Newmai News Network Imphal | April 2 To promote cashless transaction and spreading awareness about digital payments in Manipur, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh inaugurated the “Digi-Dhan Mela” at City Convention Centre (CCC) in Imphal today. The inaugural function was jointly graced Union Minister of State (Home Affairs) Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State (Railways), Rajen Gohain, Deputy Chief Minister Y. Joykumar Singh, Parliamentary Secretary (Finance), Th. Satyabrata Singh and Parliamentary Secretary (IT), Dr. Sapam Ranjan Singh as chief guest and guests of honour respectively. Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha), MC Mary Kom also attended the function as special guest. First of its kind in the State, Digi-Dhan Mela seeks to promote cashless economy through digital mode of transactions. Speaking at the function, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said that it is necessary to create awareness about the digital payments throughout the state so as to bring a digital revolution and corruption free State. Considering the steps taken by the banking sector, N. Biren Singh further said the digital mode of transaction would enable the people living in the remote areas of the state to be a part of the banking system. More bank branches and micro ATMs should be opened in rural and far flung areas, he added. Biren Singh then said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as India has seen many transformations in various sectors, Manipur should not be left out in this transformation. "However, to bring transformation and change it should begin from ourselves", he added. He further said the Centre has given approval for a 100-bedded Cancer hospital at Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) and also a 60-bedded Mental hospital in the state. To have better healthcare services in the state, the Union Home Ministry has also approved for mobile or helicopter ambulance services for the remote areas of the state. The Centre has already sanctioned 150 crores for building of a women’s market in each hill districts of the state and for the installation of flood lights in the Hockey and Main Stadium at Khuman Lampak. He also appealed to all concerned to have a dialogue with the government before calling any general strikes or bandhs. Also speaking at the function, Union Minister of the State (Home), Kiren Rijiju said that the ‘Digital India’ campaign is an important component for transforming the country. He further urged the people to educate any other member of the family about the digital payments or the technology know-how and the benefits of cashless transactions so as to develop a digital economy in the state. He appreciated the enormous potential of Manipur in the field of Art and Culture, Sports and natural beauty.
