Imphal, Aug 15 (IANS) Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Saturday stressed that peace is the foundation of development and lasting stability can be achieved only through mutual trust, justice, dignity and the participation of all communities.
Hoisting the National flag at the 1st Manipur Rifles Parade Ground in Imphal, the Chief Minister strongly condemned Friday’s unfortunate incident in which two Naga farmers were killed and two others injured in Kangpokpi district, and appealed to all sections of society to rebuild mutual trust and live together peacefully.
Acknowledging the support extended by the Central government in restoring peace in the state, CM Singh called upon the people to work collectively towards peace, development and building a stronger Manipur.
The programme included cultural performances by four troupes of the Department of Art and Culture and the presentation of a special issue of Manipur on Saturday.
Recalling the sacrifices of freedom fighters and ancestors who contributed to India’s independence, the Chief Minister highlighted the country’s progress in infrastructure, manufacturing, innovation and inclusive development.
He said that initiatives under ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and Digital India are creating employment opportunities, strengthening domestic manufacturing and improving access to public services and digital payments.
Referring to the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’, CM Singh added that the goal is to make India a developed, self-reliant and globally competitive nation by 2047.
Highlighting development initiatives in Manipur, the Chief Minister said that infrastructure works are being undertaken in both rural and urban areas, while healthcare services are being extended to remote hill areas through Mobile Medical Units, PM-JANMAN and the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan.
He also highlighted efforts under Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 to strengthen rural drinking water supply across the state.
On rural livelihoods and employment, the Chief Minister said the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rojgar and Aajeevika Mission (Grameen) has increased guaranteed employment from 100 to 125 days and wages from Rs 263 to Rs 300.
He also highlighted the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana aimed at promoting formal employment.
In agriculture, he said a bio-reactor unit for biofertiliser production has been established at CSIR-NEIST to support organic farming and improve soil fertility.
On welfare measures, Yumnam Khemchand Singh said that 35 ethnic violence-affected Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) suffering from chronic illnesses were recently provided Rs 1 lakh each, while around 2.4 lakh beneficiaries received assistance of Rs 91 crore under 17 social welfare schemes.
An Integrated Monthly Pension Processing Scheme has also been launched to ensure timely and transparent delivery of social security benefits, he added.
On law and order, the Chief Minister said 477 new vehicles were distributed to the Manipur Police and the Emergency Response Support System (ERSS)-112 was launched to strengthen emergency response.
A Manipur Police Museum has also been established to preserve the history and legacy of the police force.
An exclusive Special NIA Court was established in Thoubal district, while the Nodera Emergency Response Application was launched in Noney to facilitate reporting of emergencies.
In education, the Chief Minister highlighted the establishment of a District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) building at Salam and a school library at Heirangoithong High School.
Under the 77th Van Mahotsav, 15 lakh tree saplings were planted across the state.
He also highlighted initiatives to combat drug abuse among the youth, including the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva for Viksit Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan’ and the 10-Crore Addiction-Free Pledge Mega Campaign.
The Chief Minister also highlighted Jan-Bhagidari-Sabse Dur, Sabse Pehle and Jan Kalyan Shivir as initiatives aimed at ensuring direct and people-centric delivery of government services.
“Yashoda AI, a national AI literacy and digital safety campaign, was also highlighted for promoting digital awareness among women through the National Commission for Women,” he added.
On sports, Chief Minister Singh congratulated Manipuri sportspersons who won medals at the recent Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and noted the successful organisation of the Durand Cup tournament.
He also lauded Manipur sportsperson Ariha Pangambam for winning India’s first gold medal at the Asian Aerobic Gymnastics Championship in Mongolia.
The ceremonial parade was commanded by Haobam Sanghamita, Commandant of the 9th Manipur Rifles battalion, with Pramesh Arambam, 4th Indian Reserve Battalion Commandant, serving as the Reserve Parade Commander.
A total of 23 contingents representing the security forces, police, civil departments, youth and educational institutions took part in the parade.
–IANS
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