IMPHAL, Aug 24: The State is striving to make its mark by becoming the Information Technology hub in the North Eastern States and bring back the human resources (resourceful Manipuri people) scattered in different parts of the globe, stated Chief Minister Okram Ibobi at the inaugural function of the Manipur e-District Project today at the Sangai Hall of Hotel Imphal.
The Manipur e-District Project was launched under the aegis of the Department of Information Technology, Government of Manipur. Chief Minister O Ibobi graced the inaugural function as the chief guest while Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam was the functional president. Parliamentary Secretary (IT) Victor Keishing, Chief Secretary O Nabakishore and Commissioner IT PK Singh were also present as the guests of honour. Special Secretary IT N Ashok Kumar and other high ranking officials of the Department of Information Technology too attended the function.
Addressing the inaugural function, O Ibobi stated, the project will cover nine departments including Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Revenue, Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, Social Welfare, Election, RTI and Registration and provide 35 different services.
The project will cover other departments in due course of time. He asserted that sincere efforts from concerned district administrators and their subordinate staff are required to make this project a success story.
“Since our youth are excelling in the Information Technology sector, the State Government is giving due importance to the IT Department,” he added.
Citing some examples where the State Govt has given due importance, he mentioned setting up of the Information Technology Park, National Institute of Technology, Manipur Institute of Technology and Indian Institute of Information and Technology.
Further he said that successful implementation of such projects and programmes highly depends on good, uninterrupted and reliable power supply. For these reasons, the State Govt has been giving top priority to the power sector.
He also added that the State Govt has been working to electrify and provide 24X7 uninterrupted power-supply in each and every village of the State by the end of 2017.
The Chief Minister urged the people to access the online service provided and reap the benefits of the project.
He also expressed his apprehension whether launching of the e-District project would be too soon before it is fully prepared. He cited the National Food Security Act as an example and said it was on the brink of jeopardy for various reasons. As for NFSA, he said, he would call a review meeting with the concerned authorities to fix all the issues at the earliest.
Deputy Chief Minister Gaikhangam stated, “With development in the IT sector, we have become closer to one another and we are now part of a global village. Taking due advantage of such advancements, the State Govt is striving to bring speedy development and smooth administration in the State”.
“But the question is, whether we are competent enough to use it at the optimum level. We need to work with sincerity and integrity while providing service. It should be used as a means for development”, he added.
Chief Secretary O Nabakishore appealed to all concerned to use the services extensively.
Parliamentary Secretary (IT) Victor Keishing said the project will reach each and every citizen of the State. The IT Department needs to connect with other departments and schools and colleges should be encouraged to capitalise on the advancement in IT sector.
As part of the inaugural function, the dignitaries presented mementos and certificates of appreciation to representatives of private IT firms namely Wipro, Accenture and Neilito which were engaged in the project.
