IMPHAL, Feb 25: A seminar on “Manipur-Opportunities Ahead” was jointly organized by the Planning Department along with State Academy of Training at Hotel Classic today .
The inaugural session of the seminar was attended by Chief Secretary DS Poonia as the chief guest and Principal Secretary of the Planning Commission, Ashok Sahu as the guest of honor.
The Chief secretary in his speech stated that, to augment the erratic power supply in the state, the state government has decided to outreach for power supply from other states including Bongaigaon , Palatone etc.He said that without better connectivity, finance and power, a state will not move ahead in overall development and the state government has been prioritizing in bringing about progress in these aspects.Mentioning that the Tulihal Airport has been upgraded to an international status along with the commissioning of the Tipaimukh Dam, he said that certain areas have been given importance to bring about a holistic change of the state . He said that the Jiribam Tupul railhead is presently being developed to bring about better connectivity of the state with the rest of the nation in the near future and that there will be no drawbacks in hindering connectivity once the railroads reach the state. He mentioned that the blockades imposed along the national highways will have scant effect as it does to the public once the railhead reaches.
Conjoining the earlier statements, Principal Advisor ,Ashok Sahu said that there is no shortage of funds from the Planning Department and ten percent out of the overall sanctioned amount of the plan funds have been allocated to the north east. “There are no constraints of funds, but the question is how to utilize it”, he said.
Further, he mentioned that in the planning perspective, the Indian government focuses on the development of the north east, especially Manipur as the state shares close proximity with Myanmar. Stating that sharing a common border with the country, the state has much scope in carrying out trade and the youths have equal opportunities to get employment and progress further. The state has immense potential but needs development of its resources from the grassroot level. He added that though there is a situation of law and order in the region, one cannot simply wait for things to settle down but act effectively to bring about positive changes.