Newmai News Network Imphal | February 2 The 4th session of the Eleventh Manipur Legislative Assembly – the first session of 2018, began today with Governor Dr. Najma Heptulla highlighting the achievements and issues of the State administration. In her address, Dr. Heptulla called for continuous efforts to remove the emotional and developmental gaps between various communities of the state. "We must look forward to a future which will unlock the full potential of the people and resources of Manipur that requires a strong sense of participation, collaboration and common purpose amongst all stakeholders in order to realise collective goals and attain shared prosperity," she state. Dr. Heptulla stated that the Government is committed for an all-round, inclusive and harmonious development in the State and cited several measures which the state government has introduced to become citizen-centric like the “Meeyamgi Numit” and “Hill Leaders’ Day”. In its bid to become a corruption-free administration, the state government reorganized “Vigilance Department” as “Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Department”, she added. Viewing that the law and order situation has largely improved in the whole of the State, Dr. Heptulla said that the State has been blockade free since the new government assumed office. Governor Heptulla in her address insisted that the government is giving strong emphasis for development of people in hill areas. Construction of Women Markets at Ukhrul, Chandel, Tamenglong, Churachandpur, Senapati, Kangpokpi and Jiribam has been launched which will be completed soon, she stated. Efforts are also on to provide accommodation to doctors and teachers posted in the remote hill areas, she added. During the year, 77,000 pre and post matric scholarships were provided to tribal students. Construction of five 100-bedded OBC hostels is going on with two additional Eklavya Model Residential Schools at Kamjong and Churachandpur being taken up. Construction of ST boys and Girls Hostel has also been taken up in Noney, Chandel and Ukhrul, the Governor stated. The Governor further stated that the government has specially launched “Chief Minister’s Laiyeng Shen” – a health programme for widows where Rs. 15,000 will be given to each selected beneficiaries. Remedial coaching programme – “Chief Minister’s Lairik Yengminnasi” for minority students for English, Maths and Science is also being implemented. Governor Heptulla also stated that the Government has enacted legislation to regulate the establishment and management of private schools and private coaching centres. Three Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas at Poi in Ukhrul; Langol in Chandel and New Mandeu in Tamenglong to High Schools were recently upgraded and will develop Model schools in 5 districts at a cost of Rs. 20 crore each in the coming years. To ensure 24x7 electricity supply, four new 132/33kV sub-stations at Thoubal, Elangkhangpokpi, Chandel and Hundung and seven new 33/11kV sub-stations at Henglep, Oinamlong, Ukhrul Khunjao, Gelnel, Chakpikarong, Phungyar and Mao were commissioned and dedicated to the people. In addition, three 132/33kV sub-stations at Thanlon, Moreh and Tipaimukh and three 33/11kV sub-stations at Kasom-Khullen, Nungbi-Khullen, and Mayangkhang will be completed soon. Work has begun to upgrade Sub-Station at Imphal and for extending the 400 kV D/C line from Silchar. Twenty-three 33/11 kV stations will be installed at various locations in the next year to strengthen the transmission system, she added. Reiterating that the state Government is focused towards development of orchard farms in hill districts, Governor Heptulla informed that one cold storage would be set up in each district head quarter. Five Rural Markets and two Integrated Pack Houses at Khongampat, Wabagai, Pangaltabi, Kwasiphai, Nambol and Kangmong have been constructed. Efforts are also being made under “Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North East Region” to popularise the “Chak-hao” in the national and international markets. The Governor also cited the “Chief Minister-gi Hakshelgi Tengbang” healthcare scheme which was launched on Statehood Day. The scheme provides “cashless” medical cover to BPL, AAY card holders and to the poor, disabled and widows for up to Rs. 2 lakh per family per year for 7 critical diseases and for upto Rupees fifty thousand (Rs. 50,000) for other identified general ailments. Continuing its efforts to improve Air connectivity, direct flights between Imphal and Delhi has been introduced. Expansion and upgrade of Imphal International Airport is taking place along with setting up Air Cargo Terminal, she informed. On road infrastructure, Dr. Heptulla said that the government has already completed 19 kms of National Highways of the set target of 30 kms and work on procurement and tendering for another over 88 Kms is under progress. Maintenance and Improvement work of Imphal-Jiri Road will be completed by March 2018. DPR for 4 laning and 2 laning is under preparation. Foundation work has started for construction of Barak and Makru bridges, she stated. Further Governor Heptulla informed that the "Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana” scheme is implemented in 24 towns of Manipur and that over 26,000 houses have been selected for assistance under the scheme. The Government has exempted Stamp duty, registration fee and tax on registration of deeds for transfer of land to the female head of the household under the Scheme. On the National Sports University, Governor Heptulla stated that the first two courses in the areas of Sports coaching and the Physical Education and Sports were launched this year. Efforts are also on to complete the work on District Sports Complexes in Ukhrul, Chandel, Churachandpur and Tamenglong this year as well completing the Cricket Sport complex at Luwangsangbam. Four Artificial football grounds at Imphal East, Imphal West, Bishnupur and Thoubal will be taken up, besides one Artificial Hockey Ground at Imphal East, Mini Sports Stadium at Akampat SEYO Club Ground, MMA Training Hall, and Flood Lighting at Khuman Lampak.
