IMPHAL: Manipur Chief Minister N. Biren Singh highlighted the successes of his government, welfare measures, and developmental projects at a New Year's Eve press briefing at the Secretariat. Ministers and MLAs joined him in a renewed pledge by the government to restore peace in Manipur and rebuild it.
A key announcement was the 7% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for state government employees, effective from January 2025, pushing the DA to 39%. The Chief Minister called for unity among the people and asked them to work together to overcome ongoing challenges. "Let us collaborate to bring back peace and prosperity to Manipur," he urged.
New measures were announced regarding welfare, among them extending the Chief Minister Hakshel gi Tengbang scheme for Internally Displaced Persons for another year. A "Teachers' Achievement Award" is also introduced under which double increments are to be given to those teachers selected. Now, from 2025 onwards, all children born in three districts will have an Aadhaar link, for which they must be updated once in five years.
To enhance connectivity, new flight routes between Imphal and Guwahati, Kolkata, and Dimapur will be launched in collaboration with Alliance Air. The ticket fares will be capped at Rs. 5,000, and the state will bear the excess costs.
Infrastructure projects include the completion of a Mini Secretariat by January 2025, a seven-story residential complex in Langol costing Rs. 62 crore, and a ropeway at Marjing that is expected to open by February 2025.
The CM emphasized enhanced security, pointing to the recovery of 3,112 stolen weapons, the deployment of more personnel on NH-2 and NH-37, and a notable decrease in violence since May 2023. Progress has also been made in prefabricated housing for internally displaced people, with 2,520 of the 3,000 units intended being occupied. These programs highlight the government's emphasis on development, peace, and stability, with a shared goal of reconstructing Manipur.
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