LAMKA, December 10: Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today assured to upgrade the Kangvai Government High School to a higher secondary from this coming academic session, while speaking as the chief guest at the inaugural function of the two-day long platinum jubilee celebration of the Zillai-Vaiphei Students`™ Organisation.
The Chief Minister today inaugurated the celebration at Kangvai village Churachandpur district and unveiled the jubilee stone of the celebration.
Continuing with his assurance, he said steps have been taken up to construct a girls`™ only hostel at the school at the cost of Rs 2.20 crores under the RMSA which was welcomed by a thunderous applause from the crowd.
The inaugural function started with the beating of the Gong by dignitaries present 75 times signifying the organisation`™s 75 years of existence. The Zillai was formed in 1939 at Maite Village.
Acknowledging Zillai`™s contribution towards the welfare of the students`™ community in the State, the Chief Minister observed that other student bodies should follow in the footsteps of the association which has been working only for the students exclusively.
Expressing desire to see only such student bodies as the Zillai, the Chief Minister said today`™s students will determine our future and as such they should be properly led to become good citizens.
Meanwhile, on an appeal to set up an office of the student body at Imphal, he said he will discuss and consult MLA Manga Vaiphei on the issue.
Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh also donated Rs 1 lakh from his discretionary fund to the organisers of the function and released a souvenir magazine.
Earlier in the day, chairman of the celebration committee P Vaiphei had said that Zillai has never been involved in politics and has only shown interest in the welfare of the student community.
Chief host of the programme, T Manga Vaiphei who is also the lone MLA from the Vaiphei community in the State legislative assembly, expressed gratitude to the Chief Minister and the other cabinet ministers for attending the function.
He said he had been researching on the formation of the ZIllai and found out that it was formed in 1939 by some far sighted individuals whose names have been epitaph on the platinum stone.
Education minister Moirangthem Okendro Singh, PHED minister Irengbam Hemochandra, Saikot MLA TN Haokip, deputy speaker P Shimray, Works minister Dr Kh Ratankumar Singh and VPC president K Baite also attended the function as guests of honour.
DC Lunminthang Haokip, SP Kabib and addl SP of CCpur Balram Singh also attended the function.
A pre-inaugural function was held yesterday with the with Autonomous District Council Churachandpur chairman Langkhanpau Guite and other members of the council including vice chairman Demang Haokip in attendance.