Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 15:
Expressing serious concern at the lack of infrastructure constricting economic growth of Tamenglong district, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh affirmed that SPF Government is making hectic efforts to enable people of the district enjoy the fruits of their hard work.
Kicking off the Manipur Winter Festival 2005 at the district headquarters� Apollo Ground as the chief guest today the CM acknowledging enormous potential in the agriculture sector, particularly abundant orange product, asserted that the State Government is keen to develop the district�s infrastructure to enable the cultivators get sufficient returns for their sweat and toil.
He also announced that the Government has reserved Rs 12 crore allocated by the DONER Ministry for development of Khongshang to Tamenglong road which will be started by the Border Roads organisation at the earliest.
Assuring the impressive gathering at the festival venue that development of IT road which connects the district headquarters with Kang-pokpi via Tamei sub-division is high on the Government agenda, the Chief Minister pledged of equal emphasis towards uplifting standard of education in the hill areas through infrastructure development and facilitating establishment of more commendable educational institutions.
Elaborating on his contention regarding development of educational institutions, he said priority would be given to candidates from the district in the ongoing teacher requisition process with special stress on ensuring sufficient strength of science and mathematics teachers.
Reiterating on the Government policy to establish mini secretariat complexes in every hill district headquarters, O Ibobi said such arrangement would have offices of medical, power, water including DC in addition to staff quarters.
In his speech as the guest of honour Tourism Minister Govindas Konthoujam expressed confidence that organising such festival would not only expand market to sell oranges but augment tourism potential which the district is abundantly blessed with.
He also appealed to the people of Tamenglong for maximum effort in increasing orange product in order to develop horticulture as well as tourism sectors.
The Chief Minister handed over prizes to three orange growers for their productivity and quality.
The first prize carrying cash award of Rs 30,000 was bagged by Thingailung of Nungba, followed by second position (Rs 20,000) winner Rangkhibou of Tousem and joint third (Rs 5000) place securers - Kajairi of Nungba and Athiu Panmei of Guidailong.