Created for administrative convenience : CM
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 09 2016:
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi has categorically stated that the seven new districts have been created purely for administrative purpose.
The State Government's initiative does not mean giving any community exclusive ownership right over any piece of land.
The whole territory of Manipur belongs to State Government and all the citizens of Manipur.
The Chief Minister was speaking at a one-day political conference held at Tribal Research Institute, Chingmeirong under the aegis of Chingai Block Congress Committee.
He stated that the seven new districts have been created in view of the vastness of the existing districts and difficulties faced by people living in remote areas while travelling to respective district headquarters.
The new districts were created after threadbare discussion by the State Cabinet purely for administrative convenience.
Creation of the new districts should not be interpreted as giving away any piece of the State's territory to any particular community.
To bring uniform development across the hills and valley of the State and streamline administration are the primary objectives of the Congress Government, Ibobi stated.
The State Cabinet adopted the decision of creating the seven new districts in the interest of the people living in remote areas and far off places away from the district headquarters.
The State Government was deeply concerned with the difficulties faced by people living in areas like Thanlon, Tipaimukh, Jiribam, Kasom Khullen, Nungba, Henglep, Khoupum, Moreh, Machi, Tengnoupal, Kakching, Waikhong, Kangchup, Saikul etc which are located far away from respective headquarters.
This was the primary reason for the creation of new districts, Ibobi stated.
Even though the State Government has been facing financial constraints, it has been paying extra attention for speedy development of hill areas.
Creation of new districts should not be misinterpreted in any manner.
The territory of Manipur does not belong to any community.
The whole territory belongs to the State Government and this is exemplified by payment of land tax to the Government, Ibobi continued.
Out of the total funds sanctioned by the Centre under PMGSY, 70 to 80 per cent are invested in development of road and transport infrastructure in hill districts.
Moreover, 70 to 80 per cent of the State's fund is invested in hill districts.
Improvement of transport infrastructure is aimed at fostering better connectivity.
The Congress Government's relentless efforts to bring uniform development across the hills and valley of the district would be visible to every one after a few years, Ibobi asserted.
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam stated that there would be no untoward incident if the people can identify those handful of people who have been scheming to hoodwink them.
Those handful of people have been conspiring to disintegrate Manipur perhaps because they are unaware of about the history of their origin.
There will be cordial relationship among all the communities if people recall their common origin.
The new districts have been created to make the Congress Government's many initiatives of bringing rapid development in hill districts more fruitful, Gaikhangam.
He then called upon the people to identify all those elements who have been conspiring to project the Government in the wrong light.
Notably, seven new districts namely Noney, Pherzawl, Kakching, Kamjong, Jiribam, Tengnoupal and Kangpokpi were created last in accordance with a decision of the State Cabinet.
The political conference was also attended by MPCC president TN Haokip, Commerce and Industries Minister Govindas Konthoujam, Parliamentary Secretary Victor Keishing and Chingai AC MLA MK Preshow Shimray and Chingai BCC president PS Vangam.