Imphal, December 06: Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh today released a multi-colour book and a poster highlighting the achievements of Secular Progressive Front (SPF) Government in its more than four and half years in power.

The function held on the lawn of the Chief Minister's bungalow was organised by Department of Information and Public Relations and was graced by Steering Committee members of SPF Government on the dais.

Speaking at the occasion, Ibobi recalled that after the 8th Manipur Legislative Assembly election, the coalition SPF Government of Congress and CPI assumed office on March 7, 2002.Since then, despite the being faced by various sensitive issues of the State and passing through lean phases, the Government has been able to continue to work for the welfare of the people due to their support and co-operation, he said.

The Government has been able to implement most of the points laid down in its common minimum programmes for the welfare of the people.

However, it is also the duty of the Government to explain why the Government has not been able to implement some of the points, the Chief Minister remarked.

Expressing that the promise of providing a stable Government has been fulfilled, the Chief Minister claimed that the territorial integrity of Manipur has been kept intact along with promoting communal harmony among the people.

The leader of the UPA Government at the Centre, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh has also assured that the existing boundary of the State would not be disturbed without the consent of the people, he added.

He further said along with the increase in the amount of State plan and proper financial management, his Government has been able to pay more attention to various developmental aspects of the State.

Manipur University has been converted to a Central University, the State Capital Project has been started, Special Employment Generation programmes have been implemented and the condition of the road connecting the State capital with all the district headquarters and subdivisional headquarters have improved, he added.

The work on laying the railway tracks from Jiribam to Tupul has also been progressing, the Chief Minister said and added that construction of BT fly over has been also been completed apart from the fact that the sacred Kangla has been handed over to the people.

Socio-economic condition of the people has also not only been improved, but various development programmes have been taken up, the Chief Minister claimed.

On the issue of Meetei Mayek, the Chief Minister categorically stated that his Government is not all opposed the effort being made for promotion of Manipuri language and its script.

However, he appealed to all concerned not to lay down condition for making the knowledge of Meetei Mayek compulsory at the time of appointment of primary school teachers as it might be create misunderstanding among the various communities living in Manipur.

The necessary training programme on Meetei Mayek could be imparted after the teachers have been recruited, he pointed out.

From among the projects included in the economic package announced by the Prime Minister, the Chief Minister said the task of repairing the road stretch of around 116 kms long from Maram till Dimapur has already been started by entrusting it to BRO.

This would provide an alternative route when bandhs and blockades are called on National Highway 39, he hoped. While informing that the Government is keeping the target of commissioning Khuga Dam within the current year, the Chief Minister said Thoubal and Dolaithabi projects are also being targeted to be commissioned by next year.

Maintaining that the Government has been giving top priority on development of places in the hill districts, the Chief Minister said efforts are being made for providing safe drinking water and improvement of road communication.

If the people of Manipur give another chance to the SPF Govt to remain in power, the Chief Minister expressed confidence that it would be able to bring about some significant developmental changes in the State.

On the upcoming State Assembly election, the Chief Minister disclosed that SPF Steering Committee has decided that the Congress and the CPI would have friendly contest in the election.

Information Minister TN Haokip gave the welcome address of the function.

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