By Dr. Syed Ahmed, for TwoCircles.net,
Imphal: Central Government has approved Rs 300 crore for the welfare and development of the Muslims of Manipur under the New Prime Minister’s package. This was announced by the Chief Minister of Manipur Okram Ibobi Singh on June 8, 2013 at the One-Day State-Level Political Convention of Minorities organized by the Minority Cell of Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) at Congress Bhavan, Imphal.
Addressing the gathering, Ibobi Singh further stated that the special package of Rs 300 crore is going to be used for the development works of the Muslims in the State. The fund will be used for the construction of hostels for Muslim boys and girls, development of school infrastructure in the Muslim inhabited areas, taking up water supply schemes and other developmental works for the Muslims of the State, he added.
CM Ibobi Singh lighting candles at the convention [Photo by Imphal Free Press]
Ibobi Singh also said that the State Government is planning to set up a separate Directorate for the Muslims to manage their development in an effective way. The State Government is also set to establish a model school at Lilong. The State Government will continue to implement the Madrasa Modernization Scheme, which is one of the schemes of the PM’s 15-Point Programme. The scheme will be implemented by Wakf Board, Manipur through MOBC Department. The Department will grant sufficient fund to the madrasas of the State for their modernization, he added.
He also announced that the construction work for the polytechnic institute at Lilong is in the final stages. There will be 4% reservation for Muslim candidates in admission as well as staff recruitment for the said polytechnic, he added.
Ibobi Singh appealed to the Muslim community to educate their children. The education of girls should not be neglected at all cost. There can be a progressive society only when everyone is well educated, he added.
Addressing the convention, Secretary of Minority Department, All India Congress Committee (AICC) Aneesh Durani said that Congress party is always committed to the development of the minorities. The party and the minority communities have the relationship of a family. Every section of the society has to move forward and make progress to bring overall development of this country. We have brought this package to make the Muslims move forward. We hope the special package would help in uplifting the socio-economic and educational condition of the Muslims in the State.
Speaking at the occasion, President of MPCC and Deputy C.M. Gaikhangam lauded the Minority Cell of MPCC for organizing such a convention. Congress party is the only political party that protects the interest of the minority communities. The party is committed to the needs of the minorities. The State unit has opened frontal organizations and special cells so that all the communities of the State are represented, he added.
The convention was also attended by Lok Sabha M.P. Dr. Th. Meinya, Agriculture Minister Md. Abdul Nasir, PHE Minister I. Hemochandra, Parliamentary Secretary (MOBC & SC) Md. Amin Shah, MLA Fajur Rahim, and leaders and members of MPCC.