Newmai News Network
Imphal | February 10
On the sixth day of the ongoing 12th session of the 11th Manipur Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh has assured the House that the government will look into the demand for inclusion of Meetei/Meitei in the Schedule Tribe list.
Replying to a query and supplementary raised by K Meghachandra, MLA during Question Hour, the Chief Minister said that, "it is a little tricky issue," as there have been differences in opinions amongst the people in this regard.
Biren Singh said that maintaining peaceful co-existence among the different communities in the State is equally important with the protection of any community. He also said that although there has been a need to protect the Meetei/Meitei community, there is also the need to take some more time to look into various aspects of its inclusion in the Schedule Tribe list. "There have been informal communications with the Central leaders in this regard," the Chief Minister added.
The Chief Minister, who is also in-charge of Horticulture, while replying to another question raised by MLA Surjakumar Okram said that there is a plan to make the State self-sufficient in fruits and vegetables as a part of the Mission “Vocal for Local”. He also said that under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), the coverage area for vegetables has increased to 2,970 hectares in 2020-2021 from 1,412 hectares in 2019-20. A specific scheme on value chain marketing of quality local products through brand building initiatives has been proposed under the State Plan. Biren added that a task force to ensure self-sufficiency of potato, pea, onion, garlic and mustard has been constituted and activities have been taken up.
During the session, Labour & Employment Minister Th Satyabrata informed the House that a total of 15,945 migrant workers have returned from other states during the lockdown period. He was replying to a question raised by MLA Surjakumar Okram. The Minister said 14 categories have been identified to treat the returnees as migrant workers. Although no specific scheme or programme meant for them has been introduced, the government will assist them through programmes like Start-Up and Stand Up, he added.
