CM vows pay, pension; aid IDPs before Chakkouba
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, October 23 2024:
Chief minister N Biren Singh has assured that salaries and pensions for government employees and pensioners, as well as financial assistance for displaced people will be released on October 31 ahead of the Ningol Chakkouba and Diwali festivals.
He made the announcement during a press conference held at the CM's Secretariat on Wednesday, a day after his return from New Delhi, where he held discussions with central leaders on various developmental projects for the state.
The CM recalled that financial assistance of Rs 1000 per individual for internally displaced persons (IDPs) had already been released four times, with another instalment set for released before the ensuing festivals.
In addition, the Centre has approved construction of around 7000 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) to accommodate people currently staying in relief camps.
The district-wise allocation includes 1015 houses in Bishnupur, 511 in Chandel, 1331 in Churachandpur, 594 in Imphal East, 225 in Imphal West, 1217 in Kakching, 74 in Kamjong, 1813 in Kangpokpi, and 880 in Tengnoupal.
Maintaining that the fund received under the PMAY scheme was insufficient, he informed of proposing additional amount of Rs 4 lakh each for construction of around 2500 houses in areas around Phubala, Sericulture Farm, Churachandpur, and Kangpokpi.
Reflecting on upcoming infrastructure projects, the CM stated that concrete road construction in Imphal city and the greater Imphal area is set to begin soon, with the tender process already completed and land negotiations underway.
He explained that major road projects would not be taken up, except for mending potholes before commencement of the concrete road projects.
In the hill districts, concrete roads will be constructed within a radius of 8-10 km from the district headquarters at an estimated cost of Rs 175 crore.
The state government has proposed 117 projects worth Rs 399 crore under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), but the Centre approved only 57 projects and sanctioned Rs 217 crore, he maintained, while expressing hope that the remaining proposals would be approved soon.
Furthermore, the Centre has assured to sanction Rs 170 crore as compensation payment for the damage caused by Cyclone Remal.
During the press conference, the CM also mentioned that the elevated highway project, originally planned from Koirengei to Imphal Airport via Kangla and the Governor s gate, is being reconsidered due to security risks posed to landmark structures such as the High Court, Assembly Secretariat, and Raj Bhavan.
The government is exploring three alternate routes for the elevated highway.
The Centre has already approved the project, which will be executed through the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) .
Biren also expressed gratitude to union minister Nitin Gadkari for resolving disputes related to National Highway projects in the state along with confiding that the Centre has assured settlement of land compensation issues along National Highway-37, allowing contractors to resume work in coordination with NHIDCL officials.
The CM also recalled his meeting with union minister Kiren Rijiju in New Delhi, and discussion ranging on state's achievements during the latter's term as the sports minister to popularity of sports in the state.
During the meeting, Rijiju assured to help materialisation of the proposal for construction of a world-class football stadium, with an estimated project cost of Rs 220 crore, for which the government is scouting for a suitable location, Biren informed.
The chief minister also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and union home minister Amit Shah for their relentless efforts to restore peace and normalcy in the state and called for the continued support and cooperation of the people.
Ministers, MLAs, and senior officials of the various departments were also present at the press conference.
Comment
