project works
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIO

Imphal, October 08 2021: As part of his official visit to the state, Union Minister of State for Minority Affairs John Barla interacted with the minority communities of Wangkhei Assembly Constituency in a function held at Samaj Sahu Hall, Mantripukhri on Friday apart from inspecting various projects being implemented in Senapati and Kangpokpi districts.

During the interaction programme at Mantripukhri, wherein the MoS met with the minority communities of Bengali, Gorkha and Muslim in the presence of former social welfare minister Okram Henry, Minority Morcha BJP Wangkhei Mandal vice chairman Jackie Masud and ex-corporator Maibon Phaomei.

Addressing the gathering, John Barla said that his visit to the state was to inspect the schemes being taken up for the welfare of minority communities, so as to ensure the benefits of these schemes are delivered to the targeted sections of the society.

While lamenting that in-spite of the central government taking up many schemes for the minority many remain unaware of them, he also informed that during his meeting with CM Biren on October 6, he (John) received numerous proposals from the latter.

John also visited a location where a school for minority has been proposed.

Maintaining that the claims of the ruling government at the centre being biased towards the Hindus is a misconception; John revealed that he is a Christian.

Despite this, he is holding an important post in the union cabinet.

If the government was truly biased towards Hindus, he would not be a minister, John said.

"PM Modi's vision is 'Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas', and all activities are being carried out under this motto", he stated.

Reminding that the government under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has introduced many welfare schemes for the uplift of women and minority communities, he urged the people to take advantage of such welfare schemes meant for them.

Okram Henry, who also attended the programme, said that this was John Barla's first official visit to Wangkhei AC and expressed hope that his constituency, which has the highest population of minorities, will be well-looked after.

He then appreciated PM Narendra Modi for John's visit to the constituency.

Mention may be made here that Union MoS John Barla is on an official visit to the state to inspect the works taken up under PMJVK in Churachandpur, Kangpokpi, Senapati and Ukhrul districts.

John Barla also inspected the construction of two Sadbhavna Mandaps in Kangpokpi district being undertaken at Saitu-Gamphazol and Kangpokpi town accompanied by MOBC director Ng Bhogendra Singh as well as officials and staff of MOBC department and Kangpokpi district administration officials.

The Sadbhavna Mandap or multi-purpose community centre, a project being taken up by the Ministry of Minority Affairs under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK) will be utilised for various socio-economic-cultural activities, skill development training, coaching, different sports activities and relief activities during disasters such as Covid-19.The Sadbhavna Mandaps are being constructed across the country in areas with 25 percent of minority population.

In Senapati district, John Barla inspected the projects of Model Residential School, Working Women Hostel and Sabhavna Mandap being implemented under PMJVK at the district headquarters.

While expressing satisfaction over progress of the projects and commending the state government for aiding smooth implementation of the same, John said that as he himself is from a minority community, he will do the needful to help the people of Senapati taste development.

Noting that Senapati district is home to many minority groups, he also appealed to the members present at his visit to avail every opportunity and benefits being extended by the government through the ministries to the minorities.

The Union minister was also accompanied by MOBC department director, deputy director, FO, CE, EE and SP, SDOs and officials from DRDA Senapati.

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