CM visits Ukhrul, Senapati on inauguration spree
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 16 2010: In a tightly packed schedule the Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh today covered Senapati and Ukhrul district areas to inaugurate Government establishments besides lashing out at the striking JAC of employees on his return from the inauguration spree.

During inauguration programme of the SDO and SDPO offices at Jessami in Ukhrul district the Chief Minister also assured various welfare schemes specifically for the interior village, bordering Nagaland.

the function was attended by a huge crowd and high ranking dignitaries of the State Government.

O Ibobi announced that a 33/11 KV power station would be set up with a cost of Rs 2 crores before onset of rainy season in the village.

A High Tension (HT) electric line would be brought from Namrei village, 55 km from Jessami, for the said purpose, the CM added.

It may be mentioned that homes of Jessami village are currently electrified with the power connected from Nagaland side.

Maintaining that inauguration of SDO and SDPO offices were to check border disputes with the neighbouring State Nagaland, O Ibobi directed the district administration to submit a report by Monday or Tuesday on the requirements of the newly set-up offices.

Calling on the villagers not to think that they are afar from the State capital, he also assured the villagers that Jessami High School would be upgraded to a higher secondary level and Primary Health Sub-Centre (PHSC) to Primary Health Centre (PHC).

The Chief Minister also promised that the State Government would consider setting up branch of a suitable bank in the village and giving preference to local candidates in the appointment of ADC primary teachers.

O Ibobi landed at the interior village of Ukhrul district by helicopter after visiting Lakhamai village in Senapati district and Namrei village.

Power Minister Phungzathang Tonsing, Tribal Development Minister DD Thaisii, MPCC President Gaikhangam and local MLA Khasim Ruivah accompanied the Chief Minister.

Ukhrul DC Ashokumar, SP Suresh and other high ranking officials were also present in the function.

CM inaugurating the 33/11 KV sub-station at Namrei, Ukhrul

Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated a 33/11 KV power station at Lakhamai in Purul sub-division of Senapati district.

The power station has been constructed by the Power Department of the State with funding from Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR).

After alighting from the helicopter and inauguration of the power station, the CM was given a ride on Chuso Thaiyu, a traditional carriage made of wood till the site of the function.

Later addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister assured that henceforth the power situation in Lakhamai and its surrounding villages would experience improvement and regularity now that power sub-station has been inaugurated.

Considering importance of the project, necessary measures for construction of the power station began way back in 1996.Today, the project has become a reality, the Chief Minister expressed happiness.

The Chief Minister further informed the gathering that the total estimated cost of the project is Rs 9.50 crores.

This include Rs 2.60 cores from the Ministry of DoNER and an additional fund of Rs 6 crores from the side of the State Government.

He also assured that the existing Junior High School at Lakhamai would be upgraded to High School level, an inspection cum guest house would be constructed, the existing PHE would be upgraded along with posting the required doctors and the roads connecting Purul and Lakhamai would be extended upto Waichichu village.

Power Minister Phungzathang Tonsing presided over the function which was also attended by Tribal Development Minister DD Thaisii and MPCC president Gaikhangam as guests of honour.

Deputy Commissioner of Senapati District Nidhi Kesharwani, IGP M Karnajit, SP Senapati, Chief Engineer of Power Department, other engineers of the Department, District level officers and public leaders were also present at the occasion.

It may be recalled here that the foundation stone of the power station which was inaugurated today had been laid by the Chief Minister himself on May 11, 2005.The foundation stone laying function had been presided over by Gaikhangam, who was the Power Minister.

Meanwhile, talking to mediapersons in his conference hall after returning from his visit to Lakhamai in Senapati district and Namrei and Jessami in Ukhrul district, Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh announced that schools and medical centres in remote hill areas would be upgraded to ensure the benefit of proper education and medical care to the people.

Informing about his visit, Chief Minister said that inauguration of 33/11 KV substations at Lakhamai and Namrei, upgradation of SDC circle Jessami into SDO/BDO level as well as Jessami police station along with appointment of SDPO have been greatly appreciated by the people of that area.

They have also put forward some demands to the Government and the same would be looked into, the Chief Minister assured.

People of Jessami have demanded proper facilities for medical treatment and higher education, the Chief Minister informed, adding that these demands are justifiable.

He acknowledged that proper facilities for medical care and education are still missing not just in Jessami but also in other remote areas of the State.

So, the Govt would be taking up steps to upgrade the existing medical centres and educational institutions.