Imphal, February 05, 2009: UNDER THE Economic Development Programme (EDP) for the year 2007-08, Governor of Manipur, Gurbachand Jagat this morning distributed cycle rickshaws to 100 beneficiaries belonging to the Minorities and Other Backward Classes (MOBC) at the 1st MR ground here in Imphal.

The 100 beneficiaries comprised of 60 from the Minority and 40 of the Other Backward Classes (OBC) .

Addressing the occasion of the Distribution of Cycle Rickshaws, the Governor reminded that the MOBC communities were lagging behind the general communities in many aspects and added that keeping in view of this situation, the state and the central government have made efforts for the socio-economic development of the MOBCs.

The Governor also informed that the state government had established a Department of MOBC on July 30 in 1998 in tune with the effort to raise the socio-economic condition of the community.

The Governor also expressed his joy over the main objective of the EDP to enhance the income generating capacity leading to economic empowerment which is a prerequisite for development in the state.

He also further expressed his joy on learning that 21,008 beneficiaries below the poverty line have benefited under the various schemes of the EDP with a total expenditure of Rs.1,942,54 lakhs since its inception in 1999-2000 .

The 100 beneficiaries were identified and selected on the basis of their economic status and necessity through the All Manipur Rickshaw Drivers' and Pullers' Welfare Association, Sanjenthong in Imphal.

Expressing his satisfaction over the system of selection and the work undertaken, the Governor noted that the Cycle Rickshaw Scheme under the EDP had be identified and formulated by the Work Advisory Board of MOBC department during 2007-08 considering the plight of rickshaw drivers/pullers of the state who could not afford to buy their own and had to depend on hired rickshaws.

Further expressing hope that this distribution of the rickshaws would be helpful to the beneficiaries, the governor held that such acts of the MOBC should be applauded and called upon the people of the state to support such acts for the development of the state.

Comment