GOVERNMENT OF MANIPUR

CHIEF MINISTER’S SECRETARIAT: IMPHAL

———-

PRESS RELEASE

CM INAUGURATES NEW TRAINING CENTRE FOR MKVIB;

URGES PEOPLE TO AVOID EMOTIONALLY-GUIDED ACTION

Imphal, February 6, 2019 (DIPR): Chief Minister Shri N. Biren Singh has urged the people of the State not to resort to any action guided by sheer emotion in any issue.

He was giving his observation regarding the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB), 2016 while speaking as the Chief Guest at the inauguration function of the newly constructed training cum production centre of Manipur Khadi and Village Industries Board (MKVIB) at Lamphelpat in Imphal West District today.

The Chief Minister reiterated that there is need for a thorough para-wise deliberation of the Bill before coming to any conclusion. Stating that only two major changes were done in the latest Bill amendment, the Chief Minister said that people of Manipur need to properly study whether these amendments can harm the State in any manner. Maintaining that Government is there for the people, Shri N. Biren Singh said that the present State Government would never hesitate in acting as per the wish of the people if it has merit.

The Chief Minister said, the fact that India is a vast country having 29 States, seven Union Territories and a population of over 133 crores should never be overlooked. It is a rightful demand if the State asks the Government of India to protect the miniscule indigenous population of the State, their identity and culture. However, it is questionable whether the State’s demand is justifiable or not if it asks for the complete scrapping of a Bill meant for the entire country because different States and regions have different problems and issues, he observed. As such, the matter should be pondered upon minutely before indulging in any emotionally-guided action or agitation, Shri N. Biren Singh said.

Understanding the sentiment of the people of the State, the Government of Manipur has been pressing the Centre to insert a clause in CAB for the protection of the State’s indigenous people apart from asking for giving Presidential assent to Manipur People Bill, 2018, he said.

He said that the present Government is fully committed to bring a developmental change in the State. Regarding various developmental works and welfare schemes taken up by the State Government, the Chief Minister said that CMHT and Ayushman Bharat had been launched to enable people to get treatment free of cost while ‘School Fagathansi’ had been introduced to ensure quality education free of cost to all the children of the State.

Speaking at the occasion as the guest of honour, Textiles, Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Th. Biswajit said that two cement factories would be set up in the State at the earliest. As big industries are not feasible and suitable in Manipur, the State should focus on developing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), he observed. The Minister also said that efforts are being made to revive Manipur Spinning Mill, Loitangkhunou as soon as possible.

Mentioning Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s efforts towards development and popularising Khadi in the country, Shri Th. Biswajit recalled Shri Modi’s statement – ‘Khadi for nation, Khadi for fashion’ – the idea that Khadi can become a symbol of national pride and a fashion statement. He also urged to each and every citizen of the State to buy one Khadi product each to support Khadi industry in the State.

In his presidential address, Oinam AC MLA and MKVIB Chairman Shri L. Radhakishore said that the Board was established in September 1967. He said that almost all the rural vocations can be accommodated to Khadi industry. It can enhance rural economy as well the economy of the State, he added.

The intact capacity of the newly inaugurated training centre is 100 trainees per batch.