Manipur Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh on Tuesday appealed to the people not to resort to bandhs and blockades and instead approach their respective MLAs and the state government to discuss their grievances.
The Chief Minister made the appeal at the Seva Sankalp Abhiyan programme organised by the District Administration, Imphal West, at Khoyathong Multipurpose Community Hall, Imphal West.
He said the government’s doors remain open for dialogue and problems can be resolved through discussion.
Speaking on the economic scenario in the wake of May 3, 2023 incident, the Chief Minister said the unprecedented situation had caused substantial effect to the State’s economy.
Khemchand Singh said that during the financial year 2023-24, the state losses around Rs 475 crore in GST collection.
“A loss of around Rs 1,300 crores was incurred in state’s revenue collection in the last three years,” he added.
The Chief Minister said that bandhs and blockades affect common people, particularly daily wage earners and those dependent on daily economic activity.
Calling for collective efforts towards economic development, he cited Singapore as an example of a small country that has achieved a high level of economic development. He said that despite the presence of different communities, people there identify themselves as Singaporeans and work together.
He appealed to the people of Manipur to work together peacefully and contribute towards the State’s development and in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.
Singh also referred to the month-long “Seva Sankalp Abhiyan,” which is being observed across the country to acknowledge the service and initiatives of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and to carry forward the spirit of public service and good governance.
The national observance, which began on September 17, on the birthday of the Prime Minister, marks 25 years of his public service and will continue till October 17, 2026.
During the programme, the Chief Minister visited and interacted with more than 30 service counters and stalls showcasing various schemes and services of various government departments and institutions.
Speaking on the significance of the Abhiyan, Khemchand Singh said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has completed 25 years of public service and has articulated the vision of a Viksit Bharat@2047, with the objective of building India as a developed nation.
He said that the month-long programme would be carried out in different Assembly Constituencies to assess whether government schemes and benefits intended for the people have actually reached the eligible beneficiaries.
He said that wherever gaps are found in the delivery of schemes, the government would take necessary steps to ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive the benefits.
The Chief Minister stressed that such direct interaction with the public would help identify difficulties at the grassroots and improve last-mile delivery.
Referring to the recent deferment of the Census exercise in Manipur, Singh said that the State Government had discussed the concerns raised by the people with the Central Government.
He said the Centre subsequently deferred the Census exercise in the State in view of the concerns and aspirations expressed by the people. Taking into consideration of the aspirations of the people of Manipur, the Chief Minister said, the central government had also earlier extended the Inner Line Permit System in the state in 2019.
Manipur cm calls for collective efforts for economic development; urges people to refrain from bandhs, blockades
