IMPHAL, Feb 16: Emphasising on developing bio-resources, Union Minister for Earth Sciences, Science and Technology, Harsh Vardhan said Manipur is richly endowed with bio-resources while speaking at a reception function hosted at the State BJP`™s office.
He said his visit was scheduled on a short notice while also stressing on the contribution which can be made by the State BJP in strengthening the nation. He also stated that the potential of the State BJP will be reflected in the coming 2017 assembly elections.
Assuring on behalf of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to give priority to the State`™s development, he said the Central government is committed to favouring the North Eastern states to strengthen the nation with full dedication and sincerity. He also expressed that issues of NE States are given priority in Union Cabinet meetings.
The Union Minister further said that he has travelled many countries and visited many States of the country but nowhere did he experience as much bumps as during his tour of Henbung, back and forth, covering 100kms.
Roads appeared to be smooth but they gave the maximum jerks, he quipped.
Informing that it was the main agenda of the Union government to give priority to the development of Manipur, he said the State also needs to have a good government.
While also stressing on the importance of developing the State`™s bio-resources, he said the Central government was planning to set up a Bio-Technology Park and Women Technology Park.
He also assured to improve the existing Software Technology Park of India and the Institute of Bio-Resources and Sustainable Development at Mantripukhri, Imphal.
He said his ministry will do its best in developing Science and Technology in the State, adding that the Ministry welcomes any suggestions from the State`™s side and he will try to implement those suggestions.
The BJP is a party which has brought good governance in the country, he said, adding other parties are synonymous with corruption. He said that it was due to the BJP`™s unique governance that he, as a Union Minister, was able to visit Manipur.
The State BJP president Th Chaoba in his reception speech said Union Minister Harsh Vardhan was one of the most efficient ministers. Calling the attention of the Union Minister, he said the existing IBSD and STPI located at Mantripukhri need to be strengthened and must be made fully functional.
Women bodies in the State are very strong and motivated, Th Chaoba said, stressing on the need for setting up a women technology park in the state. He also added that the Central government must develop the bio-resources and medicinal plants found in the state.
Harsh Vardhan was received by executive members of the State BJP at its office today but there was a glitch during his reception as even before he was seated at the reception function, a power shutdown which lasted for three minutes left the BJP office in darkness.
As the State BJP office is not equipped with a power back-up, those gathered at the BJP office including the Union Minster had to wait for the power to be restored before resuming the reception function.